Classics at the Claremont Colleges is an intercollegiate program, with participating faculty members from Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, and Pitzer. Classics courses taught at the other colleges count as Scripps courses. The Classics Department offers a major and a minor in Classical Languages and in Classical Studies, and a major in Late Antique-Medieval Studies (LAMS).
Classics is an interdisciplinary major. The study of the ancient world combines archaeology, philology, history, philosophy, gender studies, and anthropology – among other disciplines. While “Classics” is the name traditionally given to the study of ancient Greece and Rome from about 1300 BC (late Bronze Age) to 600 CE (Late Antiquity),the department also sponsors study of the diverse cultures of the ancient Mediterranean. Courses provide students with the opportunity to read ancient literature both in the original languages and in English translation, and to explore the life and culture of antiquity. Since the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome have heavily influenced subsequent ages, the study of Classics also involves understanding our relationship with the past. Many courses thus study the reception of antiquity and its influential role in shaping modernity. Students pursuing a major or minor in Classics are encouraged to study abroad in Athens or Rome (courses taken at College Year in Athens and at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome typically count towards the major or minor in Classics). Language courses in Greek, Latin, or classical Hebrew fulfill the college’s language requirement.
There are two tracks for the major. The first track in Classical Languages is designed for students who intend to study classical languages in depth. Students considering graduate school in Classical/Ancient Studies or interested in ancient languages should choose this track. The second track in Classical Studies is designed for students who desire a comprehensive background in the ancient world, as they plan for future studies in law, medicine, education, business, or the many other pursuits for which a liberal arts education is essential.
There are two related tracks for the minor. The Minor in Classical Languages allows students to combine the study of Greek or Latin with courses in ancient culture. The Minor in Classical Civilization has no language requirement. A minor in Classics complements the study of related fields (e.g., History, English, Philosophy, Humanities, Art History, and Archaeology) and is ideal for students desiring more knowledge about the ancient world while pursuing modern languages.