Classical Studies 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.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- 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.
- A 100-level or 200-level classics course (CLAS)
- A foreign language; Greek (GR) or Latin (LAT) encouraged but not required (see below)
- A liberal arts foundations course; a course toward a minor, certificate, or other focus area; or a free elective.
Language placement
Your major requires you to complete the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level. While many Classical Studies majors study Greek or Latin to fulfill their language requirement, Catholic University also teaches the following languages that satisfy this requirement: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Irish, Italian, 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 modern language placement exam or the Greek and Latin placement exam.
About Your First Semester Courses
Undergraduate majors in Classical Studies investigate the ancient world from a variety of perspectives. They select courses in Greek and Roman literature (read in English or in Greek or Latin--their choice), ancient history, art and architecture, mythology, and ancient culture, and can add relevant electives chosen from throughout the university. We recommend incoming Classical Studies majors begin with a 100-level or 200-level classics course of your choosing to begin your course of study.
Our undergraduates are warmly encouraged to take as many courses in Greek or Latin as they like, but this is not required. A Classical Studies major can choose any ancient or modern language to fulfill the Catholic University language requirement.
For your fifth course, you can choose what you like. You can take a liberal arts elective or a free elective course in a subject of your interest. Or, you may wish to begin study in a secondary subject area, perhaps for a minor or certificate. Common minors for classics majors in recent years have included philosophy, theology and religious studies, history, anthropology, art history, and modern foreign languages. Students have also minored in music, earned a certificate in Islamic World Studies, and and even completed a pre-med school course sequence.
To learn more about the Classical Studies major, consult the Greek and Latin Department’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.