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Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University
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About the Major

A major in classics leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of at least 36 credits, including the following, and the comprehensive examination:

  1. At least 18 credits in Greek and/or Latin with at least six credits at the 300 level, and no more than six credits at the 100-level
  2. At least 12 additional credits chosen from the following: Classics; Greek; HIST 109, 110, 111; Latin; PHIL 141, 222; POL 265; REL 102. Independentstudy courses must be approved in advance by the department.
  3. A comprehensive examination administered in the senior year or, with the permission of the department, in the junior year.

HONORS: An Honors Program in classics is offered for qualified students. See department head for details.

The wide scope of Classics, and its emphasis on close study, analysis, and critical thinking makes the field an excellent preparation for a wide range of professions. Recent graduates are pursuing a variety of careers including academia, law, medicine, journalism, consulting, teaching, and public service. The Department's small size ensures that every major receives personal guidance and instruction throughout his or her years at Washington and Lee.

Because W & L is a member of Sunoikisis, a collaborative virtual Classics Department sponsored by the Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington D.C., our faculty and advanced students may participate in the courses, conferences, archaeological expeditions, and other opportunities offered by this consortium.. All collaborative courses are taught on campus by W & L faculty with the additional advantage of weekly online guest lectures and discussions with students and faculty from other participating colleges. For further information, click the link above or contact a faculty member.

HONORS IN CLASSICS. Classics majors who have achieved distinction in the major may be eligible to write an Honors Thesis during the senior year and should begin conversations with faculty during winter term of the junior year. For more information, click here.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR IN CLASSICS

A Major in Classics leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree requires completion of at least 33 credits, including the following, and the comprehensive examination:

  1. At least 18 credits in Greek and/or Latin with at least six credits at the 300 level, and no more than six credits at the 100-level

  2. 15 additional credits chosen from the Greek, Latin, or Classics courses or the following: HIST 109, 110, 111; PHIL 141, 222; POL 265; REL 102. Independent study courses must be approved in advance by the department.

  3. A comprehensive examination administered in the senior year or, with the permission of the department, in the junior year.

1.At least 18 credits in Greek and/or Latin with at least six credits at the 300 level, and no more than six credits at the 100-level.

2. 15 additional credits chosen from the Greek, Latin or Classics courses, or the following:

3. A comprehensive examination administered in the senior year or, with the permission of the department, in the junior year.
REQUIEMENTS FOR THE MINOR IN CLASSICS.

A Minor in Classics requires at least 21 credits from seven courses. In meeting the requirements of this minor, a student may not use more than nine credits that are also used to meet the requirements of any other major or minor. The courses must include:

1. Six credits in Greek or Latin numbered 300 or higher
2. At least six additional credits (two courses) designated as CLAS, GR, or LATN
3. Nine additional credits chosen from the following:

Any course designated CLAS, GR, or LATN
HIST 109, 110, 111
PHIL 141, 222
POL 265
REL 102

With permission of the Classics Department Head, credit for the minor may also be awarded for courses dealing with the ancient world but offered from time to time in departments other than Classics. Permission will be considered on an individual basis.