The major in Latin Language and Literature allows students to explore widely the world of Latin literature, which includes works in classical Latin (that of the late Republic and early-to-high Empire) as well as those of the Late Antique period on through to the Medieval world and even expands to the neo-Latin works of the early modern period. Students begin with classical Latin: the Latin of Cicero, Vergil, Horace, Livy, and Tacitus. Study abroad in Italy is encouraged, but not required: there is an excellent semester-long program at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome.
In addition to the learning goals for all majors, each of the three language tracks asks students to:
- attain a sophisticated understanding of the ancient language(s) and a deepened understanding of how language constructs meaning
- attain a deep familiarity with foundational literary works and genres through close reading and critical analysis of the content and structure of texts in the original language(s)
- understand the ancient language(s) as the source for the terminology of medicine, law, and the sciences
- understand the wide-ranging influence of classical literature from antiquity to the modern era on cultural and creative enterprise
- draw on the rhetorical and narrative strategies of classical literature to strengthen and refine skills in writing clearly and persuasively
Effective Fall 2024:
Major (Minimum credits for Major: 24)
Prerequisite
One of the following: LATIN 231 (honors section), LATIN 232, LATIN 233, LATIN 294, or special placement examination.
Requirements
Minimum of nine courses (at least three credits each) from the following categories:
- One introductory course selected from ARCHAM or CLARCH 222, CLCIV 202, HISTORY 201 or CLCIV 302.
- Six courses in Latin at the 300-level or above; at least one of the courses must be above LATIN 410. No more than 3 credits of LATIN 499 may be used with approval of the major advisor before electing.
- At least one upper-level (300- or 400-level) course in Roman civilization, archaeology or history. Minimum of 3 credits. (300-level must be above 302).
Honors Major
In addition to the major's requirements stated above, Honors candidates must take one course, at or above the 450-level, in Latin. Honors students receive six credits during their senior year for researching and writing an Honors thesis (Latin 495); this thesis must be based upon texts in the original ancient languages; the thesis should be a minimum of 40 pages in length. Candidates must offer an oral defense of this work, in a form to be agreed upon with their thesis advisor. Interested students who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 should contact their concentration advisor no later than the winter term of their junior year at the latest. For further information see the Senior Honors Thesis section.
Minor: Latin Language and Literature (discontinued Summer 2024 - see Classical Languages minor)
Prerequisites to the minor
Latin 231.004, or Latin 232 or Latin 233, or Latin 294, or equivalent, as determined by the departmental placement examination.
Requirements for the Roman minor
At least 16 credits of courses chosen from the following three groups
- At least two upper-level courses in Latin language and literature (Latin 301 or higher).
- At least one broad introductory course in Roman civilization (Classical Civilization 202), Roman archaeology (Classical Archaeology 222), CLCIV/HISTORY 302 or Roman History (History 201).
- At least one upper level course (300 or 400-level) in Roman civilization, archaeology, or history.
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