Classical Languages and Literatures
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Classical Languages & Literatures
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Director of undergraduate studies: Celia Schultz, 202 PH, 432-0991, celia.schultz@yale.edu
FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CLASSICAL LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES
Professors
Egbert Bakker, Victor Bers, Kirk Freudenburg, Verity Harte, Donald Kagan, Diana Kleiner, Christina Kraus (Chair), John Matthews, William Metcalf (Adjunct)
Associate Professor
Corinne Pache
Assistant Professors
John Fisher, Milette Gaifman, Irene Peirano, Celia Schultz
Lecturers
Veronika Grimm, Joseph Solodow
The Department of Classical Languages and Literatures offers a major in Classics, a major in Classical Civilization, and (in conjunction with the Hellenic Studies program) a major in Ancient and Modern Greek. The diversity of subject matter covered by these majors makes classics an excellent partner in interdepartmental major programs. In addition, the study of Greek or Latin literature may be combined with the study of other languages and literatures in a Literature major. For details see under The Literature Major. For courses in modern Greek, see under Hellenic Studies.
The major in Classics is primarily a liberal arts major. It provides an excellent general education in a comprehensive humanistic discipline; it can also give the background necessary for those who wish to do professional graduate work. Students develop a mastery of the classical languages, become acquainted with important periods and major authors in Greek and Roman literature, and develop powers of critical analysis, appreciation of literary values, and understanding of the ancient cultural traditions which constitute the foundation of Western civilization. Courses in other literatures, in history, and in philosophy are strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Classics major.
The candidate for the Classics major may elect either the standard or the intensive major. In both these majors the department recognizes two kinds of concentration, one aiming at knowledge of both ancient literatures, the other concentrating on either Greek or Latin literature. Courses taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
The standard major for the Class of 2009 and previous classes. A standard major in both literatures requires no fewer than six term courses, totaling eight course credits, in Greek and Latin at the level of 390 or above, including the double-credit Survey for the Major in Classics (GREK 498a and 499b or LATN 498a and 499b), and two additional courses in related areas of history and art. The language courses must also include GREK 390a or LATN 390b and at least three term courses at the level of 400 or above in the language whose survey (498a, 499b) is not elected. One of the additional courses in a related field must be a term course in ancient history, and the other must be a term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.
Students majoring in one literature (Greek or Latin) are required to take no fewer than six term courses, totaling eight course credits, in that literature at the level of 390 or above, including the double-credit Survey for the Major in Classics in the language chosen and either GREK 390a or LATN 390b. They must also take a term of ancient history related to the literature they have chosen and an additional term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization. They 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.
The standard major for the Class of 2010 and subsequent classes. A standard major in both literatures requires no fewer than ten term courses. These include six term courses in Greek and Latin at the level of 390 or above, surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254a and 255b), and two additional courses in related areas of history and art. The language courses must include GREK 390a or LATN 390b and five term courses at the level of 400 or above. One of the additional courses in a related field must be a term course in ancient history, and the other must be a term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.
Students majoring in one literature (Greek or Latin) are required to take no fewer than ten term courses. These include six term courses in that literature at the level of 390 or above, surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254a and 255b), a term course in ancient history related to the chosen literature, and an additional term course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization. The language courses must include GREK 390a or LATN 390b and at least five term courses at the level of 400 or above. 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. At the end of the senior year the student majoring in both literatures takes a comprehensive examination in the history of Greek and Latin literature and in translation of both languages; the student majoring in one literature takes a senior departmental examination in the history of the literature of the major and in translation of that literature.
The intensive major is designed for students who desire the opportunity for a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers. In addition to 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 brief prospectus of the essay must be submitted preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than September 30 of the senior year. The candidate must submit two copies of the senior essay to the director of undergraduate studies no later than April 1 of the senior year.
•Foreign language requirement (Class of 2008). Students in the Class of 2008 may satisfy the foreign language distributional requirement in Latin by a score of 4 or higher on either of the Advanced Placement tests in Latin (Vergil, Literature). The requirement may also be met by successful completion of either GREK 300a and 301b or LATN 300a and 301b, or of a one-term course at the 400 level in either language.
Foreign language distributional requirement (Class of 2009 and subsequent classes). Details of the foreign language distributional requirement for the Class of 2009 and subsequent classes are contained under "Distributional Requirements" in chapter III under the heading "Requirements for the B.A. or B.S. Degree."
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites: None
Number of courses: Class of 2009 and earlier, two literatures (Greek and Latin)—8 term courses, totaling 10 course credits; Class of 2009 and earlier, one literature (Greek or Latin)—8 term courses, totaling 10 course credits; Class of 2010 and later, two literatures (Greek and Latin)—10 term courses; Class of 2010 and later, one literature (Greek or Latin)—10 term courses
Specific courses required: Class of 2009 and earlier—GREK 390a or LATN 390b; GREK 498a, 499b, or LATN 498a, 499b; Class of 2010 and later—GREK 390a or LATN 390b; CLCV 254a and 255b
Substitution permitted: One literature—2 courses in the other lit at 300 level or above for 2 courses in major lit at 400 level
Distribution of courses: Class of 2009 and earlier, two literatures—6 courses in both langs at level 390 or above, with at least 3 at 400 level or above in lang whose survey (498a, 499b) is not elected; 1 course in ancient hist; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, or classical civ; Class of 2009 and earlier, one literature—6 courses in lit at level 390 or above; 1 course in ancient hist related to lit of major; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, or classical civ; Class of 2010 and later, two literatures—6 courses in both langs at level 390 or above, with at least 5 at 400 level or above; 1 course in ancient hist; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, or classical civ; Class of 2010 and later, one literature—8 courses in lit at level 390 or above, with at least 5 at 400 level or above; 1 course in ancient hist related to lit of major; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, or classical civ
Senior requirement: Senior dept exam in hist of Greek and Latin lit (two lits) or major lit (one lit); translation in both (two lits) or one (one lit) lit
Intensive major: Senior essay (CLSS 490a, 491b) in addition to above
II. The Major in Classical Civilization
The major in Classical Civilization is designed to offer students an opportunity to study an entire Western civilization in its many diverse but related aspects. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology, and other aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity from the earliest beginnings in Greece to the Middle Ages are studied for their intrinsic artistic value, their historical significance, and their power to illuminate problems confronting members of contemporary society. Ancient texts are studied primarily in translation, though under the guidance of instructors who know ancient literature in the original languages.
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. Of these, two must be in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology; and two must be in Greek or Latin, or both, at the 300 level or above (the latter courses should be completed by the end of the junior year). Students in the Class of 2010 and subsequent classes must also take two survey courses, CLCV 254a and 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. Courses taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior requirement. Students devote both terms of the senior year to a significant project of original research, usually an essay, under the guidance of a faculty adviser (CLCV 450a, 451b). A brief prospectus of the project must be submitted to the director of undergraduate studies preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than September 30 of the senior year. The completed project must be submitted to the department no later than April 1 of the senior year. If the student has written an essay, two copies are required.
Programs for all majors must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites: None
Number of courses: 12 term courses (incl two-term senior sem)
Specific courses required: Class of 2009 and earlier—none; Class of 2010 and later—CLCV 254a, 255b
Distribution of courses: 2 courses in ancient hist and/or classical art and archaeology; 2 courses in Greek or Latin (or both) at 300 level or above
Senior requirement: Senior project (CLCV 450a, 451b)
III. The Major in Ancient and Modern Greek
The major in Ancient and Modern Greek offers students an opportunity to integrate the study of postclassical Greek language, history, and culture with the departmental program in Ancient Greek and Classical Civilization. The major 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 ends 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.
The standard major for the Class of 2009 and previous classes. The major in Ancient and Modern Greek requires at least eight term courses, totaling ten course credits: candidates must complete no fewer than four term courses, totaling six course credits, at the level of 390 or above in ancient Greek, including the double-credit Survey for the Major in Classics (GREK 498a and 499b), and one additional course in ancient Greek history. The language courses should include GREK 390a. Candidates are encouraged to take a wide range of courses in the areas of ancient philosophy, religion, art, and architecture. In addition, no fewer than two term courses in modern Greek must be elected at the intermediate level (MGRK 130a, 131b) or above, as well as at least one additional 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. Courses taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
The standard major for the Class of 2010 and subsequent classes. The major in Ancient and Modern Greek requires at least ten term courses. These include four term courses at the level of 390 or above in ancient Greek, surveys of the history of Greek and Latin literature in translation (CLCV 254a and 255b), and one term course in ancient Greek history. The language courses should include GREK 390a. Candidates are encouraged to take a wide range of courses in the areas of ancient philosophy, religion, art, and architecture. In addition, no fewer than two term courses in modern Greek must be elected at the intermediate level (MGRK 130a, 131b) or above, as well as at least one additional 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. Courses taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.
Senior requirement. At the end of the senior year the student takes a comprehensive examination in the history of Greek literature.
The intensive major is designed for students who desire a larger measure of independence than that offered by the standard major. 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 brief prospectus of the essay must be submitted preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than September 30 of the senior year. The candidate must submit two copies of the senior essay to the director of undergraduate studies no later than April 1 of the senior year.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR
Prerequisites: None
Number of courses: Class of 2009 and earlier—8 term courses, totaling 10 course credits; Class of 2010 and later—10 term courses
Specific courses required: Class of 2009 and earlier—GREK 390a, 498a, and 499b; Class of 2010 and later—GREK 390a, CLCV 254a, 255b
Distribution of courses: Class of 2009 and earlier—6 course credits in ancient Greek; 1 term course in ancient Greek hist; 2 term courses in modern Greek; 1 term course in postclassical Greek hist or culture; Class of 2010 and later—4 term courses in ancient Greek; 1 term course in ancient Greek hist; 2 term courses in modern Greek; 1 term course in postclassical Greek hist or culture
Senior requirement: Senior dept exam
Intensive major: Same, plus senior essay (CLSS 490a, 491b)
Students are encouraged to take courses as advanced as they can handle with profit and pleasure. The department, recognizing the great variety in preparation in ancient languages, wishes to accommodate incoming students in as flexible a manner as possible. Students who plan either to begin or to continue the study of Greek or Latin should consult members of the departmental faculty as soon as practicable.
Students who have had the equivalent of two years of college-level instruction may try a 400-level course. It is possible to take GREK 301b after a 400-level course in the fall, or to be admitted to a 400-level course in Greek after completion of GREK 300a. Freshmen are encouraged to take advantage of the initial course selection period before course schedules are due to find the most appropriate course.
