Classical Humanities, BA

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Program Description:

Classics is the study of the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Both cultures have had a profound influence on life in the western world, especially in the areas of language and literature, art and architecture, politics and religion, science and philosophy. The Classics department at Wright State offers classes in most of these areas.

The Classical Humanities major allows students to take a wide range of courses. Students are required to take a minimum of 5 semesters of a Classical Language, typically Latin, and are encouraged to take a second Classical language as an elective. Additional electives cover courses in a diverse range of subjects relating to the study of the Classical world.

For students interested in teaching Latin, the Classical Humanities major prepares them to enroll in the Latin Licensure program, which the Classics Department offers in conjunction with Wright State’s College of Education and Human Services.

Students with previous language instruction in Latin or classical Greek may place into advanced language courses by test.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Be effective writers
Acquire knowledge of diverse religious traditions
Acquire knowledge of diverse religious practices in historical context
Have strong critical thinking skills

Classics Honors Program

Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher in Classics may substitute an Honors Project for CLS 4100 An Honors project involves independent study with a faculty mentor. It will usually extend over two consecutive terms and earn six hours of credit upon its successful completion. The project culminates in the writing of a major research paper (25-30 pages) during the second term and an oral defense of the project with the Department faculty.

Minor in Classical Humanities

As a study of the origins of Western civilization, a minor in Classical Humanities is a fitting complement to any Liberal Arts discipline. The Classical Humanities minor combines language study, either Latin or Greek, with topical classes in the history, literature, religion, and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 38 Hours

Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2: Mathematics: 3 Hours

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5: Social Sciences: 6 Hours

Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

II. Departmental Requirements: 36 Hours

Greek or Latin Language Credit Hour(s): 15
Three Classical Humanities Electives Credit Hour(s): 18
CLS 4100 - Advanced Studies in Antiquity Credit Hour(s): 3

III. Related Requirements

IV. College Requirements: 6 Hours

Foreign Language

Through the 2020 level (1010, 1020, 2010, 2020) of one language:
Spanish, French, German, Greek, Latin, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Japanese, American Sign Language or other.

Methods of Inquiry

PHL 3000 - Critical Thinking Credit Hour(s): 3
Research Methods - One course from approved list Credit Hour(s): 3

V. Electives: 44 Hours

Total: 124 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.