Major

Late Afternoon at the Parthenon. Photo by Eleanor Walker (BA, 2015)

The Classics Department offers a Bachelor of Arts in five different classical tracks. 

Students can declare the major by following the steps here: How to Declare. 

For a tracking forms, please visit the Forms and Resources page. 

Details on major requirements and suggested courses can be found in the Stanford Bulletin. 

Classical Studies

A breadth of knowledge in Classics is essential for any undergraduate education. The Classical Studies track is our most flexible and allows creation of a customizeable course of study. But because of its minimal requirements on core materials, it is unsuitable as a basis for graduate school. This track requires:

  • Minimum 60 units of coursework taken for a letter grade, with no grade lower than a "C"
  • CLASSICS 150: Majors Seminar (fulfills the WIM requirement)
  • At least two courses in Latin or Greek at the intermediate-level or higher; or one course in one of the languages at the intermediate-level or higher, plus the beginning series of the other language
  • Remaining units filled with any CLASSICS course
Ancient History

The only one of the five Classics tracks that does not require language study, Ancient History is ideal for students who want a thorough understanding of the ancient world through its history and artifacts but do not yet have an interest in starting or continuing Latin or Ancient Greek. Ancient History works well as a double major with Archaeology, History, and Political Science. This track may be customized for students interested in going on to graduate school. This track requires:

  • Minimum 60 units of coursework taken for a letter grade, with no grade lower than a "C"
  • CLASSICS 150: Majors Seminar (fulfills the WIM requirement)
  • Two survey courses in ancient history
  • At least 33 units of ancient history and civilization courses
  • At least 4 units in each of the following three areas:
    • Archaeology and Art
    • Comparative Ancient Civilizations
    • Historical and Social Theory
Greek

Discussions of Philosophy, Drama, Historiography and Literature can hardly be complete without the Ancient Greek classics. The Greek track emphasizes an intense investigation into Greek language and translation that explores, among other topics, Homeric epic, ancient philosophy, and classical theater. Greek works well as a double major with Religious Studies, Philosophy, History, or Drama. As with Latin, the study of Greek provides an excellent background and analytical skills for careers in medicine, law, and communication. This track may be customized for students interested in going on to graduate school.

  • Minimum 60 units of coursework taken for a letter grade, with no grade lower than a "C"
  • CLASSICS 150: Majors Seminar (fulfills the WIM requirement)
  • Minimum 31 units of Greek courses at the intermediate-level or higher.
  • Three additional CLASSICS courses of your choice
  • Recommended: complementary coursework in Latin, Sanskrit, Biblical Greek or ancient history
Latin

This so-called "dead language" is still alive today through its pervasive influence on Western culture and modern Romance languages. The study of Latin language hones the mind for clear English writing and logical thinking. Students trained in Latin develop sharp critical reading and analytical skills by reading texts of philosophers, historians and literary masters in the original. A solid grasp of Latin is also excellent background for the study of medicine and law. Latin works well as a double major with Religious Studies, Biology or any pre-medical preparation, English and Music.  This track may be customized for students interested in going on to graduate school.

  • Minimum 60 units of coursework taken for a letter grade, with no grade lower than a "C"
  • CLASSICS 150: Majors Seminar (fulfills the WIM requirement)
  • Minimum 31 units of Latin courses at the intermediate-level or higher.
  • Three additional CLASSICS courses of your choice
  • Recommended: complementary coursework in Ancient Greek, Biblical Greek or ancient history
Greek & Latin

Ideal for the candidate who wants a rigorous study of Classics via both the Latin and Ancient Greek languages. Through intense study of the language and culture of these giants of Western culture, students are able to gain an important perspective on the fundamental basis of history and culture in the Western world. Greek & Latin works well as a double major with any humanities or science, but is also excellent preparation for graduate study of Classics.

  • Minimum 65 units of coursework taken for a letter grade, with no grade lower than a "C"
  • CLASSICS 150: Majors Seminar (fulfills the WIM requirement)
  • 30 units of Greek and 30 units of Latin at the intermediate-level and higher OR 30 units of one language at the intermediate-level and higher, and 30 units of the other language at the beginning-level and higher.
  • Recommended: complementary coursework in Biblical Greek, Sanskrit (only if both languages are intermediate and above), or ancient history.

Have questions along the way?

Contact a Peer Mentor, the Student Services Officer, or the Director of Undergraduate Studies!

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