Greek, Latin, and Classical Civ Majors
Note: We offer sections 1 through 3 of both Greek and Latin every term.
Language Majors and Minors
Civilization Majors and Minors
Classics Major
30 credits, or 10 courses, are required to complete a major in Classics.
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15 credits – 5 courses in either Greek or Latin—3rd semester level (200XX) and above
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6 credits – 2 courses in your non-primary language (Greek or Latin)
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek or Roman history
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6 credits – 2 Classics courses in English
Students will typically choose one of the two classical languages, ancient Greek or Latin, in which to fulfill the language requirement at the advanced level. They will be required to take at least two semesters in the other language at the appropriate level.
If a student has sufficient background in both languages, it should be possible for her or him to complete the requirements of the major through a combination of intermediate and advanced courses in both languages, as long as the total number of language courses equals 7 (21 credit hours).
Classics Supplementary Major
24 credits, or 8 courses, are required to complete a supplementary major in Classics.
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15 credits – 5 courses in either Greek or Latin—3rd semester level (200XX) and above
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek or Roman History
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6 credits – 2 Classics courses in English
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Latin Minor
The Latin minor is designed to guarantee a solid grounding in the philosophical and literary study of Latin texts of the classical period, or, for those who prefer, of Christian Latin literature.
15 credits, or 5 courses, at the Intermediate level (200XX) or higher are required to complete a minor in Latin.
Students interested in later Latin texts are directed to the joint offerings of the Department of Classics and the Medieval Institute.
Greek Minor
The minor in Greek is designed to guarantee a solid grounding in the philological and literary study of Greek texts of the classical and Hellenistic periods.
15 credits, or 5 courses, at the Intermediate level (200XX) or higher are required to complete a minor in Greek.
Greek and Roman Civilization Major
30 credits, or 10 courses, are required to complete a major in Classical Civilization.
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3 credits – 1 course in History of Ancient Greece
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3 credits – 1 course in History of Ancient Rome
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek Literature and Culture
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3 credits – 1 course in Roman Literature and Culture
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18 credits – 6 Classics courses in English or Greek and Latin language offerings
Students will be strongly encouraged, but not required, to include some language study in their 6 elective courses.
Greek and Roman Civilization Supplementary Major
24 credits, or 8 courses, are required to complete a supplementary major in Classical Civilization.
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek History
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3 credits – 1 course in Roman History
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek Literature and Culture
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3 credits – 1 course in Roman Literature and Culture
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12 credits – 4 Classics courses in English or Greek and Latin language offerings
Greek and Roman Civilization Minor
Classical Civilization Minor is designed to provide a broadly based orientation to the history and civilization of the classical world.
The three specifically required courses supply the needed framework of study of history and religious thought. Students are encouraged to select the other two courses of the minor from other fields or approaches to classical culture: Philosophy, art and architecture, archaeology, political theory, or Greek or Latin language above the introductory level.
15 credits, or 5 courses, are required to complete a minor in Classical Civilization.
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek History
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3 credits – 1 course in Roman History
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek and Roman Mythology
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6 credits – 2 courses chosen either from Classics courses, whether offered by the Department of Classics, cross-listed courses offered by other programs, or Greek or Latin language courses.
Literature in Translation Minor
The minor in Classical Literature in Translation is designed to provide a broad experience of Greek and Latin literature studied in English translation.
The three specifically required courses offer surveys of the principal Greek and Latin classics and a study of the mythology that is needed for the sophisticated understanding both of classical texts and of literatures influenced by them. These are to be supplemented by courses selected from the classics-in-translation courses offered regularly by the Department of Classics and cross-listed courses devoted to the study of the classical tradition in later literatures, or by courses in Greek or Latin language and literature above the introductory level.
15 credits, or five courses, are required to complete the minor in Classical Literature in Translation.
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek Literature and Culture
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3 credits – 1 course in Roman Literature and Culture
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3 credits – 1 course in Greek and Roman Mythology
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6 credits – 2 electives chosen, subject to departmental approval, either from Classics courses (whether offered by the Department or cross-listed courses offered by other programs) or from Greek or Latin language courses.
Undergraduate Programs
Spotlight
Arabic Culture Night 2012
A Night of Singing, Dancing, and Enjoying all things Arabic
Check out the video for this Arabic Culture Night 2012! Read More
Spotlight
Senior Theses
Congratulations to the Classics and Arabic Senior Theses Writers
Check out this year's Classics and Arabic Theses. Topics ranged from Tertullian, Buddhism, Football and everything in between. Read More
Spotlight
Sunoikisis Presentation
Notre Dame Classics Major Represents at Consortium
Brian Credo recently gave a talk on “Laughing at the Present: An Examination of Nostalgia in Aristophanes’ Frogs” for Sunoikisis, a national consortium of Classics Programs. Read More
Spotlight
Discovering Butrint
Archaeological Opportunities for Notre Dame Students
Notre Dame is proudly partnered with the Albanian Institute of Archaeology in their excavations of Butrint. Every Summer, Notre Dame students are allowed to join Professor Hernandez in uncovering the mysteries of Butrint Read More
Spotlight
Nancy Joyce
Vice- President of the Student Body and Arabic Club
The Classics and Arabic Department would like to congratulate Nancy Joyce on her election success. Nancy has been elected the vice-president of the student body. She will also serve as vice-president for the Arabic club and student editor-in-chief for Bil'arabi. Nancy was also chosen as the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures December 2012 Spotlight. That article can be found here Read More
Spotlight
Classics Majors Find Their Future in the Past
How to Succeed
Ever gotten quizzical looks when you tell people you're a Classics major? Or have people caution you that you won't find a job? Katharine Brooks' recent article reveals the extreme benefits Classics majors receive in future endeavors, whether those be graduate, medical, legal or business school. Majoring in Classics may just be the best kept secret to success. Read More
Spotlight
Tracy Jennings
Alumna
I did not come to Notre Dame intending to major in Classics, yet the decision to do so was one of the most formative choices in my life. The opportunities provided by this department are outstanding. Read More
Spotlight
The School of Rome: Latin Studies and the Origins of Liberal Education
W. Martin Bloomer
Associate Professor
Classics Read More
Spotlight
Maria Martellaro
Greek and Roman Civilization Major
Prominent in both Greek mythology and Catholicism, the labyrinth remains one of the most enigmatic and elaborate structures in history. Notre Dame senior Maria Martellaro traveled to Italy and France this past summer in attempt to unravel this mystery . . . Read More
Spotlight
Molly Herber
Undergraduate Student
Being an Arabic major has led me to learn a rich language, giving me the opportunity to encounter new people and ideas about the world in places I never would have expected to find myself Read More
Spotlight
Kayla Durcholz
Alumna
By studying Classics, I have not just filled a bookshelf; I have actually encountered humanity. Read More
Spotlight
Edward Larkin
2011 Valedictorian
Studying the Classics at Notre Dame has been a singular experience. The granular detail of the coursework; the challenge involved in reconstructing the ancient world; the enormous pleasure inherent in studying such vibrant and fabulous cultures -- it has been an incredible four years of study. Read More
Spotlight
Emily Garnett
Alumna
After exploring the world of agriculture for a year, via jobs on five different farms around the U.S. and England, I took a job with the KP Ranch in Nebraska. I'm currently working with show cattle and learning the ropes of the ranching world. I am putting my Classics education to use and exploring the field of agricultural journalism as a potential career path. Read More
Spotlight
Michael Wagner
Alumnus
Studying in city of Classical importance – such as Rome, Athens, or Cairo – is absolutely essential for a Classics major at Notre Dame or any other university. It brings the history to life and it is essential to gaining a full appreciation for Classical Studies. As a student and as a person, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Read More
Spotlight
Stephen Morris
Alumnus
As I continue my educational journey into medical school, I know that the Classical foundation I received at Notre Dame will enhance my communication skills and the ability to digest complicated material. Read More
Spotlight
Ghada Bualuan
Assistant Teaching Professor
Assistant Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Classics and Program of Arabic Languages and Literature, Professor Bualuan is interested in Read More
Spotlight
Michael Mercurio
Undergraduate Student
Congratulations to Michael for being selected as The Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures November Spotlight! Read More
Spotlight
Mary Claire O'Donnell
Alumna
I truly believe that my study of ancient cultures enhances my understanding of modern culture. My study of Classics here allows me to view the world in a new, more fulfilling way. Read More
Spotlight
Justin Farishon
Alumnus
The classics, in particular the Latin language, provided a foundation for understanding and synthesizing the various languages and cultures I encountered during my travels throughout Europe. Read More
Spotlight
Kyle Lee Andrews
Alumna
Classics is about the only major that allows for classes in the Forum, gives insight into Monty Python movies, and allows for the study of nearly any subject, provided that it involves the ancient world. Read More
Spotlight
Catherine Clepper
Alumna
Taking Classics course helped me realize that modernity and antiquity are along a continuum and constantly posing similar philosophical questions, similar political quandaries. Read More
