Bachelor [Latin] From Mount Holyoke College

The discipline of classics comprises the study of the language, literature, history, culture, and society of the Greeks and Romans and of the ancient Mediterranean world from about the eighth century BCE to the fifth century of our own era (c. 476 CE). Literary genres (such as epic poetry, drama, and historiography), political institutions and ideals (such as democracy and free speech), as well as principles of philosophy and science are all part of the rich legacy that the ancient Greeks and Romans bequeathed to western Europe. Many of their ideas and institutions were consciously revived in the Renaissance and Enlightenment and remain with us today.

The department offers courses in ancient Greek and Latin at all levels (for Sanskrit, see Asian Studies), as well as a wide array of courses (in English) approaching the culture and history of Greek and Roman antiquity from a variety of perspectives. Majors have the opportunity to spend part or all of their junior years abroad (e.g., in Rome, Athens, or Great Britain).

The department offers four majors. The classics major is a 40-credit major combining the study of both ancient Greek and Latin with a variety of courses in ancient history, art, philosophy, politics, or religion. Students who declare a classics major automatically fulfill the College?s ?outside the major? requirement.Students may also major in Greek or in Latin or in ancient studies.