Majoring & Minoring: Classics

The Classics major offers a diverse and rigorous interdisciplinary program. Students are exposed to the entire range of disciplines in classical studies: literature, history, mythology, religion, philosophy, and art & archaeology. The major provides a distinctive liberal arts foundation for students pursuing any career.

Majors are strongly advised to take advantage of Southwestern’s opportunities to study abroad. Students may pursue summer or academic year study at College Year in Athens, the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies, or various other programs.

A student majoring in Classics must meet the following requirements:

a. Four courses of earned college level Latin and four courses of earned college level Greek, including six semester hours of upper level work in either Latin or Greek
b. Six semester hours of Classics in Translation (see list below)
c. Six additional upper level hours in either (1) Latin and/or Greek or (2) Classics in Translation
d. Capstone (07-953)
e. At least 24 semester hours must be upper level.

Courses that may be counted toward requirements b and c include:

• 07-103. INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF ART: ART OF THE ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL WORLD. See Art History 71-103. (POK-Aesthetic Experience: Lecture) (Fall)
• 07-203. GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY. A study of the myths and religion of Graeco-Roman tradition, with attention to the heritage of classical mythology in Western literature and art. Extensive readings of ancient works in translation. Also English 10-203 and Religion 19-403. (POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
• 07-313. GREEK CIVILIZATION. A study of the rise and development of Greek civilization, with special emphasis on the cultural contributions to Western civilization. May be repeated with change of content. Also History 16-313. (POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
• 07-323. ROMAN CIVILIZATION. A study of the rise and development of Roman civilization, with special emphasis on cultural contributions to Western civilization. May be repeated with change of content. Also History 16-323. (POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
• 07-333. HISTORY OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY: ANCIENT. See Philosophy 18-413.
• 07-353. CLASSICAL AND HELLENISTIC ART. See Art History 71-443. (POK-Aesthetic Experience: Lecture)
• 07-363. WORLD ARCHITECTURE I: ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL TRADITIONS. See Art History 71-703. (POK-Aesthetic Experience: Lecture) (Fall, odd-numbered years)
• 07-001, 002, 003, 004. SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in content.
• 07-301, 302, 303, 304.SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in content.
• 07-941, 942, 943, 944. ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.
• 07-951, 952, 953, 954. INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.
• 07-963. SEMINAR IN CLASSICS. An interdisciplinary study of various aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity. May be repeated with change of content.

The Capstone consists of a semester-long research project which encompasses a wide range within the area of Classical studies. The project culminates with an oral presentation to an interdepartmental committee chosen by the student and the faculty project advisor.

Click for a list of Classics courses offered in the current academic year.