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Undergraduate Program

The Classics Department offers a Bachelors of Arts in Classical Studies, Greek, Latin, or Greek and Latin, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History, which does not require the study of ancient languages. In addition to our major program we also have a minor program enabling interested students to study Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Languages. Our undergraduates are afforded the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations around the world, to study abroad in the Mediterranean, and much more. Prospective majors are encouraged to declare at the beginning of the junior year but are urged to discuss their plans with department's Undergraduate Director as early as possible. For more information, peruse this webpage or send an email inquiry to classics@stanford.edu.

Declaring Classics
There are five easy steps to declaring a Classics Major or Minor:

1.  Take some classes! This is a great way to meet faculty and find what you’re passionate about!
2.  Review our available major and minor tracks online and download a couple tracking forms in the area you would like to pursue.
3.  Make an appointment with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss your track of interest, and possible advisers. (You do not need a confirmed adviser prior to this meeting!)

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Peer Advising

Peer Advising office hours are held twice a month in the department (Main Quad, Bldg 110). Stay current on these opportunities to talk with our Peer Adviser by signing up for the Classics undergraduate mailing list.

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Honors
Honors in Classics is awarded upon the completion of an undergraduate thesis. Applicants should expect to submit the preliminary proposal in the Spring Quarter of their junior year and conduct most of their writing during Fall and Winter Quarters of their senior year.
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Study Abroad

Classics undergraduate majors and minors whose record in Classics indicates that they are qualified may apply for funding from the Department of Classics. Students must submit a proposal to the undergraduate director as part of the Undergraduate Summer Research Grant Application; see the undergraduate page at http://classics.stanford.edu/resources for the application.

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Co-terminal M.A.
Stanford students in any undergraduate major who are interested in postgraduate work in Classics may apply for Stanford's coterminal master's program. Students considering a co-term are encouraged to consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies about their plans before filing an application. No courses used to satisfy the undergraduate requirements (either as General Education Requirements or department requirements) may be applied toward the M.A.
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Programs

Ancient History Major and Minor
Major: The only one of the five Classics tracks that does not require language study, Ancient History is ideal for students who want a thorough understanding of the ancient world through its history and artifacts but do not yet have an interest in starting or continuing Latin or Ancient Greek. Ancient History works well as a double major with Archaeology, History, and Political Science.
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Classical Studies Major and Minor

Major: A breadth of knowledge in Classics is essential for any undergraduate education. The Classical Studies track is our most flexible. It requires only two quarters of intermediate-level ancient language, and thus allows fulfillment of remaining units with courses following the student's own interests. Because of the low unit requirement and customized coursework, this track is easy to pair with multiple majors and athletics. But because of its minimal requirements on core materials, it is unsuitable as a basis for graduate study.

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Greek Major

Discussions of Philosophy, Drama, Historiography and Literature can hardly be complete without the Ancient Greek classics. The Greek track emphasizes an intense investigation into Greek language and translation that explores, among other topics, Homeric epic, ancient philosophy, and classical theater. Because of the low unit requirement, this track easily pairs with multiple majors in related fields, such a Religious Studies, Philosophy, History, and Drama.

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Latin Major

This so-called "dead language" is still alive today through its pervasive influence on Western culture and modern Romance languages. The study of Latin language hones the mind for clear English writing and logical thinking. Students trained in Latin develop sharp critical reading and analytical skills by reading texts of philosophers, historians and literary masters in the original. A solid grasp of Latin is also excellent background for the study of medicine and law.

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Greek & Latin Major


Ideal for the candidate who wants a rigorous study of Classics via both the Latin and Ancient Greek languages. Through intense study of the language and culture of these giants of Western culture, students are able to gain an important perspective on the fundamental basis of history and culture in the Western world. Because of the low unit requirement, this track pairs well with multiple majors, but may also stand alone for students interested in Classics graduate study.

Greek & Latin Tracking Form (link coming soon)

Classical Languages Minor

Students are required to take a minimum of five courses in Greek or in Latin. In addition to the five required courses, students must take CLASSGEN 176, Majors Seminar. Students wishing to combine Greek and Latin may only do so if courses for one of the two languages are all above the 100 level; for example, CLASSGRK 1, 10, plus CLASSLAT 103, 111, 175.

Literature & Philosophy Minor

Students are required to take a minimum of five courses in classical literature or philosophy, including classical science. Courses listed in the department's cognate course list may be substituted for one or more of these courses with prior written approval from the undergraduate director; written approval must be submitted to the student services officer for inclusion in the student's academic file prior to the end of the term in which the course is taken.

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