Majors and Minors

Detailed descriptions of our major and minor programs are given on this page of the website; this year's course offerings also appear on this website. Some Classics courses are taught on a three-year cycle; for a full listing, consult the Union College Academic Register.

Students without previous training in Greek or Latin who are interested in majoring in Classics are strongly encouraged to begin the study of one of the languages by fall term of sophomore year. Students interested in minoring in Classics are encouraged to study one of the languages, but we also offer a minor in Classical Civilization which does not require language study.

Members of the department are always eager to discuss our programs with interested students; we can be found in the vicinity of the departmental office at the south end of the second floor of the Humanities building, or contacted by e-mail through this website.

Requirements for the Major

The department has three tracks to enable students to major in Classics. One track is for concentrators in Latin, another for concentrators in Greek, and the third for concentrators in classical civilization. All three tracks require study of at least one ancient language, and study of both Latin and Greek is strongly encouraged.

The Latin track
  • 8 courses in Latin
  • 4 courses in Classics (including Classics 126, 129, and 134)
  • Courses in Greek may be substituted for two of the courses in Latin and one of the courses in Classics.
The Greek track
  • 9 courses in Greek
  • 3 courses in classics (including Classics 121 and 134)
  • Two courses in Latin may be substituted for two of the Greek courses.
The Classical Civilization track
  • At least four courses in one of the ancient languages
  • 8 courses in classics (including Classics 121, 126, 129, 134, and 143 or 278)

Senior thesis/senior project
All majors must complete either a senior thesis or a senior project. The senior thesis represents two terms of research and writing, followed by an oral examination based on the thesis. The senior project involves a one-term, intensive study on a Greek or Latin author, followed by a comprehensive field examination. Students who intend to do graduate work in Classics should consult the department chair for additional requirements.

Requirements for Interdepartmental Majors
Students who wish to create an interdepartmental major are encouraged to speak to the department chair as early as possible. Generally, students in an interdepartmental major are required to receive a passing grade in at least eight courses offered by the Classics Department. Four of those courses must be in one of the ancient languages. All interdepartmental majors must have their program of study approved by the department chair.

Departmental Honors
To be eligible for graduation honors, a student must have achieved a minimum index of 3.35 in Classics department courses as well as having received a grade of B+ or better in at least one upper-level language course (Greek or Latin) with a course number of 130 or above. The student must also achieve a grade of A- or better on the senior thesis and present a distinctive performance in the oral examination based on the thesis. In addition, the student must satisfy College requirements for departmental honors.

Requirements for the Minor

The department likewise has three tracks to a minor in Classics.

The Latin track
  • 4 courses in Latin
  • Classics 126 or Classics 129
  • 1 additional course in Classics, Latin, or Greek
The Greek track
  • 4 courses in Greek
  • Classics 121
  • 1 additional course in Classics, Latin, or Greek
The Classical Civilization track
  • 6 courses combined in Classics, Latin, or Greek