Classical Studies, BA: Classical Languages and Literature
Classical Studies encompasses the civilization of the ancient Greeks and Romans from prehistory to the Middle Ages, with emphasis on the literature, philosophy, and history of the classical Greek and Roman periods. It includes economic, political, social, and intellectual history as well as philosophy, archaeology, religion, and myth. Students may choose a track that emphasizes the study of texts in Greek and/or Latin or opt for a program of courses that do not require any knowledge of the ancient languages. The Classical Studies Department provides extensive training at the Undergraduate level and graduate training in both Classical Studies and Ancient History. We also offer a special Post-Baccalaureate Program for students who wish to continue the study of Greek and Latin but who do not yet meet the requirements of a conventional graduate program.
The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 32. Double majors may entail more course units.
For more information: http://www.classics.upenn.edu/
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 Introductory Courses | ||
| ANCH 0101 | Strife: A History of the Greeks | 1 |
| ANCH 0102 | Ancient Rome | 1 |
| Cluster 2: Fields of Classical Studies | ||
| Select 4 course units in: | 4 | |
ANCH 0000:1999 | ||
CLST 0000:4999 | ||
GREK 0000:1999 | ||
LATN 0000:1999 | ||
Or any course approved by the Undergraduate Chair | ||
| Cluster 3: Advanced Topics | ||
| Select 3 course units in Advanced Greek or Latin: | 3 | |
GREK 3000:4999 | ||
LATN 3000:4999 | ||
| Select 3 course units in Specialized Electives: | 3 | |
ANCH 3000:4999 | ||
CLST 3000:4999 | ||
GREK 3000:4999 | ||
LATN 3000:4999 | ||
Or any course approved by the Undergraduate Chair | ||
| Equity Requirement | ||
| One of the following courses may be taken to fulfill the equity requirement. May also count in clusters 2 or 3 | ||
| Private Life in Ancient Rome | ||
| Town and Country in Ancient Greece | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in the Ancient World | ||
| Citizenship, Belonging and Exclusion in the Roman World | ||
| Dangerous Books of Antiquity | ||
| Ancient Drama | ||
| Cleopatra | ||
| Foreigners in Rome | ||
| Sirens, Satyrs and the Monstrous Imagination | ||
| Archaeologies of Subalternity | ||
| Classical Studies in Philadelphia Schools | ||
| Writing Women at Rome | ||
| 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 | ||
| Lies My Ancient History Teacher Told Me | ||
| Excavating Ancient Cities: Troy & Gordion | ||
| Greek and Roman Magic | ||
| Odyssey & Its Afterlife | ||
| The Iliad and its Afterlife | ||
| 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
Honors Thesis
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.