Course descriptionThe classical studies major providesa broad liberal arts education and the cultivation of intellectual skills in several disciplines; it is appropriate for students preparing for work in such areas as business, government, education, and commerce, or for graduate study in the professions. The program is part of the interdisciplinary, intercollegiate Classics program taught by faculty from Pomona, Scripps, Pitzer, and Claremont McKenna
Colleges. The intercollegiate Classics program offers courses in different tracks,
including introductory and advanced courses in the classical languages; courses in classical literature in English translation; yet others deal with numerous aspects of
classical civilization (in ancient Greece and Rome from the Homeric age to the early Middle Ages). The classical studies major at CMC is suitable for students interested in the
achievements of classical civilization both for their own value and for their importance as roots of modern civilization. Each major must select a CMC faculty member of the Advisory Committee as advisor and plan a program of courses for the major. In consultation with their major advisor, students may select off-campus courses in classics at the other Claremont Colleges for the major, provided they complete at least four courses (three for
dual majors) at CMC.
Major Requirements
The major in classical studies requires ten courses, including reading knowledge
(through 4th college semester) in either classical Greek or Latin, distributed as
indicated below. At least four of the ten courses must be taken at CMC.
1. Core courses (four courses):
One course in each of the following four
- Government
- History
- Literature, and
- Philosophy or Religious Studies.
Students select courses for the core requirement in consultation with a CMC major advisor. Each semester a number of off-campus courses may be selected; a list of CMC courses approved as core courses may be found below.
2. Language Study (one to four courses):
Majors must complete at least the equivalent of four college-level courses in classical Greek or Latin. Students who have studied a classical language in high school and are placed in a second or third semester Greek or Latin language course take more elective courses for the major.
3. Capstone course (one course):
All majors must complete a capstone course at CMC. Each year the Advisory Committee will designate the course or courses that may be used to meet this requirement.
4. Electives (one to four courses):
In consultation with their major advisor, students select elective courses as appropriate to complete their major. The number of elective courses required can vary depending upon the number of language courses students have to complete.