Minor in Classical Languages
NOT YOUR AVERAGE LANGUAGE PROGRAM
Our Classical Languages program offers you a different learning experience than what people typically think of when you say “the Classics.” Our language classrooms are places of creative learning, spoken-language games, and storytelling in addition to reading, writing and translation exercises. You’ll love this language minor if you want to improve your communication skills, are fascinated by the meanings and histories of words, or want to read texts in their original languages. The experience will not only enrich your major but also give you a qualitative edge in preparing for graduate school or the job market. The Classical Languages program provides courses in Latin and Greek with the opportunity to minor in either or both.
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Curriculum
Course Requirements:
Students pursuing a minor in Classical Languages study Latin or Greek or both languages.
Five courses need to be taken with a grade of “C” or better (including the 101 level, if necessary for the student). At least three courses must be taken in sequence in either Greek or Latin (GK101, 102, GK201, GK202, OR LA101, LA102, LA201, LA202). The remaining two courses can be 1) two introductory courses (101 and 102) in the other language, or 2) continuing language classes in the same language (GK301 and above or LA301 and above, as Directed Studies), or 3) one 300 level language course and one approved course from another department (listed below), which feature Greek or Latin-writing authors (of any period) in translation, and in which the student accomplishes an additional, specially approved project, to the satisfaction of the Program Director.
For students who have significant credits already in hand, placement exams are available to help accelerate their progress toward the Minor.
Students wishing to receive Classical Languages Minor credit for any non-language courses listed above must complete, to the satisfaction of the Program Director, an individual classical language assignment pertaining to the material of the course, requiring at least ten hours of separate study.
Minor Requirements:
Introductory Level
LA 101 and LA 102
AND/OR
GK 101 and GK 102
Intermediate Level
LA 201 and LA 202
AND/OR
GK 201 and GK 202
One Additional Language (LA 301, 302; GK 301, 302; LA 399; GK 399) or Literature Studies in translation.
Some examples of approved courses in this category are:
EN 403: Medieval Literature: British Genres, 8th to 15th c.
EN 413: Dante
EN 417: Advanced World Literature
HI 350: History of the Benedictine Tradition
HI 355: The Vikings: From Pagan Pirates to Christian Princes
HI 360: The Crusades
HO 204: Honors: Greek Tragedy
HO 205: Honors: Greek Histories
HO 307: Great Texts in Modern Science and Philosophy
PH 314: Faith and Reason
PH 410: Philosophy of God
PO 401: Classical Political Philosophy
PO 402: Medieval Political Philosophy
TH 358: Major Figures in Theology
*It is the student’s responsibility to verify that all degree requirements for graduation are fulfilled.
Elementary Greek I (GK 101)
This course assumes no prior acquaintance with Greek. You will be introduced to the Greek alphabet and learn the fundamentals to become familiar with any of the four types of ancient and modern Greek writing styles.
Elementary Latin I (LA 101)
This course is an immersion classroom in which you use your natural facilities of speech, hearing, and observation to make the Latin language your own. Students learn the basics of Latin through games, storytelling, and a textbook which presents the language through the adventures of a Roman family of the time of Christ. Some elementary-level class exercises are run by advanced students under the instructor’s guidance.
Here are a few other degrees available if you are interested in this field of study:
