The Department of Classical Studies combines literary and cultural studies, history, archaeology, art history, law, ancient political thought, philosophy, and the reception of classical antiquity to offer a program of study that is fundamentally interdisciplinary in character. Through investigation of the diverse cultures of the Greek, Roman, and ancient Mediterranean worlds, our students gain an understanding not only of various aspects of the ancient world but also of how the methodologies of different disciplines can work separately and together to widen and deepen our comprehension of human cultures in all periods. Moreover, our faculty are committed to engaging students in developing lifelong skills, including critical reading, evidence-based research, and effective writing.
Faculty in the department have expertise in Roman law, economy, and social history, Greek and Latin literature, Aegean Bronze Age archaeology, history and archaeology of the Hellenistic world, Roman art and archaeology, and ancient philosophy and science. The department offers general courses on Greek and Roman literature, culture, history, and archaeology, along with more in-depth courses on topics such as Knossos, Roman law, the archaeology of ancient Israel, race from antiquity to the US, early Christianity, ancient science, Etruscans and early Rome, ancient leadership, and Graeco-Roman Utopias and the Colonial Americas.
Students pursuing thisbachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in the Newcomb-Tulane College core curriculum, 120credit hours in their degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000.More information on degreeand core curriculum requirements can be found here.
Three of these 3-credit-hour courses must be at the 4000 level.
Double majors: Only 27 credits (9 courses) are required for students with more than one major.
Language Requirement: Greek or Latin courses may be used to satisfy the Newcomb-Tulane College foreign language requirement. However, any courses used to satisfy the language requirement cannot also be counted toward the major or minor.
Please note: LATN 2030 Intro to Latin Literature (4 c.h.) is only offered in the Fall semesters.
Tulane's Language Learning Center has language-specific instructions for placement testing, information about and registration for proficiency testing, links to presentation recordings, and more.
Students interested in teaching can earn certification in Latin through the Education program's offerings.
Students interested in pursuing graduate study in Classics should consult with their departmental adviser about the undergraduate preparation needed for graduate school.
This example plan of study for the BA in Classical Studies represents a fall semester start and encompasses all program requirements. Students are responsible for reviewing university, school, and program requirements, along with prerequisites and the sequencing of courses in coordination with their academic and major advisors.
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Fall
Credit Hours
Select one elective one in NTC language requirement
3
NTC Core and General Electives
13
Credit Hours
16
Spring
NTC Core or General Elective
15
Credit Hours
15
Year 2
Fall
Select one elective in CLAS, GREK, or LATN
3
NTC Core and General Elective
12
Credit Hours
15
Spring
Select two electives in CLAS, GREK, or LATN
6
NTC Core and General Elective
9
Credit Hours
15
Year 3
Fall
Select two electives in CLAS, GREK, or LATN
6
NTC Core and General Electives
10
Credit Hours
16
Spring
Select two electives in CLAS, GREK, or LATN
6
NTC Core and General Electives
10
Credit Hours
16
Year 4
Fall
Select two electives in CLAS, GREK, or LATN
6
NTC Core and General Electives
9
Credit Hours
15
Spring
Select one elective in CLAS, GREK, or LATN at 4000-level
