Major and Minor

Major in Classics

Undergraduate Advisor: Prof. Mark Possanza

Classics is an interdisciplinary program devoted to the study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Students may focus on the Classics Language track or the Classical Civilization track. Besides the sequences in the Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit languages, the Department offers courses in Greek and Roman archaeology, history, linguistics, literature (including comparative literature), mythology, philosophy, and social history.

The Classics Language track involves the study of texts in the ancient languages while the Classical Civilization track makes use of these same texts in English translations. Both Classics tracks qualify graduates for appropriate careers in teaching and library work but can also be used as preparation for non-classical academic and professional disciplines such as business, law, and medicine. The study of Classics underlies any understanding of Western civilization. The field includes important literary and philosophical figures such as Homer, Plato, and Vergil; it also provides a background for the study of other languages and assists in the proper use of English.

Major Requirements

The general rules and requirements for the Classics major, regardless of the track chosen, are as follows:

• The Classics major requires a minimum of 30 credits with an overall 2.00 QPA in courses counting toward the major. A maximum of two courses may be taken toward the major under the S/N option.

• Except for placement by examination in the language sequences, credit by examination is generally not granted, but the department will consider students with special circumstances. 

• Students may either enroll in one of the W-courses offered by the department or arrange with the instructor of an upper-level course for the addition of one credit of writing practicum. 

• For the CAS-required related area, the classics department recommends other departments' courses in ancient Greek and Roman archaeology and art, history, linguistics, literature, philosophy, religion, and science.

• Students have combined a major in classics with a second major or certificate such as anthropology, biology, communication, computer science, history, history of art and architecture, history and philosophy of science, nonclassical languages and literatures, psychology, and women's studies. Students planning graduate study in classics may be required to obtain reading competency in German, French, or Italian. Such study might begin during the course of completing the undergraduate major or may be undertaken in graduate school.

The Classics Language Track: Greek and Latin

Thirty credits in language courses are required, including either GREEK 1700 (Greek Prose Composition) or LATIN 1700 (Prose Composition) and at least six credits in Greek or Latin courses numbered 1300 or above. Classics majors may emphasize one language more than the other if they wish, but every student is required to take at least one year of Greek and at least one year of Latin. The department recommends courses offered by classics and other departments in ancient archaeology, art, history, language, literature, philosophy, religion, and science, as well as courses in later cultures (medieval, Renaissance, or modern) influenced by the classical tradition.

The Classical Civilization Track

Required courses for this track are offered by, or cross-listed with, the classics department. The courses for the major will be distributed as follows:

• Two courses in Greek, Latin, or both.

• Two survey courses in Greek and Roman civilizations.

• One course from each of three different areas, chosen from archaeology and art, culture, history, language, literature, philosophy, religion, and science.

• Three courses in an approved area of concentration.

Majors who have reached the end of the junior year with a QPA in departmental courses of 3.50 or higher may, in conjunction with a senior-level course, write an honors essay. Acceptance of the essay by the department will qualify the student for graduating with departmental honors in classics or classical civilization.

Undergraduate Studies Web site’s Majors, Minors, and Certificates landing page: https://www.asundergrad.pitt.edu/academic-experience/majors-minors-and-certificates

Minor in Classics

The Department of Classics offers four minors: Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Civilization and Mediterranean Art and Archaeology. 

For advice on possible plans of study, please consult with undergraduate advisor, 
Professor Mark Possanza

Latin Minor

The student must take 15 credits of LATIN courses to satisfy the requirements of the Latin minor. For example, LATIN 0101, 0102, 0210, and 0220 (Latin 1, 2, 3, and 4)

Ancient Greek Minor

The student must take 15 credits of GREEK courses to satisfy the requirements of the Greek minor. For example, GREEK 0101, 0102, 0210, and 0220 (Greek 1, 2, 3, and 4)

Classical Civilization Minor

15 credits in Classics, Greek, or Latin courses, including at least one survey course in Greek civilization or history (3 credits), one survey course in Roman civilization or history (3 credits), and one course with a literary or textual component (3 credits), and one course in any other subfield of Classics, such as art, architecture, archaeology or philosophy (3 credits). Any Greek or Latin course may count toward the literary/textual requirement.

For the Classical Civilization minor, no language courses are required, although language courses may be counted, if the student wishes.

Mediterranean Art and Archaeology Minor

15 credits are required to complete the Mediterranean Art and Archaeology Minor. Of these, 12 credits are required courses, with the remainder being chosen from a list of electives in Classics, HAA, Anthropology, and Religious Studies.