Classics Major
Students must also complete the Undergraduate Registration Requirement and the degree requirements of their home school.
NOTE: This Catalog describes Weinberg College BA requirements that pertain to students who matriculated at Northwestern after spring quarter 2023. Refer to the Archives if you are following BA requirements described in the 2018-2019 through 2022-2023 editions.
The major in classics offers students three paths of study. Although no previous knowledge of Latin or Greek is required, all students are required to achieve competence in one of these ancient languages in order to work with primary sources in the original. Some may choose to complete advanced work in both languages.
With concentrations in Latin, Greek, or both languages, the major requirements allow some flexibility. Classics majors develop familiarity with the broad sweep of ancient history and literature and key analytical skills necessary to examine the record of Greek and Roman culture. They complete a demanding and distinctive course of study that stresses the development of important intellectual sensibilities—close reading, analytical clarity, thorough research, evaluation of evidence, logical analysis, effective writing, appreciation of nuance and subtleties, historical variability, and cultural differences. All majors complete a research project under the direction of a faculty member in a small 1-quarter seminar. Seniors pursuing honors will undertake an additional 2 quarters of research.
Each of the three tracks—Greek and Latin, Latin, or Greek—requires a minimum of 12 courses beyond the language prerequisites.
All majors are required to undertake a research project in connection with CLASSICS 395-0 Research Seminar. Topics vary from year to year. Instruction will be included in the use of traditional as well as digital research tools. Students may petition the director of undergraduate studies to substitute research conducted for a study abroad program.
Greek and Latin Concentration
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Major Requirements: Greek and Latin Concentration (12 units) | |
| Prerequisites: 1 | |
| Introduction to Greek Literature and Elementary Latin | |
| Introduction to Latin Literature and Accelerated Elementary Ancient and Biblical Greek | |
| 3 foundation courses in the first language (Greek or Latin) at the 201-3 level or above | |
| 3 foundation courses in the second language (Greek or Latin) at the 200 or 300 level | |
| 6 additional courses: | |
| Greek History and Culture: From Homer to Alexander the Great | |
| Rome: Culture and Empire | |
| Research Seminar | |
3 additional Greek, Latin, or classics courses, at least 2 of which must be at the 300 level or above (may include 1 classical traditions course with consent of the director of undergraduate studies) 2 | |
- 1
Or equivalent placements—see Language Placement
- 2
Excluding CLASSICS 110-0 A Study of Scientific Vocabulary Through Classical Roots
Latin Concentration
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Major Requirements: Latin Concentration (12 units) | |
| Prerequisite: | |
| Introduction to Latin Literature 1 | |
| 3 language foundation courses in Latin: | |
| Introduction to Latin Literature | |
and/or courses at the 300 level, depending on placement | |
| 9 additional courses: | |
| Greek History and Culture: From Homer to Alexander the Great | |
| Rome: Culture and Empire | |
| Research Seminar | |
6 additional Latin, Greek, or classics courses, at least 3 of which must be at the 300 level or above (may include Greek language courses at any level and up to 2 classical traditions courses with consent of the director of undergraduate studies) 2 | |
- 1
Or equivalent placement (see Language Placement)
- 2
Excluding CLASSICS 110-0 A Study of Scientific Vocabulary Through Classical Roots
Greek Concentration
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Major Requirements: Greek Concentration (12 units) | |
| Prerequisites: | |
| Introduction to Greek Literature 1 | |
| 3 language foundation courses in Greek: | |
| Introduction to Greek Literature | |
and/or courses at the 300 level, depending on placement | |
| 9 Additional Courses: | |
| Greek History and Culture: From Homer to Alexander the Great | |
| Rome: Culture and Empire | |
| Research Seminar | |
6 additional Greek, Latin, or classics courses, at least 3 of which must be at the 300 level or above (may include Latin language courses at any level and up to 2 classical traditions courses with consent of the director of undergraduate studies) 2 | |
- 1
Or equivalent placement (see Language Placement)
- 2
Excluding CLASSICS 110-0 A Study of Scientific Vocabulary Through Classical Roots
Honors in Classics
Majors with strong academic records and an interest in pursuing honors should speak with the Director of Undergraduate Studies and submit an application form in junior year no later than the College reading period in Spring Quarter. Students should list a preliminary bibliography for the project approved by a faculty member who has agreed to serve as the thesis adviser. A one-page research proposal approved by the adviser is due at the end of the first week of the Fall Quarter of the senior year. The Honors Committee, consisting of the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Honors Coordinator and a third Classics faculty member, will evaluate the proposal and vote on approval. During the fall and winter quarters of their senior year, students enroll in CLASSICS 399-0, Independent Study and complete a senior thesis. Students must be in residence during these terms. All honors theses are evaluated as passing or not-passing by the Honors Committee. Students whose theses and grades meet departmental criteria are recommended to the College for graduation with honors. For more information consult the department website or the director of undergraduate studies.