Classical Civilization majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:

First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses

We will register you in these courses.

  1. Philosophy (PHIL 201)
  2. English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)

Why am I taking these classes?   Honors students take equivalent honors courses.

Major and Elective Courses

You will need to choose and register for these courses.

  1. Reading the Greeks (CLAS 105)
  2. A foreign language (see below)
  3. Ancient Roman Art and Architecture (CLAS 318) or, if you are in the Honors program and intend to complete the Humanities Honors track, Jesus to Muhammad (HSHU 101).

Language placement

Your major requires you to complete the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level. Catholic University teaches the following languages that satisfy this requirement: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. If you are interested in learning a language not listed here, consult with your advisor.

If you have previously studied a foreign language and are interested in continuing with that same language, or if you can demonstrate fluency in a foreign language, you should complete the language placement exam.

1 st Semester Courses

First-year courses in this degree program focus on getting you started in the ancient world through classes on mythology, history, and art/architecture. Plus, your first Learning Community course in philosophy, since it starts with the ancient world, will give you another perspective on the Ancient Greek and early Christian world.

In addition, we recommend that you begin your studies of a foreign (ancient or modern) language since the language requirement must be fulfilled before or during any potential study abroad program.

After your first year, you will be ready to make more choices about how to combine other courses at CUA with those from our own department in order to personalize your major. You might choose to take archaeology classes in the Anthropology department, or more classes in art, in history, or even in medieval studies. Combined with our own requirements, these elective courses let you approach the ancient world in the way that is most exciting to you!

To learn more about the Classical Civilization major, consult the Greek and Latin Department’s website.

Know which courses you want? Get registered.