Classical Civilization

Directors of undergraduate studies: Kirk Freudenburg [Fall 2022], Andrew Johnston,[Spring 2023]; 311 Phelps Hall; classics.yale.edu

The Department of Classics offers a major in Classics, concentrating in either Greek or Latin literature, or in both literatures; a major in Classical Civilization; and, in conjunction with the Hellenic Studies program, a major in Ancient and Modern Greek. The diversity of subject matter covered by these majors makes Classics an excellent partner in interdepartmental major programs. Programs for all majors must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies (DUS).

Course numbering

All CLCV courses are taught in translation, with no knowledge of Greek or Latin required. CLCV courses numbered 001-099 are First-Year Seminars, with enrollment limited to eighteen. CLCV courses numbered at the 100-level and 200-level are primarily introductory, lecture-style courses, which may or may not include a discussion-section component. CLCV courses numbered at the 300-level are discussion-oriented seminars, with enrollment limited to fifteen. 

For courses in Ancient Greek (GREK) and Latin language (LATN), those at the 100-level are introductory and intermediate courses (L1, L2, L3, and L4), while those at the 400-level are advanced seminar-style courses (L5).

Placement Procedures

Students are encouraged to take courses as advanced as they can handle with profit and pleasure. The department, recognizing the great variety of preparation in ancient languages, wishes to accommodate incoming students in as flexible a manner as possible. Students who plan either to begin or to continue the study of Greek or Latin should consult members of the departmental faculty as soon as possible.

Students who have had the equivalent of two years of college-level instruction may try a 400-level course. It is possible to take GREK 141 or LATN 141 after a 400-level course, or to be admitted to a 400-level course after completion of GREK 131 or LATN 131. 

Requirements of the Major in Classics

The major in Classics is primarily a liberal arts major. It provides a rigorous interdisciplinary education in the literature, material culture, and history that underlie Western civilization and other humanities disciplines; it can also provide foundational disciplinary expertise for students who wish to do professional graduate work. Students develop a mastery of the classical languages, become acquainted with important periods and major authors in Greek and Roman literature, and develop the linguistic, historical, and theoretical interpretative tools to analyze classical antiquity and its relevance in the modern world. All courses in the department emphasize a combination of precise analysis, original thought, creativity, and breadth of historical inquiry. Courses in other literatures, in history, in art history, and in philosophy are strongly recommended for students enrolled in the Classics major.

The candidate for the Classics major may elect either the standard or the intensive major. In both of these majors the department recognizes two kinds of concentration, one aiming at knowledge of both ancient literatures, the other concentrating on either Greek or Latin literature.

The standard majorThe standard major in two literatures requires no fewer than ten term courses. These include six language courses in both Greek and Latin at the level of 390 or above, and must include GREK 403 or LATN 390. Also required are one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course in a related field in ancient history, and one course in a related field in ancient history, ancient philosophy, classical art and archaeology, or classical civilization.

Students majoring in one literature (Greek or Latin) are required to take no fewer than ten term courses. These include six language courses in that literature level of 390 or above, and must include GREK 403 or LATN 390. Also required are one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), a course in ancient history related to the chosen literature, and an additional course in ancient history, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civilization. Students are encouraged to do some work in the second language and may substitute two terms at the intermediate level (131 and 141) or higher in the second language for two 400-level courses in the major literature. 

The intensive majorStudents who desire a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers may elect the intensive major. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the standard major (in both literatures, in Greek, or in Latin), students in the intensive major write a senior essay under the regular guidance of a faculty adviser. 

Combined B.A./M.A. degreeExceptionally able and well-prepared students may complete a course of study leading to the simultaneous award of the B.A. and M.A. degrees after eight terms of enrollment. See Academic Regulations, section L, Special Academic Arrangements, "Simultaneous Award of the Bachelor's and Master's Degrees." Interested students should consult the DUS prior to the sixth term of enrollment for specific requirements in Classics.

Credit/D/FailCourses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.

Senior Requirement

For the standard majorAt the end of the senior year the student majoring in both Greek and Latin takes a comprehensive examination in the history of Greek and Latin literature and culture and in translation of both languages; the student majoring in either Greek or Latin takes a senior departmental examination in the history of the literature of the major and in translation of that literature.

For the intensive majorStudents may write a one-term essay in either the fall or spring (CLSS 492), or they may write a two-term essay (CLSS 490 and 491) starting in the fall of their senior year. A brief prospectus of the essay must be submitted, preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than the end of September of the senior year. The candidate must submit two copies of the senior essay to the DUS no later than December 6 (CLSS 492) or April 18 (CLSS 490, 491 or 492) of the senior year.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR

PrerequisitesNone

Number of courses10 term courses

Specific courses required GREK 403 or LATN 390

Distribution of coursesTwo literatures—6 courses in both langs at level 390 or above, with one of those being GREK 403 or LATN 390; 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece, and 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome; 1 course in ancient hist; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civ; One literature—6 courses in lit at level 390 or above, with one of those being GREK 403 for the Greek major and LATN 390 for the Latin major; 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece, and 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome; 1 course in ancient hist related to lit of major; 1 addtl course in ancient hist, classical art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, or classical civ

Substitution permittedOne literature—2 courses in the other literature numbered 131 or higher for 2 courses in the major literature at 400 level

Senior requirementTwo literatures—senior dept exam in hist and translation of Greek and Latin lit; One literature—senior dept exam in hist and translation of major lit

Intensive majorSenior essay (CLSS 490, 491 or CLSS 492) in addition to above

Requirements of the Major in Classical Civilization

The major in Classical Civilization is designed to offer students an opportunity to study an entire Western civilization in its many diverse but related aspects. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, art, archaeology, and other aspects of Greek and Roman antiquity from the earliest beginnings in Greece to the Middle Ages are studied for their intrinsic artistic value, their historical significance, and their power to illuminate problems confronting contemporary societies. Each year, the department offers courses that focus on ways that subsequent ages have used and made sense of classical antiquity. Ancient texts are studied primarily in translation, under the guidance of instructors who have expertise in Greek and Latin.

Candidates for the major complete at least twelve term courses (including the senior essay) in Classics and related departments. Of these, two must be in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology; and two must be in Greek or Latin, or both, numbered 131 or higher (the latter courses should be completed by the end of the junior year). Students must also take one course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), and one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (CLCV at the 100- or 200-level). It is strongly recommended that candidates elect one course each in the general areas of ancient epic, drama, philosophy, Roman civilization, and the classical tradition. Candidates for the major are encouraged to take related courses in other departments.

Credit/D/FailCourses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.

Senior Requirement

Students research and complete an original research project, usually an essay, under the guidance of a faculty adviser. Students choose either a two-term senior project for two course credits (CLCV 450, 451) or a one-term senior project for one course credit (CLCV 452). Students who elect the one-term senior project need to take one additional course towards the major. A brief prospectus of the project must be submitted to the DUS, preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than the end of September of the senior year. The completed project must be submitted to the department no later than December 6 (CLCV 452) or April 18 (CLCV 450, 451 or CLCV 452) of the senior year.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR

PrerequisitesNone

Number of courses12 term courses (incl a two-term senior essay, or a one-term senior essay and an additional course)

Specific courses requiredNone

Distribution of courses2 courses in ancient history and/or classical art and archaeology; 2 courses in Greek or Latin, or both, numbered 131 or higher; 2 CLCV courses at the 100- or 200-level, 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece, and 1 course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome

Senior requirementSenior project (CLCV 450, 451 or CLCV 452 and an additional course)

Requirements Of the Major in Ancient and Modern Greek

The major in Ancient and Modern Greek offers students an opportunity to integrate the study of postclassical Greek language, history, and culture with the departmental program in ancient Greek and classical civilization. The major covers Hellenic civilization from the Bronze Age to the modern day, and traces the development of the language and the culture across traditionally drawn boundaries. The study of both ancient and modern Greek allows the student to appreciate how familiarity with one enriches understanding of the other, and to chart the development of a language which has one of the oldest continuous written traditions in the world. The literature, history, philosophy, religion, and art of the ancient Greek and Greco-Roman worlds are studied both as ends in themselves and also as a foundation for appreciating later (medieval, Ottoman, and modern) developments in these areas. Students are encouraged to develop a sense of the continuity of Greek language and culture, and an understanding of how Byzantine and modern forms relate to their ancient forebears.

The standard majorThe major in Ancient and Modern Greek requires at least ten term courses. These include four term courses at the level of 390 or above in ancient Greek, one of which should be GREK 403; and four term courses, to consist of: one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Greece (a course with the designation CLCV at the 100- or  200-level), one term course that covers broadly the literature and/or culture of ancient Rome (a course with the designation CLCV at the 100- or 200-level), one term course in ancient Greek history, and at least one additional term course in the history, art history, literature, or culture of the Greek-speaking Balkans or the Hellenic diaspora in the medieval, Ottoman, or modern period. Candidates are encouraged to take a wide range of courses in the areas of ancient philosophy, religion, art, and architecture. In addition, no fewer than two term courses in modern Greek must be elected at the intermediate level (MGRK 130, MGRK 140), or above.

The intensive majorStudents who desire a larger measure of independence than the standard major offers may elect the intensive major. In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the standard major, students in the intensive major write a senior essay under the regular guidance of a faculty adviser. 

Credit/D/FailCourses taken Credit/D/Fail may not be counted toward the requirements of the major.

Senior Requirement

The standard majorAt the end of the senior year the student takes a comprehensive examination in the history of Greek literature and culture.

The intensive majorStudents may write a one-term essay in the fall or spring (CLSS 492), or they may write a two-term essay starting in the fall of their senior year (CLSS 490 and 491). A brief prospectus of the essay must be submitted, preferably at the end of the junior year and in no case later than the end of September of the senior year. The candidate must submit two copies of the senior essay to the DUS no later than December 6 (CLSS 492) or April 18 (CLSS 490, 491, or CLSS 492) of the senior year.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE MAJOR

PrerequisitesNone

Number of courses10 term courses

Specific courses requiredGREK 403

Distribution of courses4 term courses in ancient Greek numbered 390 or higher, as indicated; 4 term courses in Greek and Roman history and lit, as indicated; 2 term courses in modern Greek at the intermediate level

Senior requirementSenior dept exam

Intensive majorSenior essay (CLSS 490 and 491 or CLSS 492)

• $80 application fee or fee waiver
• Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor
• School Report with transcript
• Standardized test results (ACT or SAT) - not required for fall 2023 admission. (See below)
• English proficiency test results - required for non-native English-speakers (See below)
• Mid-Year Report & Final Report

See additional details about these required application components below.

Please note that if your application materials include any documents that are not in English, you must provide an official English translation in addition to the original documents.

$80 application fee or fee waiver

Applicants should pay the $80 application fee via the Common Application or Coalition Application website.

Applicants using the Common Application or Coalition Application may request that the application fee be waived. Learn more on the fee waiver page. The fee waiver scale is based on family size and income in US dollars but is applicable to all international students.

Recommendations from two teachers and one counselor

Request recommendations from two teachers who have taught you in core academic subjects (e.g. English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) who know you well, and who have seen you at your best. It is preferable, but not required, that recommendations come from teachers who have taught you during your final or next-to-final year of secondary school.

Also request a recommendation from your school’s college counselor. If your counselor does not know you well, the recommendation may still provide helpful contextual information about your school and its academic programs. If your school does not have someone serving as a college counselor, please request a recommendation from a school administrator such as a house master, principal, or academic advisor. 

School Report with transcript

Your counselor or other school official should submit a School Report with an official transcript that includes all your secondary school courses. If a question on the School Report form is not applicable to your secondary school, leave it blank. 

Recommendations and transcripts should be submitted electronically through the Common Application or Coalition Application website. If necessary, teachers and counselors may also submit their recommendations and transcripts via mail or digital upload. Recommendations may be sent before or after you submit your application; materials that arrive before your application will be kept on file. The admissions office will make reasonable allowances for late school documents in situations where it is not possible for teachers and counselors to meet the application deadlines.

Standardized test results

In response to the extraordinary circumstances associated with the pandemic, Yale has temporarily suspended its requirement that first-year and transfer applicants submit results from the ACT or SAT. The change will be in effect during the 2022-23 admissions cycles for applicants who intend to matriculate in fall 2023. 

More information on Yale’s test policies is available on the standardized testing page. Standardized tests are just one component of a student’s application and are viewed within the context of the student’s entire file. There is no minimum score required for admission, nor is there a score that will guarantee admission.

English proficiency exams

Yale requires that non-native English-speakers who have not taken at least two years of secondary education where English is the medium of instruction submit the results from any of the proficiency tests listed below.

The TOEFL requires pre-registration for available testing dates. Yale’s most competitive applicants have scores of at least 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.

The IELTS offers proficiency tests in locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have IELTS scores of 7 or higher.

Cambridge English exams are available at testing locations around the world. Pre-registration is required. Yale’s most competitive applicants have Cambridge English scores of 185 or higher on the C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, or B2 First exams.

Applicants may submit the Duolingo English Test (DET), which combines an English proficiency test with a brief video interview. Duolingo’s technology and format allows applicants to complete the test at any time or place with internet access. Yale’s most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120.

InitialView provides live, unscripted video interviews that candidates may submit to colleges for consideration with other application materials. Interview times must be reserved in advance. There is no scoring associated with these interviews.

Mid-Year Report & Final Report

Students who do not receive new secondary school grades by February 1, including students who have already completed secondary school, are not required to submit a Mid-Year Report. This includes many international students. Applicants who receive new grades by February 1 should submit a Mid-Year Report.

Only admitted students are required to submit the Final Report, which provides final secondary school grades and examination marks. Admitted students submit the Final Report in the summer before fall matriculation.

If your secondary school provides predicted results for external exams such as A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, and other international or national testing organizations, they should be submitted by your school alongside your transcript or Mid-Year Report.

All applicants for first-year admission must submit one of the following:

• The Coalition Application with Yale-Specific Questions
• The Common Application with Yale-Specific Questions
• The QuestBridge National College Match Application

Yale will accept any one of these applications, without preference for one over another. Students should submit one—and only one—application per admissions cycle.