
Major Description
The Department of Classical Studies is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of the societies of ancient Greece and Rome. Our faculty offer a wide array of courses in language and literature, art and archaeology, history, mythology, and religion. Courses in classical civilization require no knowledge of Latin and Greek and range from introductory lecture courses to smaller seminars that consider critical approaches and scholarship central to the study of the ancient world. Recent courses have covered diverse topics including ancient magic, the age of Augustus, Greek history, Romans and Christians, archaic Greek art, and Pompeii. Latin and Greek are offered at all levels, so students can either start the languages at Wesleyan or build on high school preparation. Introductory courses enable students to begin reading original texts by the second semester, and advanced courses engage with both ancient texts and critical approaches to those texts in modern scholarship. Many of our majors choose to complement their coursework at Wesleyan with a summer or semester spent in Greece or Italy.
Studying classical antiquity is not only rewarding in itself; it is also excellent preparation for many academic and professional pursuits. The department has sent recent majors to top graduate programs in classics, classical archaeology, and ancient history. Our alumni have also gone on to successful careers in such varied areas as law, medicine, business, journalism, music, arts administration and museum work, and education at all levels, both as teachers and administrators.
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100-199: FYIs are small, topical seminars reserved for first- or first- and second-yearstudents. -
200-275: Survey courses provide an introductory overview of one aspect of the ancient world. These courses generally have high enrollment limits and have no prerequisites. -
276-299: Lower-level seminars are smaller courses that focus on special aspects of the ancient world and provide opportunity for discussion and specialized research but do not require any previous knowledge of classical civilization and thus have no prerequisites. -
300-399: Advanced seminars are small courses that explore special aspects of the ancient world and provide opportunity for discussion and specialized research. These courses may have prerequisites or may require permission of instructor.
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101-102: First-year language courses that are intended for those with little or no prior training in the languages provide basic training in Latin and Greek and some exposure to the culture of the ancient world. -
201-202: Second-year, or intermediate, courses, intended for those with a year of college training or the equivalent high school training (typically four years), introduce students to selected texts in their literary and historical contexts and provide an introduction to critical approaches to classical literature. -
203-299: Advanced language and literature seminars focus on a rotating set of authors, genres, or periods and provide greater opportunity for discussion and specialized research.
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A minimum of 10 courses in classical civilization, Greek, and Latin, including at least: -
Two courses in Latin or Greek at the intermediate level (201/202) or above. -
One introductory ancient history survey (CCIV231 Greek History; CCIV232 Roman History). This requirement should be completed by the end of the junior year. -
One course at any level in material culture: -
CCIV201 The Aegean Bronze Age -
CCIV214 Survey of Greek Archaeology -
CCIV223 Survey of Roman Archaeology and Art -
CCIV234 Art and Society in Ancient Pompeii -
CCIV321 The Archaeology of the Greek City-State -
CCIV328 Roman Urban Life -
CCIV329 Roman Villa Life
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Two classical civilization seminars (CCIV courses numbered 276-399). An advanced Greek or Latin course (numbered above 202) may be substituted for one of the classical civilization seminars.
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Six courses in Greek or Latin beyond the introductory level (courses numbered 201 or higher). -
One introductory ancient history survey (CCIV231 Greek History; CCIV232 Roman History). This requirement should be completed by the end of the junior year. -
One classical civilization seminar (CCIV courses numbered 276-399).
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As a practical matter, students who have had no classical languages before coming to Wesleyan and who wish to major in classics should begin Greek or Latin in their first year or take an intensive summer course before the sophomore year. Students interested in the classical civilization major are also urged to begin language study as soon as possible (see Summer Study below). -
Students interested in studying at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome (see below under Study Abroad) should plan to take CCIV232 Roman History before the term in which they plan to study abroad. -
Majors interested in completing a senior thesis should consult with the faculty as early as possible and must submit a senior thesis proposal to the department by April 15 of their junior year. Enrollment in the senior thesis tutorial in the fall will be contingent upon the department's approval of the proposal. -
Where appropriate, students may ask to have courses in other departments substituted for classical civilization courses. -
Students interested in teaching may have an opportunity to serve as teaching apprentices in introductory Latin or Greek courses.
Last updated: April 24, 2009.
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