Classics Combined 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

Students may pursue a combined major in Classics and another discipline that reflects a coherent integration of both fields of study. The Classics portion of the combined major requires satisfactory completion of eight courses in Classics. Students may count two courses towards both fields of the combined major.

Required Courses

• Three courses or equivalent in ancient Greek, Latin or another language relevant to the combined major as determined in consultation with Classics advisor
  • GREK 022 PO -Intro Classical Greek Accel 
  • GREK 033 SC -Intermediate Classical Greek 
  • GREK 044 SC -Advanced Greek 
  • LATN 022 SC -Advanced Introductory Latin  
  • LATN 033 SC -Intermediate Latin  
  • LATN 044 SC -Advanced Latin Readings 
• Four elective courses related to ancient Mediterranean culture. These must include courses in at least two different disciplinary areas (art/archaeology, history, literature in translation, etc.), to be chosen in consultation with Classics advisor. 
• CLAS 190 PO -Senior Seminar in Classics  or CLAS 190 PZ -Senior Seminar in Classics  or CLAS 190 SC -Sr Seminar: Ancient St/Classics  in which student develops a thesis or other capstone project that engages with the intersection of both disciplines of the combined majors.

Required Courses for Combined Major in Classics and Anthropology

Students interested in archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean (and/or ancient Near East) may pursue a combined Classics and Anthropology major with the following requirements:

• Complete all requirements for the combined major in Classics listed above, with at least two of the four Classics elective courses covering archaeology and/or material culture of the ancient Mediterranean and/or ancient Near East/Egypt (determined in consultation with adviser).
• Students may, with approval of their adviser, substitute an additional elective course for one semester of the language requirement.
• Complete all requirements for the combined major in Anthropology (HEAM track), with at least two of those elective courses focused on the ancient Mediterranean and/or Near East.
• As noted in the Anthropology combined major requirements, two of the courses in the combined major may be counted toward both disciplines (so, for instance, a course in Greek archaeology and a course in Roman archaeology may count towards both Classics and Anthropology).