Classics

Concentration Requirements

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Concentration Requirements

Programs of concentration may be arranged with emphasis on the ancient languages and literature or on ancient history and culture.

Students may either pursue the standard Classics concentration — the most popular choice — or they may pursue one of the several optional tracks: Greek, Latin, Greek and Latin, South Asian Classics, Sanskrit, Greek and Sanskrit or Latin and Sanskrit.

All tracks except "Greek and Latin," "Greek and Sanskrit" and "Latin and Sanskrit" require the satisfactory completion of nine courses as described on this page. The introductory courses in Greek and Latin may not usually be counted toward a concentration, but those in Sanskrit may be counted toward the concentration requirement in some of the tracks. Students should always consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies regarding their path toward fulfilling requirements and choosing electives.

Concentration Tracks

*Track requires the completion of twelve courses.
**Track requires the completion of thirteen courses.

Note: Once a student has earned credit for a 1000-level language class, he or she may not apply any subsequent class taken at a lower level (e.g. 0300 or 0400) in the same language toward concentration requirements.

You can find additional information about concentration requirements on the Brown University Bulletin.  Programs are flexible and students are encouraged to discuss their plans with the Concentration Adviser.

IB/AP Credit

Incoming students with International Baccalaureate exam scores in Classics or Classics-related subjects should consult with the Concentration Adviser in Classics about course placement and credit.  For a score of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement exam in Latin the Department of Classics awards one (1) unassigned credit in Latin for completion of one 1,000-level course in Latin with at least the grade of 'B'.

Concentrators are strongly encouraged to integrate their studies in various fields of Classics by:

  • Writing a senior thesis, which can, but need not, be an honors thesis; is more demanding than an ordinary term paper; and preferably transcends the subject matter of one particular subdiscipline of classics
  • Participating in a seminar for juniors and seniors, which is designed to provide insight into the relationships among various parts of ancient studies
  • Or undertaking another kind of senior project that achieves the same goals and is acceptable to the department.

Honors

Students may earn honors in the concentration by presenting a satisfactory thesis, for the preparation of which they will ordinarily enroll in the relevant 1990 courses; these courses may not be used to satisfy the standard requirements for a concentration. In order to qualify, the candidate for honors in the Department of Classics ordinarily will be entering his/her seventh semester of study and must have an “A” average (3.50 or higher on a 4.00 scale) in the concentration.

Senior Thesis Guidelines

Language Placement and Proficiency

The Classics Department does not offer language placement exams for undergraduate students looking to take language courses. We encourage interested undergraduate students to discuss their proficiency with a Classics faculty member. If you have more questions regarding language placement and proficiency, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Related Studies

Students are encouraged to take related courses offered in the following programs: