Classics

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Professors: Krentz, Neumann (Chair), Toumazou (On leave, Spring)
Associate Professor: Cheshire (On leave)
Visiting Assistant Professor: Johnson, Paulas
Affiliated Faculty: Ahrensdorf (Political Science), W. T. Foley (Religion), Griffith (Philosophy), Snyder (Religion), Studtmann (Philosophy)

Distribution Requirements

Classics 211, 222, 256, and any course in Greek or Latin numbered above 300 satisfy the distribution requirement in literature. Classics 257, 341, 342, and 444 satisfy the distribution requirement in fine arts. Any course in classics cross-listed by the Department of History satisfies the distribution requirement in history. Classics 261 satisfies a distribution requirement in philosophy. Classics 268 satisfies a distribution requirement in social science. Classics 272, 378 and Latin 329 satisfy a distribution requirement in religion.

Foreign Language Requirement

Any course in Greek or Latin numbered above 200 satisfies the foreign language requirement.

Major Requirements

The Department of Classics offers a major with an emphasis in either classical civilization or classical languages.

Emphasis in classical civilization

three courses in Greek and Latin, including one course in each language and one course at the 200 level or above in either language
eight other courses at the 200 level or above, including:

at least one course in ancient literature (Classics 211, 222);

at least one course in ancient history (Classics 231, 232);

at least one course in ancient art (Classics 341, 342);

at least one seminar (400-level course).

Note: Students who successfully complete the Classics Semester Abroad (CLA 255-258) are exempted from the specific distribution of courses in literature, history, and art.

Emphasis in classical languages

seven language courses, including five at the 200 level or above and at least two in each language;
four other courses at the 200 level or above, including

one course in ancient literature (Classics 211, 222);

one course in ancient history (Classics 231, 232);

one course in ancient art (Classics 341, or 342);

one seminar (400-level course).
Note: Students who successfully complete the Classics Semester Abroad (CLA 255-258) are exempted from the specific distribution of courses in literature, history, and art.

Placement

Students who have studied Latin in secondary school must take a placement test before enrolling in Latin at Davidson. By qualifying scores on the placement test a student may be exempted from Latin 101, 102, and 201. Students who receive a score of 4 or 5 on either or both of the Advanced Placement Latin tests, or who receive a score of 6 or 7 on the higher level International Baccalaureate Latin exam, receive automatic credit for Latin 199. Any such student who places out of Latin 201 on our placement test will receive credit for 201 instead of 199.

Students may enroll for one advanced Greek and one advanced Latin course at the 200-level if they have not taken a course above 201 in the language before.

Honors Requirements

Candidates may be admitted to the honors program provided they have attained an overall grade point average of at least 3.2, an average of 3.5 or higher in the major, and the unanimous endorsement of the department’s faculty. In addition to the regular course requirements for the major, candidates for honors must complete and successfully defend an honors thesis. A student who receives an A- or better on the thesis and maintains the above grade point averages throughout the senior year will receive the department’s recommendation for graduation with honors.

Greek Courses

Advanced Course Information

We offer at least one course in advanced Greek each semester. In the past four years, we have offered courses in Aristophanes, Herodotus, Homer, Lyric Poetry, the New Testament, Rhetoric, and Sophocles. Students who have completed Greek 201 may enroll in their first advanced course at the 200-level; individual instructors will determine how the course requirements will differ for 200- and 300-level students.

Latin Courses

Advanced Course Information

We offer at least one course in advanced Latin each semester. In the past four years, we have offered courses in Christian Latin Writers, Cicero, Comedy, Horace, Ovid, Pastoral Poetry, Satire, and Seneca. Students who have completed Latin 201 may enroll in their first advanced course at the 200-level; individual instructors will determine how the course requirements will differ for the 200- and 300-level students.

Classical Civilization Courses

Classics Semester Abroad

Four course-credit program studying the art, archaeology, history, and literature of classical antiquity. Conducted on location in Greece, Italy and Turkey. At the discretion of the director, sites in other countries may be included as well. Open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors; limited to sixteen participants. The program goes every other spring, next in 2009.