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Classical Studies
Director of Undergraduate Studies: Helma Dik, Wb 222, 834-2170,
helmadik@uchicago.edu
Administrative Assistant: Kathleen M. Fox, Cl 22B, 702-8514,
kfox@uchicago.edu
E-mail:
classics-department@uchicago.edu
Web:
humanities.uchicago.edu/depts/classics
Programs of Study
The B.A. degree in Classical Studies allows students to explore Greek and
Roman antiquity in a variety of ways and provides excellent preparation for
careers that require strong skills in interpretation and writing, such as
teaching, scholarly research, law, and publishing, and in the humanities in
general. Students may choose from the following three variants based on
their preparation, interests, and goals: (1) The Language and Literature
Variant combines the study of Greek and Latin texts with coverage of
diverse areas, including art and archaeology, history, philosophy,
religion, and science. (2) The Language Intensive Variant focuses on
languages with the aim of reading a larger selection of texts in the
original languages; it is designed especially for those who wish to pursue
graduate studies in classics. (3) The Greek and Roman Cultures Variant
emphasizes courses in art and archaeology, history, material culture, and
texts in translation.
Students in other fields of study may also complete a minor in Classical
Studies. Information follows the description of the major.
Program Requirements
Degree Program in Classical Studies:
Language and Literature Variant
Students who take the Language and Literature Variant may focus exclusively
on Greek or exclusively on Latin, or they may study both languages with an
emphasis on one or the other. The program assumes that, in addition to the
requirements for the major, students have completed, or have credit for, a
year of language study in either Greek or Latin. No course that is used to
meet one of the following requirements may be used simultaneously to meet a
requirement under any other category.
- Six courses in Greek or Latin in the major that must include the 20100-
20300 sequence or higher in at least one language (e.g., LATN 20100-20200-
20300-21100-21200-21300; or LATN 20100-20200-20300 and GREK 10100-10200-
10300). These six courses must be taken in addition to a year of study or
credit in Greek or Latin that Classical Studies majors are expected to use
to meet the College language competency requirement.
- Six courses in Greek or Roman art, history, philosophy, science,
religion, or classical literature in translation, with courses divided
between at least two fields, and with approval of the director of
undergraduate studies. Any course that carries a Classical Civilization
listing or a Classics listing between 30100 and 39000 meets this
requirement. Other eligible courses are offered in disciplines such as Art
History, Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, Philosophy, and
Political Science. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the
director of undergraduate studies.
- The B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800), a one-quarter course spread over
two quarters, as described below.
For students who entered the University in, or subsequent to, Autumn
Quarter 2006: By the end of the Spring Quarter of their third year,
students are required to submit to the director of undergraduate studies a
research skills paper of around 10-12 pages. The paper, which will normally
substitute for a final paper in a Greek (above 20300), Latin (above 20300),
Classical Civilization or Classics course, is designed to prepare students
for the B.A. Paper. Students will be expected to develop a reasoned
argument on a particular topic, based not only on primary materials
(ancient literary texts; material culture; etc.) but also on research of
relevant secondary bibliography. Students should declare at the start of
the quarter if they wish to take a certain course in conjunction with the
research skills paper and should work closely with the Faculty instructor
throughout the quarter.
Summary of Requirements: Language and Literature Variant
- 6 courses in Greek or Latin (must include 20100-20200-20300)
- 6 courses in Greek or Roman history, philosophy, science, religion, art, or classical literature in translation
- 1 B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800)
- 13 total
Degree Program in Classical Studies:
Language Intensive Variant
The Language Intensive Variant is designed for students who expect to
continue Classical Studies at the graduate level. It aims to provide the
level of linguistic proficiency in both Greek and Latin that is commonly
expected of applicants to rigorous graduate programs. The program assumes
that, in addition to the requirements for the major, students have
completed, or have credit for, a year of language study in either Greek or
Latin. Students must also use some of their general electives to meet the
language requirements of this program variant.
No course that is used to meet one of the following requirements may be
used simultaneously to meet a requirement under any other category.
- Six courses in one classical language (Greek or Latin) at the 20000
level or above and six courses or the equivalent in the other (three of which may be at the introductory level).
- Four courses in art, history, philosophy, religion, science, material
culture, or classical literature in translation, with courses divided
between at least two fields, and with approval of the director of
undergraduate studies. Any course that carries a Classical Civilization
listing or a Classics listing between 30100 and 39000 meets this
requirement. Other eligible courses are offered in disciplines such as Art
History, Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities, Philosophy, and
Political Science. These courses should be chosen in consultation with the
director of undergraduate studies.
- The B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800), a one-quarter course spread over
two quarters, as described below.
For students who entered the University in, or subsequent to, Autumn
Quarter 2006: By the end of the Spring Quarter of their third year,
students are required to submit to the director of undergraduate studies a
research skills paper of around 10-12 pages. The paper, which will normally
substitute for a final paper in a Greek (above 20300), Latin (above 20300),
Classical Civilization or Classics course, is designed to prepare students
for the B.A. Paper. Students will be expected to develop a reasoned
argument on a particular topic, based not only on primary materials
(ancient literary texts; material culture; etc.) but also on research of
relevant secondary bibliography. Students should declare at the start of
the quarter if they wish to take a certain course in conjunction with the
research skills paper and should work closely with the Faculty instructor
throughout the quarter.
Summary of Requirements: Language Intensive Variant
- 6 courses in Greek*
- 6 courses in Latin*
- 4 courses in Greek or Roman art, history, philosophy, science, religion, or classical literature in translation
- 1 B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800)
- 17 total
* Six courses in one classical language (Greek
or Latin) at the 20000 level or above
and six courses or the equivalent in the
other (three of which may be at the introductory
level).
Degree Program in Classical Studies:
Greek and Roman Cultures Variant
This variant is designed for students who are interested in ancient Greece
and Rome but wish to focus more on history (political, intellectual,
religious, social) and material culture than on language and literature.
Because the program allows many courses taught in other departments to
count toward the major, it is especially suited to students who declare
their major late or who wish to complete two majors. The program assumes
that, in addition to requirements for the major, students have met the
general education requirement in civilization studies by taking the Ancient
Mediterranean World sequence (CLCV 20700-20800), the Athens Program, or the
Rome Program. Students who have met the general education requirement in
civilization studies with a different sequence should complete one of these
three sequences, which may then count as three of the nine courses in
classical civilization required for the major.
No course that is used to meet one of the following requirements may be used
simultaneously to meet a requirement under any other category.
- Three courses in Greek or Latin beyond the
level of any credit earned
by examination. Students who have
not received credit by placement
tests or Advanced Placement examinations
may register for first-year Greek or Latin courses.
- Nine courses in art, history, philosophy,
religion, science, material culture,
or classical literature in translation,
with courses divided between at least
four fields, and with approval of the director
of undergraduate studies. Any course
that carries a Classical Civilization listing
or a Classics listing between 30100 and 39000
meets this requirement. Other eligible courses
are offered in disciplines such as Art History,
Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities,
Philosophy, and Political Science. These courses
should be chosen in consultation with the director
of undergraduate studies.
- The B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800), a one-quarter
course spread over two quarters,
as described below.
For students who entered the University in, or subsequent to, Autumn
Quarter 2006: By the end of the Spring Quarter of their third year,
students are required to submit to the director of undergraduate studies a
research skills paper of around 10-12 pages. The paper, which will normally
substitute for a final paper in a Greek (above 20300), Latin (above 20300),
Classical Civilization or Classics course, is designed to prepare students
for the B.A. Paper. Students will be expected to develop a reasoned
argument on a particular topic, based not only on primary materials
(ancient literary texts; material culture; etc.) but also on research of
relevant secondary bibliography. Students should declare at the start of
the quarter if they wish to take a certain course in conjunction with the
research skills paper and should work closely with the Faculty instructor
throughout the quarter.
Summary of Requirements: Greek and Roman Cultures
Variant
- 3 courses in Greek or Latin*
- 9 courses in Greek or Roman art, history,
philosophy, religion, science,
or classical literature in translation
- 1 B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800)
- 13 total
* Credit may not be granted by examination.
B.A. Paper Seminar and B.A. Paper. Candidates
for the B.A. degree in all variants of the Classical
Studies major are required to write a substantial
B.A. paper. The purpose of the B.A. paper is to
enable students to improve their research and writing
skills and to give them an opportunity to focus
their knowledge of the field upon an issue of their
own choosing.
In their third year, by Monday of eighth
week of Spring Quarter, students must submit to
the director of undergraduate studies a short statement
proposing an area of research, and the statement
must be approved by a member of the Classics faculty
who agrees to be the director of the B.A. paper.
At the same time, students should meet with the
preceptor of the B.A. Paper Seminar to plan a program
of research.
Students may register for the B.A. Paper Seminar (CLCV 29800) in either
Autumn Quarter or Winter Quarter of their fourth year, but they are
expected to participate in seminar meetings throughout both quarters. The
focus of the seminar is to discuss research problems and compose
preliminary drafts of their B.A. papers. Participants in the regular
seminar meetings are expected to exchange criticism and ideas with each
other and with the preceptor, as well as to take account of comments from
their faculty readers. The grade for the B.A. Paper Seminar is identical to
the grade for the B.A. paper and, therefore, is not reported until the
paper has been submitted in Spring Quarter. The grade for the B.A. paper
depends on participation in the seminar as well as on the quality of the
paper. A provisional grade will be assigned by the preceptor at the end of
the Autumn Quarter and communicated to the student via the director of
undergraduate studies. The final grade will be determined jointly by the
preceptor and faculty director once the B.A. paper has been submitted.
The deadline for submitting the B.A. paper in
final form is Friday of third week of Spring
Quarter. This deadline represents the formal
submission, which is final; students should expect
to submit and defend substantial drafts much earlier.
Copies are to be submitted to the faculty director,
seminar preceptor, and director of undergraduate
studies. Students who fail to meet the deadline
may not be able to graduate in that quarter and
will not be eligible for honors consideration.
Students who undertake a double major may meet the requirement for a B.A.
paper in Classical Studies by making it part of a single B.A. paper that is
designed to meet the requirements of both majors. This combined paper must
have a substantial focus on texts or issues of the classical period, and
must have a Classics faculty member as a reader. The use of a single essay
to meet the requirement for a B.A. paper in two majors requires approval
from directors of undergraduate studies in both majors. A consent form, to
be signed by the directors of undergraduate studies, is available from the
College advisers. It must be completed and returned to the College adviser
by the end of Autumn Quarter of the student’s year of graduation. The
deadline for submitting the B.A. paper in its final form is Friday of third
week of Spring Quarter.
Grading. The first-year sequences in Greek
and Latin (GREK 10100-10200-10300, GREK 11100-11200-11300,
LATN 10100-10200-10300, LATN 11100-11200-11300)
and the courses in Greek and Latin composition
are open for P/F grading for students not
using these courses to meet language requirements
for the major. All courses taken to meet requirements
in the major must be taken for quality grades.
Honors. To be recommended for honors, a student must maintain an overall
GPA of 3.25 or higher and a GPA of 3.5 or higher in the major, and must
also demonstrate superior ability in the B.A. paper to interpret Greek or
Latin source material and to develop a coherent argument. For a student to
be recommended for honors, the B.A. paper must be judged worthy of honors
both by the faculty director, preceptor, and an additional faculty reader.
Initial recommendations for honors will be made, before the end of the
fifth week of the Winter Quarter, by the preceptor to the director of
undergraduate studies, who will consult with the faculty director. If the
recommendation is approved, the student will select a second faculty reader
in consultation with the faculty director.
The Arthur Adkins Summer Research Fellowship is targeted to third-year undergraduates who are bound for graduate school, and it provides means and opportunity for the writing of a superior research paper on any aspect of the ancient world from the Bronze Age through Late Antiquity. It may be used for travel to classical sites and collections or to other research centers, and/or for living expenses during a summer devoted to research between the third and fourth year. Applicants must submit (in the first week of Spring Quarter) a transcript, a statement (2-3 pages) outlining their project and its relationship to existing knowledge in the field, a plan of research together with a provisional budget for the summer, and a letter from a faculty supervisor.
The David Grene Fellowship is targeted to undergraduates whose intellectual interests in the classical world have led them to an area of knowledge which they are unable to pursue during the regular academic year, and it allows them an opportunity to explore that interest through independent study during the summer before graduation. The independent study may involve training in a new discipline such as paleography or numismatics, first-hand experience of ancient sites and artifacts, or ancillary language study. It may be carried out under the auspices of an organized program like the American School of Classical Studies at Athens or the American Academy in Rome, or it may be tailored entirely according to the student's own plan. Applicants must submit (in the first week of Spring Quarter) a transcript, project statement, a provisional budget, and a faculty letter of recommendation.
The John G. Hawthorne Travel Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate student of classical languages, literature, or civilization for travel to Greece or Italy or for study of classical materials in other countries. The award may be used to pursue a project of the student's own design or to participate in appropriate programs conducted in Greece or Italy. Applicants must submit (in the first week of Spring Quarter) a transcript, project statement, provisional budget, and a faculty letter of recommendation.
The Nancy P. Helmbold Travel Award is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate student of Greek and/or Latin for travel to Greece or Italy. Applicants must submit (in the first week of Spring Quarter) a transcript, project statement, proposed budget, and a faculty letter of recommendation
Paul Shorey Foreign Travel Grants of $500 are available to "needy and deserving students studying Greek or Latin" for participation in the Athens Program or the Rome Program of the College. Application is made by checking the appropriate box on the application form for the Athens Program or the Rome Program.
Minor Program in Classical Studies
The minor in Classical Studies requires a total
of seven courses in Greek, Latin, or classical
civilization. Students may choose one of two variants:
a language variant that includes three courses
at the 20000 level or higher in one language or
a classical civilization variant.
Students must meet with the director of undergraduate studies before the
end of Spring Quarter of their third
year to declare their intention to complete the minor. Students choose
courses in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. The
director’s approval for the minor program should be submitted to a
student’s College adviser by the deadline above on a form obtained from the
adviser.
Courses in the minor (1) may not be double counted with the student’s
major(s) or with other minors and (2) may not be counted toward general
education requirements. Courses in the minor must be taken for quality
grades, and more than half of the requirements for the minor must be met by
registering for courses bearing University of Chicago course numbers.
The following groups of courses would comprise
a minor in the areas indicated. Other programs
may be designed in consultation with the director
of undergraduate studies. Minor program requirements
are subject to revision.
Greek (or Latin) Sample Variant*
- GREK (or LATN) 10100-10300. Beginning Greek (or Latin)
- GREK (or LATN) 20100-20300. Intermediate Greek (or Latin)
- CLCV 21200. History and Theory of Drama (or, for example, CLCV 21400 [Marginal
Populations of the Roman Empire])
Greek (or Latin) Sample Variant*
- GREK (or LATN) 20100-20300. Intermediate Greek (or Latin)
- CLCV 20700-20900. Ancient Mediterranean World
- CLCV 21400. Marginal Populations of the Roman Empire (or, for example,
CLCV 21200 [History and Theory of Drama])
Classical Civilization Sample Variant*
- CLCV 20700-20900. Ancient Mediterranean
World (or, for example, Greek [or Latin]10100-10300)
- CLCV 22000. Ancient Philosophy
- CLCV 22100. Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius
- CLCV 24200. The Invention of the Love Poem
- CLCV 27100. Ancient Studies Seminar
* Credit may not be granted by examination to meet the language requirement for the
minor program.
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