Major
Classics
Chairman and Professor: CARL YOUNG III
The study of the languages and civilization of Greece and Rome gives the student a unique insight into the Western heritage. Basic knowledge of classical antiquity is virtually indispensable for any indepth study in politics, religion, philosophy, or literature. The analytical training of classics, moreover, gives the student excellent and widely recognized preparation for a broad variety of professions.
Proficiency in Latin or Greek, as demonstrated by successful completion of Classics 101, 102, and 201 (Latin) or Classics 103, 104, and 202 (Greek) will satisfy the foreign language requirement for the bachelor of arts degree. Students may satisfy the language requirement in part by demonstrating the necessary level of proficiency on the placement exam given by the Classics Department at the beginning of the fall semester.
The Classics Department offers three majors. All three majors consist of a component of classes in one or both of the original languages of Latin and Greek and a component of Classical Civilization classes in which the sources are taught in English translation.
Courses offered by other departments that are centered on the Greco-Roman tradition and that are appropriate for one of the majors may be counted toward that major with approval of the Chairman of Classics. Students may double-major with the Latin major and Greek major, but may not double-major with the Classics major and one of the other majors.
Students who major in any one of the three majors offered by Classics will have to pass a comprehensive examination in the last semester of the senior year. Departmental honors will be awarded to graduating Greek, Latin, and Classics majors based on three joint criteria: a departmental GPA of at least 3.6, a high pass on comprehensive exams, and submission of an honors thesis. The thesis should be a significant research paper (3,000-6,000 words) on a classical topic or text. In addition to relevant primary sources, the paper should also demonstrate a command of the relevant secondary literature on the topic while developing an original argument. The paper may be developed and written during a student’s senior year (under supervision of a Classics faculty member and with approval of a second reader within the department), or it may be revised from a previously submitted Classics research paper or CSP thesis (in which case it must have approval from a second reader within the department other than the faculty member for whom it was originally written). The deadline to submit the thesis is March 1 for seniors graduating in the spring.
Degrees
Courses of Instruction
CLS 101: Beginning Latin I
Credits 4An elementary course concentrating on the grammar, reading, and translation of Classical Latin.
CLS 102: Beginning Latin II
Credits 4The continuation of CLS 101, focusing on the grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and idioms of Classical Latin.
CLS 103: Beginning Greek I
Credits 4An elementary course concentrating on the grammar, reading and translation of Classical Greek.
CLS 104: Beginning Greek II
Credits 4The continuation of CLS 103, focusing on the grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and idioms of Classical Greek.
CLS 200: Greco-Roman Literature and Culture
Credits 3A study of Greek and Roman literature and culture and its influences on the Western tradition
CLS 201: Beginning Latin III
Credits 4Students complete their study of basic grammar and spend the rest of the semester reading selections from Latin authors.
CLS 202: Beginning Greek III
Credits 4Students often complete their study of basic grammar and spend the rest of the semester reading selections from Xenophon, Plato, the New Testament, or other ancient Greek texts.
CLS 301: Greek Civilization
Credits 3An in-depth study of Greek culture from Homer to Aristotle and its legacy in the West.
CLS 302: Roman Civilization
Credits 3An in-depth study of Roman culture from the founding of Rome through the Empire and its legacy in the West.
CLS 310: Greek Mythology
Credits 3A study of the myths and legends concerning the gods and heroes of Greek and Roman antiquity as they appear in literature and art.
CLS 311: Rhetoric and Persuasion in the Ancient World
Credits 3A close reading in English translation of speeches and other rhetorical Greek and Roman literature, leading to an understanding of the nature of the art of persuasion, ancient and modern.
CLS 313: The Ancient Epic
Credits 3An intensive study of ancient epic from Gilgamesh through the Roman poet Lucan, with the goal of understanding the nature of the genre.
CLS 314: Readings in Patristic Greek
Credits 1 Max Credits 2A study of the syntax, style, and content of Christian texts of the second through the sixth centuries (e.g., works by Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, John Chrysostom). This course may be repeated for credit if the reading is different.
CLS 315: Justice and the Law in the Greco-Roman World
Credits 3A study of the evolution of the concepts of justice and of the legal systems of the Greeks and Romans and their legacy to the Western tradition.
CLS 316: Pagans and Christians in the Greco-Roman World
Credits 3A study of the various interrelationships of the non-Christian and Christian in the ancient world, with readings from primary sources.
CLS 320: Introduction to Latin Literature
Credits 3Selections of Latin prose and poetry from major classical authors.
CLS 321: Literature of the Roman Republic
Credits 3Selections from Plautus, Terence, Lucretius, Caesar, Cicero, and Sallust.
CLS 322: Literature of the Roman Empire
Credits 3Selections from authors such as Horace, Vergil, Livy, Propertius, Tibullus, and Ovid.
CLS 350: Introduction to Greek Literature
Credits 3Readings from authors such as Xenophon, Plato, and Lysias.
CLS 351: Greek Literature of the Athenian Golden Age
Credits 3Readings from authors such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Thucydides.
CLS 352: Introduction to Homeric Greek
Credits 3A study of the meter, dialect and genre of Homer's epic, with attention to critical approaches to the lliad as a whole.
CLS 380: The Antiquities of Rome
Credits 3A study-abroad course that investigates the antiquities of Rome in Italy.
CLS 400: Latin Language Instruction
Credits 1 Max Credits 2This course is meant to provide students with pedagogical skills and knowledge of resources available for Latin teachers. As such, most meetings are conducted in Latin. Occasional meetings in English allow for discussion of popular Latin textbooks, online resources, and apps, as well as historical approaches to teaching Latin. No prior experience speaking Latin is required, although a good grasp of Latin grammar is assumed. Those who have passed CLS 201 or higher are encouraged to enroll. Students currently taking 201 may enroll with the permission of the instructor.
CLS 401: Greek Literature in Translation
Credits 2An intensive reading course of the important authors and genres of Greek literature in translation. Required for majors.
CLS 402: Roman Literature in Translation
Credits 2An intensive reading course of the important authors and genres of Roman literature in translation. Required for majors.
CLS 403: Topics in Advanced Latin Reading I
Credits 3A study of the epic and lyric genres of Latin poetry. Epic authors include Ennius and Vergil; lyric authors include Propertius, Tibullus, Catullus, Horace, and Ovid.
CLS 404: Topics in Advanced Latin Reading II
Credits 3Readings from authors such as Livy and Tacitus.
CLS 405: Roman Drama and Satire
Credits 3Readings from authors such as Plautus, Terence, Seneca, Horace, and Juvenal.
CLS 407: Medieval Latin
Credits 1 Max Credits 2Intensive reading of medieval Latin, with particular attention to medieval innovation in morphology and syntax. This course may be repeated if the reading list is different. Permission of instructor is required for enrollment.
CLS 411: Latin Prose Composition I
Credits 1 Max Credits 2Intensive work in composing Latin prose. The course devotes special attention to Latin syntax and prose style and may also include treatment of Latin pragmatics and comparative grammar, as well as ex tempore, oral composition in class. Permission of instructor is required for enrollment.
CLS 412: Latin Prose Composition II
Credits 1 Max Credits 2The continuation of CLS 411. Like CLS 411, the course devotes special attention to Latin syntax and prose style. It may also treat of Latin verse composition, as well as ex tempore, oral composition in class. Permission of the instructor is required for enrollment.
CLS 423: Topics in Advanced Greek Reading I
Credits 3A close study of Herodotus, Thucydides, and Xenophon.
CLS 450: Latin Teacher Program
Credits 1 Max Credits 2This course provides hands-on experience in the classroom for students interested in improving their pedagogical skills and/or considering a career as a Latin teacher. There are two possible tracks for this program: (A) teaching 3rd-8th grade 2 hours/week at Hillsdale Preparatory School, or (B) observing and student-teaching 3rd-12th grade 2 hours/week at Hillsdale Academy. Students are expected to communicate with their classroom lead teacher, create and submit lesson plans (when applicable), and attend teacher development seminars. Any interested students may register for this course, but they must complete an application and interview process to remain enrolled. Students may repeat CLS 450 for up to 6 credit hours; such hours count towards the overall maximum allowable internship and practicum credit (6).
Beginning Spring 2025: CLS 400 or permission of the instructor will be required for enrollment.
CLS 493: Seminar in Latin Literature
Credits 3A seminar dealing in depth with one or more Latin authors or a particular genre or period. Latin prose composition will occasionally be offered as the seminar topic. This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is different.
CLS 494: Seminar in Greek Literature
Credits 3A seminar dealing in depth with one or more Greek authors or a particular genre or period. Greek prose composition will occasionally be offered as the seminar topic. This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is different.