BA in Classical Studies—Specialization in Classical Languages

Majors in Classical Studies with a Specialization in Classical Languages learn to read key works of Ancient Greek and/or Latin literature in the original language, acquiring advanced skills in grammar and literary analysis. At the same time, they are exposed to an array of critical historical and cultural questions. The students in this specialization learn to read, write, and think with clarity while gaining the critical tools needed to navigate the ethical and moral dilemmas of professional and personal life. A specialization in Classical Languages provides a superb foundation for students interested in comparative literature, archaeology, linguistics, philosophy, religion, and a wide range of other humanistic disciplines; it also prepares students to enter into MA programs in Ancient Greek, Latin, and/or Medieval Studies, MAT programs in Latin, and, for students pursuing studies in both Ancient Greek and Latin, PhD programs in Classical Studies. It is an excellent foundation for students wishing to pursue further studies in classical archaeology, history, religion and theology, and other humanistic disciplines. The specialization also provides a solid foundation for careers in numerous other fields, including law, business, medicine, or communications.

Learning Outcomes

Students majoring in Classical Studies with a Specialization in Classical Languages should be able to:

• Demonstrate broad understanding of the history and culture of ancient Greece and/or Rome.
• Demonstrate sufficient understanding of the vocabulary, morphology, and syntax of Ancient Greek and/or Latin to read standard works of the Classical period accurately.
• Acquire the skills necessary to use dictionaries, grammars, and other resources that aid the reading and understanding of Ancient Greek and/or Latin texts.
• Demonstrate, in their reading of Ancient Greek and/or Latin, an understanding of genre, style, cultural context, and the place of the text within the literary history of the ancient world.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, ideas about Ancient Greek and/or Latin literary texts.

Requirements

All BU undergraduate students, including both entering first-year and transfer students, will pursue coursework in the BU Hub, the University’s general education program that is integrated into the entire undergraduate experience. BU Hub requirements can be satisfied in a number of ways, including coursework in and beyond the major as well as through cocurricular activities. Students majoring in Classical Studies with a Specialization in Classical Languages will ordinarily, through coursework in the major, satisfy BU Hub requirements in Philosophical, Aesthetic, and Historical Interpretation, as well as most of the requirements in Scientific and Social Inquiry, Communication, and Intellectual Toolkit. In addition, some BU Hub requirements may be earned in Diversity, Civic Engagement, and Global Citizenship through specific breadth and elective courses. Remaining BU Hub requirements will be satisfied by selecting from a wide range of available courses outside the major.

Classical Studies majors will also satisfy College of Arts & Sciences requirements, described here.

A major in Classical Studies with a Specialization in Classical Languages requires a minimum of ten courses with a grade of C or higher. The requirements are as follows:

• One survey course on Greece: CAS CL 101, CL 321, or CG 101
• One survey course on Rome: CAS CL 102 or CL 322
• Six courses in Ancient Greek and/or Latin. At least one course must be at the advanced level (300 level or above). Students wishing to pursue graduate work in Classical Studies are encouraged to take a minimum of one 300-level course in each language.
• Two additional Classical Studies courses, in either Classical language or in a topic in Classical culture or history, at least one of which must be at the 400 level or higher

Honors Requirements

The department encourages work toward graduation with Honors in the Major. For students majoring in Classical Studies with a Specialization in Classical Languages, the primary requirement is successful completion of a two-term program of directed research and writing in their senior year, culminating in an honors thesis and oral defense with a minimum of two examiners. The thesis should exhibit knowledge of primary and secondary sources, with bibliography (if a research paper), or the equivalent at the discretion of the readers, and ordinarily should not exceed 10,000 words. For students completing a written honors project, the submission of a detailed outline by the end of the fall term is also required.

To qualify for any of these honor tracks, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a department GPA of no less than 3.4, must submit an application to their Faculty Project Advisor in the spring of their junior year, and must have approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Department Chair.