Ancient History, BA
The major in Ancient History coordinates a curriculum encompassing the whole of the ancient history of the Near East and the Mediterranean Basin.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 32. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: https://www.classics.upenn.edu/majoring-and-minoring/major-ancient-history
For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| College General Education Requirements and Free Electives | ||
| Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives | 20 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| Cluster 1: Core Classes | ||
| Select two of the following: | 2 | |
| Introduction to the Ancient Middle East | ||
| Strife: A History of the Greeks | ||
| Ancient Rome | ||
| Cluster 2: Graeco-Roman World | ||
| Select 4 course units with a minimum of 2 course units. | 4 | |
ANCH 0000:4999 | ||
CLST 0000:4999 | ||
GREK 0000:4999 | ||
LATN 0000:4999 | ||
| Cluster 3: Advanced Topics and Area Groupings | ||
| 6 courses units with at least 2 course units at the 3000-level or above: | 6 | |
ANCH 0000:4999 | ||
CLST 0000:4999 | ||
GREK 0000:4999 | ||
LATN 0000:4999 | ||
| Equity Requirement | ||
| One of the following courses may be taken to fulfill the equity requirement. May also count in clusters 1, 2, or 3 | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in the Ancient World | ||
| Citizenship, Belonging and Exclusion in the Roman World | ||
| Cleopatra | ||
| Foreigners in Rome | ||
| Private Life in Ancient Rome | ||
| Town and Country in Ancient Greece | ||
| Sex and Gender in Ancient Greece and Rome | ||
| Dangerous Books of Antiquity | ||
| Ancient Drama | ||
| Sirens, Satyrs and the Monstrous Imagination | ||
| Archaeologies of Subalternity | ||
| Classical Studies in Philadelphia Schools | ||
| In lieu of one of these courses, a seminar paper or project completed in the following classes might be used. For this latter option, the project must be pre-approved by the course instructor and the undergraduate chair. The Senior Research Paper cannot be used to fulfill this requirement. Courses that could support such papers include (but are not limited to): | ||
| Classical Traditions | ||
| Excavating Ancient Cities: Troy & Gordion | ||
| Odyssey & Its Afterlife | ||
| The Iliad and its Afterlife | ||
| Lies My Ancient History Teacher Told Me | ||
| Greek and Roman Magic | ||
| Total Course Units | 32 | |
- 1
You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.
Honors
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the major and major related courses.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANCH 4998 | Senior Research Paper (Honors Thesis) | 1 |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.