Classical Civilization Major B.A.

Study of languages, literature, art, and archaeology of ancient cultures of the Mediterranean
Latin and Greek languages
Department Honors Thesis option
Preparation for graduate school and professional careers

Major code: BA5214

See Minors in Classical Civilization, Greek, Latin

Program Overview

The classical civilization major equips students to understand the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean through their languages, literature, art, and archaeology. The study of the classical world is of continuing value because we gain a deeper perspective on basic human questions such as the nature of love, family, war, community, and religious experience, through the eyes of these ancient peoples.

Students learn to analyze the evidence from archaeology and literature and apply the patterns they recognize to the modern world. Classical civilization students are encouraged to take Latin or Greek to fulfill the language requirement, to learn how to think like an ancient Greek or Roman, and so understand these cultures from the inside.

Many of our classical civilization majors are also majors in English, history, and anthropology. Classical civilization majors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher can complete a departmental honors thesis in one or two terms for 3-6 credit hours in addition to the regular requirements for the major. Preapproved application and interview required.

Careers and Graduate School

Classical civilization graduates can apply skills in research, analysis and critical thinking, and familiarity with humanities to many jobs and professional programs. Students have gone on to graduate programs in classics, archaeology, and museum studies, and have made careers in law, business, art gallery curatorship, contract archaeology, nonprofit organizations, and heritage tourism, among others. Potential employers include, but are not limited to, historical societies, libraries, the state and local government, retailers and consulting firms, institutions of higher education, etc.

Students can also browse through dozens of internship opportunities and full-time job postings for Ohio University students and alumni on Handshake, OHIO’s key resource for researching jobs, employers, and workshops and events for professional development.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Change of Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

External Transfer Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

University-wide Graduation Requirements

To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.

College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences

View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences.

Classical Civilization Major Requirements

Complete 26 semester credit hours of classics and world religions coursework, including all the requirements below.

2000-Level Core Courses

Complete three of the following courses in Greek and Roman civilization and archaeology:

CARS 2010 - Greek Archaeology Credit Hours: 3
CARS 2020 - Roman Archaeology Credit Hours: 3
CARS 2100 - Classical Athens Credit Hours: 3
CARS 2110 - Rome Under the Caesars Credit Hours: 3

2000-Level Core Elective

Complete 3 hours in any 2000-level CLAR or CLAS course (not CLAS 2110).

3000/4000-Level Electives

Complete a minimum of 12 hours from any 3000- or 4000-level CLAR, CLAS, GK, or LAT courses. In addition, CARS 3000, CARS 3010, HIST 3291, HIST 3292, GK 2120, and LAT 2120 will count in this area.

Colloquium in Classics and World Religions

Complete 2 hours of CLAS 3800.

CARS 3800 - Colloquium in Classics and Religious Studies Credit Hours: 1

Extra-Departmental Electives

Complete 6 hours from the following courses, or choose in consultation with your adviser:

ANTH 2020 - Introduction to World Archaeology Credit Hours: 3
HIST 3290 - Ancient Near East: Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Levant Credit Hours: 3
HIST 3531 - Vikings - Saxons - Franks: Western Europe, 476-1066 Credit Hours: 3
HIST 3540 - History of Early Christianity Credit Hours: 3
HIST 3541 - Medieval Christianity: Church and Society Credit Hours: 3
PHIL 3100 - History of Western Philosophy: Ancient Credit Hours: 3

A&S Language Requirement - B.A.

Students are encouraged to complete the A&S language requirement by studying Greek or Latin, but may fulfill it with study of any language (although certain languages do not meet the A&S requirement). It is recommended students complete either the Greek or Latin two-year language sequence.

Latin Two-Year Sequence

Complete the following courses:

LAT 1110 - Beginning Latin I Credit Hours: 4.0
LAT 1120 - Beginning Latin II Credit Hours: 4.0
LAT 2110 - Intermediate Latin I Credit Hours: 3.0
LAT 2120 - Intermediate Latin II Credit Hours: 3.0

Greek Two-Year Sequence