BA in Classical Studies

The past is prologue: For more than 2,000 years, the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome have influenced the institutions, languages, literature, and arts of many nations. To take just one example, the US Constitution was inspired in part by the founders’ deep respect for the literature and history of ancient Greece and Rome. Indeed, the ancient Greeks and Romans asked many of the same questions that preoccupy us today: What is the best form of government? What does it mean to be good? To be human? What is the nature of the universe? The study of Classics provides access to the thoughts, achievements, and ways of life of the ancient Greeks and Romans but also considers their impact on many cultures across the ages. Of course, some elements of the classical world are abhorrent, such as the institution of slavery, a far more troubling commonality between our history and that of the Greeks and Romans.

The study of Classics, then, does not entail mindless admiration for the “greats” of the past; on the contrary, it fosters critical investigation of that past, as well as the ways in which the discipline of Classical Studies has been utilized over the centuries for both empowerment and repression. Through our courses, students will engage with some of the most profound thinkers and writers of human history, but they will also learn about the contributions of the “forgotten” voices from the past, of enslaved people, of women, of conquered foreigners, and of other marginalized peoples.

A major in Classical Studies provides a superb foundation for students interested in comparative literature, history, political science, archaeology, linguistics, philosophy, religion, and a wide range of other humanistic disciplines. Many of our majors use their Classical Studies degree as a foundation for careers in other fields, such as law, business, medicine, or communications. The Classical Studies major teaches students to read, write, and think clearly. More importantly, it provides students with knowledge of the broad sweep of history and equips them with the critical reasoning tools necessary for confronting the ethical and political challenges of the contemporary world.

Learning Outcomes

Students majoring in Classical Studies should be able to:

• Demonstrate broad understanding of the history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
• Read with comprehension works of Ancient Greek and/or Latin poetry and prose, either in the original or in English translation, demonstrating understanding of genre, style, and cultural context.
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing, ideas about the ancient world and its products.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the influence of classical culture on other historical periods.

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 any area of Classical Studies will ordinarily, through coursework in the major, satisfy most BU Hub requirements in Philosophical, Aesthetic & Historical Interpretation, as well as most of the requirements in Scientific and Social Inquiry, Communication, and the Intellectual Toolkit. In addition, some BU Hub requirements may be earned in Diversity, Civic Engagement & 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 or, in some cases, cocurricular experiences.

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

A major in Classical Studies requires a minimum of ten 4-unit courses with a grade of C or higher. The requirements are as follows:

• CAS CL 101 or CAS CL 321 or CAS CG 101
• CAS CL 102 or CAS CL 322
• Seven courses in CAS CL (Classical Studies, including Ancient Greek and Latin) or CAS CG (modern Greek) at any level.
• One additional Classical Studies course, at the 400 level or higher, in either a classical language or a topic in classical civilization or history.

With permission of the faculty advisor, up to two related courses from other departments may be counted toward this major. Refer to the list of Related Courses recommended by the department.

Honors in the Major

The department encourages work towards graduation with Honors in the Major. For students majoring in Classical Studies, 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.

In order to qualify for the honors track, 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.