Classics (BA)

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Affiliation: School of Arts & Letters

Classics is the heart of the liberal arts and sciences. As an interdisciplinary field, Classics embraces the study of languages, literature, history, philosophy, art, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. The modern university recognizes a debt to the ancient Greeks and Romans who have inspired generations of students with their enduring ideas, texts, myths, and monuments.

Classics is also a vital part of a 21st century education. We encourage curiosity about the classical past, and cultivate the skills of inquiry, analysis, and communication. We value tradition and innovation. We look back to antiquity to answer pressing questions about the present and future.

The general objectives of the Classics Major are to produce graduates who:

possess extensive knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman culture, derived from a variety of sources and types of evidence
have developed the skills, including advanced reading knowledge of ancient Greek and/or Latin, required to pursue independent scholarly investigation, particularly of topics related to the ancient Greco-Roman world
communicate clearly the results of such investigation in oral and written form
are experienced in interdisciplinary modes of learning
are aware of the dynamics of cultural pluralism, transmission, and change
exhibit a self-reflective view of society, including government and citizenship, informed by an historical perspective.

CLASSICS COMMUNICATION

All Classics majors will develop their skills as speakers and writers throughout the Classics curriculum. Most Classics courses involve speaking experiences in a classroom setting, including presentational and interpersonal communication. Additionally, students will examine “writing about research” in various classes (in particular at the 300 level), but especially in the required Classics Capstone Experience (CLAS 461). In the capstone, students can expect to conduct guided research on a topic of their choosing on ancient cultures and/or languages, culminating in a final research paper of 20 pages or more, and a 15-minute public presentation at the Classics Capstone Symposium. Students are guided in rigorous writing and research such that final capstone projects have all the requisite features to be submitted for oral presentation at local, regional, and national conferences.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS IN CLASSICS

Seniors who wish to graduate with Honors in Classics must meet the following requirements:

3.50 or better overall GPA
3.50 or better GPA in the major
Excellence in Greek and/or Latin languages (demonstrated by superior achievement on the senior tests or national Eta Sigma Phi contest exams, or superior performance in advanced language courses)
Excellence in research (demonstrated by superior presentation at the capstone Classics Symposium, Truman Student Research Conference, other local/national conferences, or through publication)
Positive contribution to the promotion of the discipline at Truman and in the wider community (demonstrated through tutoring, leadership in Classics Club and/or Eta Sigma Phi, attending conferences and/or the Eta Sigma Phi convention, participation in service learning, etc.)
Approval of the Classics faculty.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

Dialogues Requirements: 42-61 Credits

Bachelor of Arts Requirement: 0-8 Credits

Intermediate proficiency in ONE foreign language

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: 36 Credits

Classical Core: 15 Credits

CLAS 261 - Greek Literature in Translation Credit(s): 3
CLAS 262 - Roman Literature in Translation Credit(s): 3
CLAS 342 - Greek Civilization Credit(s): 3
CLAS 352 - Roman Civilization Credit(s): 3
CLAS 461 - Capstone Experience Credit(s): 3

Breadth & Depth: 21 Credits

Choose seven or more courses from the three Areas below for a minimum of 21 credit hours. At least one upper-level course (300- or 400-level) must come from each Area. In Area 3: Supporting Disciplines, a maximum of 9 credit hours can count toward the Classics major. Make course selections based on educational and career goals, while consulting frequently with your academic advisor.

NOTE:

No grade of “D” in major courses is accepted toward the Classics major.
A maximum of 8 credits from the Classics major may be used to satisfy another major, any minor, or The Dialogues requirements.
A maximum of 15 credit hours of coursework may be applied to the Classics major from other institutions.
It is required that all Classics majors planning to study abroad seek the advice of a faculty member prior to going abroad. A Study Abroad Equivalency Request Form, available on the CML website and the Study Abroad Office, must be completed and approved by Classics faculty to facilitate course transfer. It is up to the discretion of the Classics faculty to determine the “Area” in which a study abroad course may apply.