Undergraduate Program

Please note: official Yale College program information is found in the Yale College Programs of Study, available on line at www.yale.edu/ycpo/ycps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Director of Undergraduate Studies:
Celia E. Schultz
202 Phelps, (203) 432-0991
celia.schultz@yale.edu

• The Program
• Program (I): the major in Classics
  
  • Admission to the major
  • The standard major
  • The intensive major
  • Division of courses
• Program (II): the major in Classical Civilization
  
  • Admission to the major
  • The major
  • Division of courses
• Program (III): the major in Ancient and Modern Greek
  
  • Admission to the major
  • The standard major
  • The intensive major
• Procedures
• Placement
• Yale foreign language requirement
• Prospective students (High-School)
• Frequently Asked Questions

---

The major

The Department of Classical Languages and Literatures offers three undergraduate programs leading to the B.A. degree: a major in Classics, a major in Classical Civilization, and a major in Ancient and Modern Greek. The interdisciplinary nature of the subject matter covered by these majors makes Classics an excellent partner in interdepartmental major programs. The Department has particularly close ties with History, Art History, Religious Studies, Hellenic Studies, Philosophy, Linguistics, and Near Eastern Studies.

I. The Major in Classics

The major in Classics is primarily a liberal arts major, with enormous potential for the pursuit of interdisciplinary interests. Students attain proficiency in Greek and Latin, and are trained to develop powers of critical analysis in studying the important periods and major authors of Greek and Roman literature. Ancient art, history, and culture are studied both as an end in themselves, and as a key to understanding later developments in Western history and civilization. Students are encouraged to take a wide range of courses in neighboring fields such as history, philosophy, and comparative literature.

Admission to the major. There are no formal prerequisite courses. Students interested in majoring in Classics may start both languages from scratch at Yale, or may enter the program at an appropriate level with prior experience from High School, etc. All students interested in majoring Classics should meet with the director of undergraduate studies as soon as possible to discuss a program of study, and no later than the beginning of the junior year.

The Standard Major. The requirements for the standard major are:

A: The Standard Major in Greek and Latin (for Class of 2010 and subsquent classes)

• Students majoring in both literatures must take two surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254a and CLV 255b).
• The language courses must include GREK 390a or LATN 390a. At least five term courses at the level of 400 or above in Greek or Latin should also be taken, though this requirement may exceptionally be reduced by the director of undergraduate studies.
• Two additional courses in related areas of history and art are required. One of the additional courses must be a term course in ancient history, and the other a term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.

B: The Standard Major in Greek or Latin (for Class of 2010 and subsquent classes)

• Students majoring in one literature (Greek or Latin) are required to take two surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254a and CLCV 255b) and a total of six term courses in the language at the level of 390 or above.
• The language courses must include GREK 390a or LATN 390a.
• Two additional courses in related areas of history and art. One of the additional courses must be a term course in ancient history related to the chosen literature, and the other term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization. Students are encouraged to do some work in the second language and may substitute two terms at the 300 level in the second language for two 400-level courses in the major literature.

Senior requirement for the Standard Major. At the end of the senior year the student majoring in one literature takes a comprehensive examination in the history of the literature of the major and in translation of that literature. The student majoring in both literatures takes two comprehensive examinations in the history of Greek and Latin literature and in translation of both languages; the exams are usually taken at the end of the Junior and Senior years, in either order.

The Intensive Major in Greek and Latin

The intensive major is designed for students who desire the opportunity for a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers. Besides fulfilling the requirements of the standard major (in both literatures, in Greek, or in Latin), students in the intensive major devote two terms in the senior year to writing an essay (CLSS 490a and 491b) under the regular guidance of a faculty adviser. A two-page prospectus of the essay, stating clearly the argument of the thesis, as well as a preliminary bibliography, should be submitted preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than October 15 of the senior year. The candidate should submit two copies of the senior essay to the director of undergraduate studies no later than April 1 of the senior year.

Division of courses
Courses in Greek and Latin are divided by level:

• introductory courses are numbered in the range from 110 to 111
• intermediate (second year) courses are numbered in 300-301
• advanced courses are numbered in the 400s: except that each year one 400 course is designated a "bridge" course, being intended as a bridge between the 300 and 400 (advanced) level. Students are advised to take this course before other 400-level courses
• advanced seminars are numbered in the 600s: these require advance permission of the instructor, and are open only to Juniors and Seniors. If in doubt please consult the DUS
• graduate level courses are numbered in the 800s: these may exceptionally be taken by qualified undergraduates, by permission of the DUS and DGS. They are never available on a Cr/D/F basis

II. The Major in Classical Civilization

The major in Classical Civilization is designed to offer students an opportunity to study an entire civilization from a wide range of perspectives. It is a flexible program which allows students to take a range of courses in a number of departments, and thus tailor their degree to their own specific interests. Areas of specialization include the literature, history, philosophy, religion, art and archaeology of Greek and Roman antiquity from the earliest beginnings in Bronze Age Greece to the Middle Ages. The culture of the ancient world is studied for its intrinsic artistic value, its historical significance, and its power to illuminate problems confronting contemporary society. Apart from the required language component, all courses are taught in translation. In their final year students in the major have the opportunity to work on a project of their own choosing.

Admission to the major. There are no formal prerequisite courses. Students need either Greek or Latin at Intermediate level for this program: they should therefore start Beginners Greek or Latin as soon as possible. All students interested in majoring Classical Civilization should meet with the director of undergraduate studies as soon as possible to discuss a program of study, and no later than the beginning of the junior year.

Requirements for the Major (for Class of 2010 and subsquent classes). The requirements for the major are:

1. Candidates for the major complete at least twelve term courses (including the senior seminar) in Classics and related departments by the end of the senior year.
   
2. One course in ancient history is required; plus a second course in ancient history or classical art and archaeology.
   
3. Two term courses are required in Greek or Latin language, or both, at the 300 level or above (the latter courses should be completed by the end of the junior year).
4. Two surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254a and CLV 255b).

It is strongly recommended that candidates elect one course each in the general areas of ancient epic, drama, philosophy, and Roman civilization. Candidates for the major are encouraged to take related courses in other departments.

Senior requirement for the Major.
Students are required to take a two-term seminar or tutorial (CLCV 450a, 451b) in their senior year. This may be taken with a faculty member of the student’s own choosing. A dissertation or project reflecting the year’s work must be submitted at the end of the second semester (the deadline is April 1 of the senior year).

Division of courses. Course-numbers in Classical Civilization are intended to give an approximate indication of level:

• introductory courses are numbered in the 100s
• intermediate courses are numbered in the 200s
• advanced courses are numbered in the 400s
• The required intermediate (second year) language courses are numbered 300-301: students with no prior work in the language should take the full-year 110-111 sequence.

III. The Major in Ancient and Modern Greek

The major in Ancient and Modern Greek is designed to offer students an opportunity to integrate the study of post-classical Greek language, history, and culture into the departmental program in Ancient Greek and Classical Civilization. The program covers Hellenic civilization from the Bronze Age to the modern day, and traces the development of the language and the culture across traditionally-drawn boundaries. The study of both ancient and modern Greek allows the student to appreciate how familiarity with one enriches understanding of the other, and to chart the development of a language which has one of the oldest continuous written traditions in the world. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, and art of the ancient Greek and Greco-Roman worlds are studied both as an end in themselves and also as a foundation for appreciating later (medieval, Ottoman and modern) developments in these areas. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of the continuity of Greek language and culture, and an understanding of how Byzantine and modern forms relate to their ancient forebears.

Admission to the major. There are no formal pre-requisite courses. Students may start both Ancient and Modern Greek from scratch at Yale. Students who take MGRK 130 must either have completed MGRK 115, or must be able to satisfy the director of the program in Hellenic Studies that they have the required proficiency. All students interested in the major should meet with the program directors of both Classics and Hellenic Studies as soon as possible to discuss a program of study.

The Standard Major (for Class of 2010 and subsquent classes). The requirements for the standard major are:

Candidates must complete at least ten term courses as follows:

• No fewer than four term courses at the level of 390 or above in Ancient Greek, and two surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254a and CLV 255b). The language courses must include GREK 390.
• One additional course in Ancient Greek history.
• No fewer than two term courses in Modern Greek must be elected, at the intermediate level (MGRK 130) or above
• At least one term course in the history, art history, literature or culture of the Greek-speaking Balkans (or the Hellenic diaspora) in the medieval, Ottoman, or modern period.

Senior requirement for the Standard Major. At the end of the senior year the student takes a comprehensive examination in the history of (ancient) Greek literature and in translation of that literature.

The intensive major in Ancient and Modern Greek

The intensive major is designed for students who desire the opportunity for a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers. Students in the intensive major devote two terms of the senior year to writing an essay (CLSS 490a and 491b) under the regular guidance of a faculty member. A two-page prospectus of the essay, stating clearly the argument of the thesis, as well as a preliminary bibliography, should be submitted preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than October 15 of the senior year. The candidate should submit two copies of the senior essay to the director of undergraduate studies no later then April 1 of the senior year.

Procedures

Students who have declared their major should make an appointment with the director of undergraduate studies at the start of each semester. Such students are normally granted the privilege of access to the Classics Library outside of regular opening hours. Students may qualify for travel grants from the Department to help defray the cost of travel to appropriate sites in Europe.

Placement

The Department of Classics has no placement exams. Students are encouraged to contact the director of undergraduate studies (or any other faculty member) for advice on placement in language courses. There is always great flexibility at the start of each semester in moving between levels of a language program, even after the end of the "shopping" period. After one week of classes in Greek and Latin 300a (Fall) a short diagnostic test is administered to help instructors advise students on whether they are in the right level.

Students who require Intermediate (300-level) Greek or Latin (either to satisfy the Yale foreign language requirement, or for the major in Classical Civilization) are strongly advised to take the courses in consecutive years: taking a break between levels is almost always detrimental.

Yale Foreign Language Requirement

Latin and Greek may be used to satisfy Yale's distributional requirement in a foreign language. Students who have achieved a score of 4 or 5 on any of the Advanced Placement tests in Latin may fulfull the requirement by completing one Latin course designated L 5 (LATN 390 or higher). Others may fulfill the requirement by completing either GREK 300a and 301b or LATN 300a and 301b, or by completing one course designated L 5 (GREK or LATN 390 or higher)

Prospective Students

The study of Classics includes every aspect of the ancient world of Greece and Rome, ranging from the Aegean Bronze Age to Medieval Europe. The Department of Classics at Yale is one of the leading Departments in the country, with access to unparalleled resources in papyri, ancient coins and manuscripts, as well as outstanding library facilities and the holdings of the Yale Art Gallery.

Each year we offer a wide range of courses in Greek and Latin language and literature. We currently have specialists in the following areas: art history and archaeology; military, cultural and economic history; religion and mythology; Greek and Roman law; diet and social history; and ancient manuscripts, coins, and papyri.

Although we take no part in the admissions process, we welcome visits from prospective applicants, who should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for more information or to arrange a meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which level language course is right for me?

What are bridge courses?

What is the average size of Classics courses?

How many students major in Classics and Classical Civilization?

What is the size of the faculty of the Classics Department?

Do graduate students teach Classics courses?

Are there opportunities for undergraduates to work on research projects with faculty?

Can I combine a major in Classics with another major at Yale?

Can I study abroad as part of my Classics program?

Does the department provide funding for summer study?

What other resources and features of the Classics Department should I know about?

What do Yale Classics majors do after graduating from college?

What Should Prospective Students Know?

Which level language course is right for me?
Placement in Greek and Latin courses is determined on an individual basis. Entering students who have completed 4 years of high-school Latin or Greek, especially those who have scored a 5 on one of the AP exams, are sometimes ready for an advanced (400-level) course; a bridge course (see below) is ideal for first-year students. Students who have studied some Latin or Greek but do not yet know the basic vocabulary and do not yet have a firm grasp of grammar (who cannot identify conditional sentences and indirect statements and cannot relearn this material within a few days) are advised to take intermediate Latin or Greek (300 and 301). Please also see the information on placement.

What are bridge courses?
Bridge courses are advanced courses designed especially for students taking an advanced course for the first time. These courses offer more attention to grammar and translation than do other advanced courses. Each year the department tries to offer one bridge course in Latin and one in Greek.

What is the average size of Classics courses?
Enrollment in beginning and intermediate language courses is on average 13 and is limited to a maximum of 18. Advanced courses in ancient Greek typically have between 5 and 9 students, and advanced courses in Latin have between 8 and 15. The size of Classical Civilization courses varies greatly. Specialized courses like ancient medicine enroll around 10 students. Courses like Greek and Roman history and Greek tragedy often enroll more than 50 students and sometimes as many as 150. Students in these larger courses also meet in smaller discussion sections, consisting of about 15 students.

Back to FAQ

How many students major in Classics and Classical Civilization?
Each year approximately 6 seniors graduate with a degree in Classics (Greek and/or Latin) and 7 graduate with a degree in Classical Civilization.

What is the size of the faculty of the Classics Department?
The Department has about 14 full-time faculty instructors. This includes faculty who hold joint appointments in related departments like History and the History of Art. In addition there are a number of part-time appointments, including distinguished senior scholars.

Do graduate students teach Classics courses?
Under the supervision of the faculty, Graduate students often serve as instructors for beginning and intermediate language courses and as section leaders for large Classical Civilization courses. This is a general practice in American universities with graduate programs, and teaching is regarded as part of the essential duties of graduate students. They do not teach advanced courses in Greek and Latin or direct Classical Civilization courses except in extraordinary cases. Graduate student instructors are extremely knowledgeable and energetic, and they share the faculty’s goal of excellence in teaching.

Are there opportunities for undergraduates to work on research projects with faculty?
Students are encouraged to pursue their own research projects under the supervision of individual faculty members. Classical Civilization majors are required to complete a senior project, usually a substantial research thesis, by working closely with a faculty member of their choosing. Classics majors have the option of writing a senior thesis.

Back to FAQ

Can I combine a major in Classics with another major at Yale?
Yes. Some students choose to complete the requirements of two closely related majors, like Classical Civilization and Archaeological Studies. Others choose widely divergent fields, like Classics and Biology. Students who have completed the prerequisites of both programs and begin completing program requirements by the end of the freshman year will find it easier to complete two majors than those who begin later. Students completing two majors may have relatively few opportunities to take elective courses in other fields.

Can I study abroad as part of my Classics program?
Most students complete all of their required coursework at Yale, but students majoring in Classics occasionally spend a term of their junior year studying abroad and may receive Yale credit for a limited number of courses completed at a foreign university. The department does not officially sponsor any established study-abroad programs. Instead, arrangements for study abroad are made on an individual basis.

Does the department provide funding for summer study?
The department is able to provide some funding for undergraduates to visit Classical archaeological sites and museums in Europe. Priority is given to Classics majors currently engaged in Classics research projects. Consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the department office early in the spring term for details and applications.

Back to FAQ

What other resources and features of the Classics Department should I know about?
Each year the Department offers prizes for translation exams in Latin and Greek and for essays in Classical civilization and ancient philosophy. Look for announcements posted in the department in the middle of the spring term. The Classics Library on the 5th floor of Phelps Hall, housing over 25,000 volumes, is an outstanding research facility, supplementing the expansive holdings of the Sterling Memorial Library. Be sure to explore also the vase paintings and other Classical antiquities in the Yale Art Gallery, the extensive collection of medieval manuscripts and ancient papyri in the Beinecke Library, and the growing collection of Greek and Roman coins at the Sterling Memorial Library.

What do Yale Classics majors do after graduating from college?
Our Classics majors enter a variety of professions. Recent graduates with degrees in Classics have enrolled in graduate programs in Classics and related fields, have taught in high schools, have gone to law school and medical school, have worked in banking and investment, have taught English in Japan, and have worked in the office of a Major League Baseball team. Another recent graduate is the only summer intern to be on the trial record of the United States Department of Justice, for her presentation of an opinion of the Roman jurist Ulpian.

What Should Prospective Students Know?
The study of Classics includes every aspect
of the ancient world of Greece and Rome, ranging from the Aegean Bronze Age to Medieval Europe. The Department of Classics at Yale is one of the leading Departments in the country, with access to unparalleled resources in papyri, ancient coins and manuscripts, as well as outstanding library facilities and the holdings of the Yale Art Gallery.Each year we offer a wide range of courses in Greek and Latin language and literature. We currently have specialists in the following areas: art history and archaeology; military, cultural and economic history; religion and mythology; Greek and Roman law; diet and social history; and ancient manuscripts, coins, and papyri.Although the Department takes no part in the admissions process, we welcome visits from prospective applicants, who should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies for more information or to arrange a meeting.For all admissions questions, see the Undergraduate Admissions Homepage