匹兹堡大学

Classics is an interdisciplinary program devoted to the study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Students may focus on the classics language track or the classical civilization track. Besides the sequences in the Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit languages, the department offers courses in Greek and Roman history, linguistics, literature (including comparative literature), mythology, philosophy, and social history.

The classics language track requires study of texts in the original languages while the classical civilization track makes use of these same texts in English translations. Both classics tracks qualify graduates for appropriate careers in teaching and library work but can also be used as preparation for non-classical academic and professional disciplines such as business, law, and medicine. The study of classics underlies any understanding of Western civilization. The field includes important literary and philosophical figures such as Homer, Plato, and Vergil; also, it provides a background for the study of Romance and other languages and assists in the proper use of English.

The Classics Language Track: Greek and Latin

Thirty credits in language courses are required, including either GREEK 1700 (Greek Prose Composition) or LATIN 1700 (Prose Composition) and at least six credits in Greek or Latin courses numbered 1300 or above. Classics majors may emphasize one language more than the other if they wish, but every student is required to take at least one year of Greek and at least one year of Latin. The department recommends courses offered by classics and other departments in ancient archaeology, art, history, language, literature, philosophy, religion, and science, as well as courses in later cultures (medieval, Renaissance, or modern) influenced by the classical tradition.

The Classical Civilization Track

Required courses for this track are offered by, or cross-listed with, the classics department. The courses for the major will be distributed as follows:

Two courses in Greek, Latin, or both.

Two survey courses in Greek and Roman civilizations.

One course from each of three different areas, chosen from archaeology and art, culture, history, language, literature, philosophy, religion, and science.

Three courses in an approved area of concentration.