Classics Major

Classics

Classics is an interdisciplinary and intercollegiate major. Courses are taught by faculty at Pitzer, Scripps, Pomona, and CMC. The Classics curriculum provides opportunities to study the diverse cultures of the ancient Mediterranean and Near East from the Bronze Age through late antiquity from multiple perspectives-through ancient literature (in the original languages and in English translation), art and material culture, philosophy, and history. Several courses also examine the “afterlife” of antiquity-its reception and reinterpretations in later periods, including the modern world.  

Pitzer Adviser: M. Berenfeld

AP Credit: One course credit toward graduation is awarded for scores of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination in Latin (Vergil and Latin Literature).

Study Abroad: Pitzer students with an interest in Classics are encouraged to apply to study abroad at the Intercollegiate Classics Center in Rome or the College Year in Athens. Students should consult with their advisers about plans to study abroad.

Major Requirements

The major in Classics requires completion of eleven approved courses.

Required Courses

Classical Studies Track

The Classical Studies track is designed for students seeking a comprehensive background in the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean region as they prepare for careers in law, medicine, business, or other fields in which writing and strong critical thinking skills are essential.

• At least three courses in Greek or Latin; at least one course must be intermediate level or above (103 and 104 are half courses).
• CLAS 001 PO -Greek and Roman Classics  (should be taken first or second year)
• CLAS 190 PO -Senior Seminar in Classics  or CLAS 190 PZ -Senior Seminar in Classics  or CLAS 190 SC -Sr Seminar: Ancient St/Classics   (should be taken in the fall of the senior year) unless an alternative is agreed upon with the student’s advisor
• The remaining courses will be chosen in consultation with the major adviser, and may be drawn from offerings in literature, archaeology, history, philosophy, culture.

Classical Languages and Literature Track

For students intending to pursue graduate study in Classics or Classical Archaeology, a command of both Greek and Latin is essential (with proficiency through the Advanced level in at least one language); acquiring reading competency in French, German, and/or Italian is strongly recommended. Interested students should meet with their advisers early in their academic careers to plan for graduate school.

• Ten courses in Greek and Latin (Classical Hebrew may be substituted for one of them)
  • four of the ten must be completed in one of the two languages chosen (at lease one of those courses must be numbered 100 or above; 103 and 104 are half courses)
  • at least three courses in the other language (one of these courses must be numbered 100 or above)
  • Additional courses in archaeology, literature, history, and culture shall be chosen in consultation with the student’s adviser; a senior thesis may count as one of these courses.
• CLAS 190 PO -Senior Seminar in Classics  or CLAS 190 PZ -Senior Seminar in Classics  or CLAS 190 SC -Sr Seminar: Ancient St/Classics  (should be taken in the fall of the senior year), unless an alternative is agreed upon with the student’s advisor