The Major

Requirements

Students who major or double-major in Classics must complete a certain minimum number of courses and credits in Classics, Greek, or Latin, the exact number being dependent on the student's concentration within the major. These courses and credits are in addition to the University General Education courses. Approved courses in other departments or in the Five Colleges may be substituted. Only one of these courses may be taken Pass/Fail, and a GPA of 2.00 or higher must be earned in courses counted toward the major.

The Department of Classics offers four concentrations within the Classics major:

1. Greek and Latin Languages. The Greek and Latin Languages Concentration is for students wishing to study the remarkably rich and varied literature of the ancient Greeks and Romans in the original languages. Students select from a wide range of courses treating epic and lyric poetry, drama, history and biography, rhetoric, and philosophy, covering the major genres and authors of Greek and Roman literature.

https://www.umass.edu/classics/greek-and-latin-languages-concentration-requirements

2. Classical Civilization. The Classical Civilization Concentration is for students wishing to examine the culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans as an area of study, including art and archaeology, mythology and religion, ancient history, literature, and language. 

https://www.umass.edu/classics/classical-civilization-concentration-requirements

3. Classical Archaeology. The Classical Archaeology Concentration is for students wishing to examine the material culture of the ancient Mediterranean. This track draws on methodologies and resources from literature, art history, anthropology, and archaeology. 

https://www.umass.edu/classics/classical-archaeology-concentration-requirement

4. Classics and Philosophy. The Classics and Philosophy Concentration is particularly suitable for students wishing to study the ancient Greek philosophers in the original languages and consequently requires four full years of the ancient Greek language in addition to a number of courses in the philosophy department, including two introductory Philosophy courses (e.g. PHIL 100, 100H, 110) and two ancient philosophy courses (e.g. PHIL 320, 328). We also offer the option of ancient Roman philosophy, which would require courses in Latin language rather than Greek. If you are interested in the classics and philosophy track, please contact the Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Classics for more information. NOTE: This concentration is configured as its own separate, interdepartmental major.

https://www.umass.edu/classics/classics-philosophy-concentration-requirement

Students interested in a Classics major and choosing a major track should contact a member of the department, or seek advice from the Undergraduate Program Director. Students can find more details about the program and career opportunities on the Department's website (https://www.umass.edu/classics).

Study abroad, especially in Greece or Italy, is strongly recommended for majors in Classics when global circumstances allow it. The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome offers a semester (either fall or spring) in residence in Rome, Italy. Valuable summer programs are sponsored by the American Academy in Rome and the American School of Classical Studies at Athens. The Department of Classics is affiliated with both organizations.

Classics students have the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations, both in the U.S. and abroad. The Department sponsors its own excavation and field school program at Murlo (Siena), Italy, under the direction of Professor Anthony Tuck. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this educational opportunity. Internship opportunities, both short-term and long-term, are also available.

For further information, contact:

Lisa Marie Smith
Administrative Assistant, Department of Classics
524 Herter Hall
lisa@classics.umass.edu