Majoring & Minoring

Classics

The Classics major offers a diverse and rigorous interdisciplinary program. Students are exposed to the entire range of disciplines in classical studies: literature, history, mythology, religion, philosophy, and art & archaeology. The major provides a distinctive foundation for students pursuing any career.

Majors are strongly advised to take advantage of Southwestern’s opportunities to study abroad. Students may pursue summer or academic year study at College Year in Athens, the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies, or various other programs.

Incoming students who place into the language sequence may be eligible for credit.

A student majoring in Classics through the 2016/2017 catalog (click here for 2017/2018 catalog requirements) must meet the following requirements:

12 courses minimum (At least 24 credits in the major must be upper level) (Majors consist of a minimum of 30 credits.)

  • Four courses of earned college-level Latin and four courses of earned college-level Greek, including two upper-level courses in Latin or Greek
  • One course in Classics in Translation
  • Two additional upper-level courses in Latin and/or Greek, or in Classics in Translation
  • Classics 07-954 (Capstone)

Click here for a Classics Major checklist.Courses that may be counted toward requirements 2 and 3 include:

  • 07-204 Greek and Roman Mythology
    A study of the traditional cycles of Classical Mythology and the essential role myths played in Greek and Roman culture, especially the ways myth was employed to reinforce contemporary socio-political ideologies. Students will encounter the myths through a variety of ancient evidence, including literature, artwork, and material culture and engage with the most important historical and contemporary theories of mythology. Particular attention is given to the formation of these myths in the Near Eastern world and the recrystallization of Classical myth in later literature and art. (Fall, Spring) (H))
  • 07-344 Topics in Classical Culture and Society
    An interdisciplinary examination of topics in Ancient Greek and Roman culture and society. Students will learn to analyze the heterogenous ancient evidence through a variety of methods and consider these topics in the context of intercultural exchange within the global history of the Ancient Mediterranean. Develops proficiency in academic research and writing. All texts and documentary evidence will be read in translation. May be repeated with content changed. The range of topics includes Classics and the cinema; public spectacle in the Greek and Roman world; Greek and Roman warfare and society; the study of social mobility among sub-elite Romans; and Classical sites and monuments. (Fall, Spring) (H)
  • 07-444 Adv Topics Classical Culture & Society
    An interdisciplinary examination of complex topics in Ancient Greek and Roman culture and society with a focus on critical analysis of the heterogenous ancient evidence and the most important current secondary scholarship and theoretical approaches in the field. Students will consider these topics in the context of intercultural exchange within the global history of the Ancient Mediterranean. Develops advanced proficiency in academic research and writing. All texts and documentary evidence will be read in translation. May be repeated with content changed. The range of topics includes the ancient novel; Greek and Roman ethnographic literature; Greek and Roman religion and society; and state formation in the Iron Age Aegean and Italy. (Fall, Spring) (H)
  • 07-964 Seminar
    An interdisciplinary study of various aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity. May be repeated with change of content.

The Capstone consists of a semester-long research project which encompasses a wide range within the area of Classical studies. The project culminates with a formal paper and an oral presentation to an interdepartmental committee chosen by the student and the faculty project advisor.