Classics

253.535.7219 www.plu.edu/languages/classics
Bridget Yaden, Ph.D., Chair

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Classical Studies and Classical Languages Major

40 or 44 semester hoursHercules poster

The classical studies major requires the completion of 44 semester hours (including CLAS 499) with at least 16 credits of one of the classical languages (Greek or Latin) and 8 credits of the other. The remaining courses are selected from the list below in consultation with the program coordinator.

The classical languages major requires 40 semester hours to be completed in the classical languages (which may include CLAS 241/341 when taught as Odysseys: Classical Languages in Classical Lands), plus 4 semester hours in CLAS 499, and is recommended for students who wish to go on to graduate or professional programs with high language proficiency requirements.

Classical Studies Minor (Greek or Latin emphasis)

24 semester hours

The classical studies minor (Greek or Latin emphasis) requires the completion of 24 semester hours, 16 of which must be credits in one of the classical languages (Greek or Latin). The remaining courses may be selected from the list below in consultation with the program coordinator.

Language Courses

  • GREK 111-112: Intensive Greek (8)
  • LATN 111-112: Intensive Latin (8)
  • GREK 211/311: Intermediate Readings in Greek Prose (4)
  • GREK 212/312: Intermediate Readings in Greek Poetry (4)
  • LATN 211/311: Intermediate Readings in Latin Prose (4)
  • LATN 212/312: Intermediate Readings in Latin Poetry (4)

Non-Language Courses

  • ARTD 180: History of Western Art I (4)
  • CLAS/ENGL 231: Masterpieces of European Literature (4)
  • CLAS 241/341: Special Topics in Ancient Literature and Culture (4)
  • CLAS/HIST 326: A History of Medicine: Antiquity to European Renaissance (4)
  • CLAS/HIST 321: Greek Civilization (4)
  • CLAS/HIST 322: Roman Civilization (4)
  • CLAS 350: Classical and Comparative Mythology (4)
  • IHON 111: Authority and Discovery (4)
  • PHIL 331: Ancient Philosophy (4)
  • RELI 211: Religion & Literature of the Hebrew Bible (4)
  • RELI 212: Religion & Literature of the New Testament (4)
  • RELI 220: Early Christianity (4)
  • RELI 330: Hebrew Bible Studies (4)
  • RELI 331: New Testament Studies (4)
  • Approved independent study courses
  • Approved Study Away courses

Students are expected to become familiar with the reading list for that part of the program (art, literature, history, philosophy or religion) in which their interest lies. The program is designed to be flexible. In consultation with the program coordinator, a student may elect a course(s) not on the classics curriculum list. All the Classics Program core courses are taught by faculty from the Department of Languages and Literatures.

Classics (CLAS) - Undergraduate Courses

CLAS 190 : FYEP190: Freshman Inquiry Seminar

A four credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)

CLAS 231 : Masterpieces of European Literature - LT

Representative works of classical, medieval, and early Renaissance literature. Cross-listed with ENGL 231. (4)

CLAS 241 : Special Topics in Ancient Literature and Culture - C

May be retaken for credit with instructor permission. When taught as "Classical Languages in Classical Lands" in J-Term, registration is limited to students of Latin and Greek. (4)

CLAS 287 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 288 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 289 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

CLAS 321 : Greek Civilization

The political, social, and cultural history of Ancient Greece from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period. Special attention to the literature, art, and intellectual history of the Greeks. Cross-listed with HIST 321. (4)

CLAS 322 : Roman Civilization

The history of Rome from the foundation of the city to CE 395, the death of Theodosius the Great. Emphasis on Rome's expansion over the Mediterranean and on its constitutional history. Attention to the rise of Christianity within a Greco-Roman context. Cross-listed with HIST 322. (4)

CLAS 326 : A History of Medicine: Antiquity to European Renaissance

An investigation of medical history from antiquity to the European Renaissance (c. 1660) through an examination of Greco-Roman, Islamic, Byzantine, and European traditions and their attendant concepts of health, healing, and disease. Cross-listed with HIST 326. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or instructor permission. (4)

CLAS 341 : Special Topics in Ancient Literature and Culture - C

May be retaken for credit with instructor permission. When taught as "Classical Languages in Classical Langs" in J-Term, registration is limited to students of Latin and Greek. (4)

CLAS 350 : Classical and Comparative Mythology - LT

A literary study of myths and of the methodologies used to interpret their origin, function, and meaning. This study originates in the texts of Greco-Roman authors and includes comparisons with other world myths. All readings are in English, but students with other language abilities are encouraged to use them. (4)

CLAS 387 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 388 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 389 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 487 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 488 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 489 : Special Topics in Classics

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

CLAS 491 : Independent Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with advanced study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as IS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

CLAS 495 : Internship

To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)

CLAS 499 : Capstone: Senior Project - SR

To enable senior students in an academic unit to share their work and receive group criticism. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Capstone and may be followed by a specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)