UNDERGRADUATE
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Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

MAJOR AND MINOR DESCRIPTIONS BY DEPARTMENT

 

 

CLASSICS

Classics is an interdisciplinary program devoted to the study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Students may focus on the classics language track or the classical civilization track. Besides the sequences in the Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit languages, the department offers courses in Greek and Roman literature (including comparative literature), mythology, linguistics, history, culture, and philosophy.

The classics language track requires study of texts in the original languages, while the classical civilization track makes use of these same texts in English translations. Both classics tracks qualify graduates for appropriate careers in teaching, but can also be used as preparation for nonclassical academic and professional disciplines such as business, law, and medicine. The study of classics provides a background for the study of Romance and other languages, assists in the proper use of English, and underlies any understanding of Western civilization. For more information on the major and the Department of Classics, see http://www.classics.pitt.edu/.

Major Requirements

The requirements for the major, specific to the major track chosen, are:

The Classics Language Track: Greek and Latin

Thirty credits in language courses are required, including either GREEK 1700 Greek Prose Composition or LATIN 1700 Latin Prose Composition and at least 6 credits in Greek or Latin courses numbered 1300 or above. Classics majors may emphasize one language more than the other if they wish, but every student is required to take at least one year of Greek and at least one year of Latin. The department recommends courses offered by classics and other departments in ancient archaeology, art, history, language, literature, philosophy, religion, and science, as well as courses in later cultures (medieval, Renaissance, or modern) influenced by the classical tradition.

The Classical Civilization Track

Required courses for this track are offered by, or cross listed with, the classics department. The courses for the major will be distributed as follows:

• Two courses in Greek, Latin, or both;
• Two survey courses in Greek and Roman civilizations;
• One course from each of three different areas, chosen from archaeology and art, culture, history, language, literature, philosophy, religion, and science; and
• Three courses in an approved area of concentration.

The general rules and requirements for the classics major, regardless of the track chosen, are as follows:

• The classics major requires a minimum of 30 credits with an overall 2.00 GPA in courses counting toward the major. A maximum of two courses may be taken toward the language track major under the S/NC option (formerly the S/N option). Students in the civilization track major may take a maximum of four courses under the S/NC option (formerly the S/N option).
• Except for placement by examination in the language sequences, credit by examination is generally not granted, but the department will consider students with special circumstances.
• Students may either enroll in one of the W courses offered by the department or arrange with the instructor of an upper-level course for the addition of one credit of writing practicum.
• For the A&S-required related area, the classics department recommends other departments’ courses in ancient Greek and Roman archaeology and art, history, linguistics, literature, philosophy, religion, and science.

Students have combined a major in classics with a second major or certificate such as anthropology, biology, communication, computer science, history, history of art and architecture, history and philosophy of science, nonclassical languages and literatures, psychology, and women’s studies. Students planning graduate study in classics may be required to obtain reading competency in German, French, or Italian. Such study might begin during the course of completing the undergraduate major or may be undertaken in graduate school.

Majors who have reached the end of the junior year with a GPA in departmental courses of 3.50 or higher may, in conjunction with a senior-level course, write an honors essay. Acceptance of the essay by the department will qualify the student for graduating with departmental honors in classics or classical civilization.

Minor Requirements

The department offers two types of minor tracks, one in classics (Greek and/or Latin), and one in classical civilization. The classics minor consists exclusively of courses in Greek and/or Latin. For the classical civilization minor, no language courses are required, although language courses may be counted if the student wishes.

For advice on alternative plans, please consult with the undergraduate advisor.

Classics Track

 

 

Classical Civilization Track (minimal languages)

Fifteen credits in classics, Greek, or Latin courses, including at least one survey course in Greek civilization or history (3 credits), one survey course in Roman civilization or history (3 credits), and one course with a literary or textual component (3 credits). Any Greek or Latin course may count toward the literary/textual requirement.