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University of Pittsburgh    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
 
  Dec 10, 2024
 
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Classics, BA


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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 archaeology, art, 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 Classics 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. It also provides a background for the study of romance and other languages and assists in the proper use of English.
 
The Classics major requires the completion of a minimum of 30 credits in one of the following tracks, distributed as described.

Greek Language track


Latin Language track


Classical Civilization track


Courses in the area of concentration


Students must complete three CLASS courses in the area of concetration they have chosen. These courses should be selected in consultation with the major advisor.

Electives


Students must complete one elective course in three of the following areas.

  • Ancient Archeology
  • Art
  • Culture
  • History
  • Language
  • Literature
  • Philosophy
  • Science 

Additional information


Grade requirements

A minimum GPA of 2.0 in courses that count toward the major is required for graduation.

Satisfactory/No Credit option

  • Greek Language or Latin Language track: two courses that count toward the major can be taken on an S/NC basis.
  • Civilization track: two courses that count toward the major can be taken on an S/NC basis.

Writing (W) requirement

Students must complete at least one writing-intensive (W) course in the major.

Honors major requirements

To earn an honors major in Classics, the student must fulfill all requirements for the major, and:

  1. attain a GPA of 3.50 or above in departmental courses by the end of their junior year; and
  2. write an honors essay in conjunction with a senior level course deemed acceptable by the department.

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