Minor in Classics
The field of classics consists of the study of the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome, including their languages and literature, history and archaeology. A minor in classics is an excellent complement to any major and provides a solid foundation for students interested in the development of Western Civilization.
Degree Requirements
The Minor in Classics requires 18 credit hours of coursework and may be completed in any one of the following five concentrations:
Ancient Greek Language and Literature
- CL 201 Greek
- CL 202 Greek
- Two 300-400 level courses in Greek
- Two courses in Greek civilization, history, archaeology or art
Ancient History
- Three courses concerned with the history, archaeology, art and/or literature of one of the three ancient Mediterranean culture areas (Near East/Egypt, Greece, Rome), including one course in the history of that culture area
- One course in the history of one of the other two ancient Mediterranean culture areas
- One course in the theory or methodology of a related field (i.e. anthropology, archaeology, art history, gender studies, post-ancient history)
- One course in the history of a non-Mediterranean ancient, medieval or early modern culture
Classical Civilization
- One course in each of the following areas:
- Greek or Roman civilization or history
- Ancient literature in translation*
- Ancient art or archaeology
- The classical tradition in later societies**
- Two additional 300-400 level Classics courses or approved 300-400 level courses in other departments
*A course of “ancient literature in translation” is any course that focuses on the literature of Greek, Roman or Near Eastern society, but does not require it to be read in the original language. E.g.: CL 205 Heroes; CL 313 Classical Mythology; CL 315 Epic in Translation; or CL 316 Greek Drama in Translation
**A course of “classics in later tradition” is any course – often offered in English, art history, political science or philosophy – that traces the legacy of the ancient world in later cultures. E.g.: ENG 375 Heaven, Hell, and Judgment; ENG 315 Milton; or PHI 366 Medieval Philosophy
Students interested in concentrating in ancient religions should make an appointment to meet with the director of undergraduate studies to discuss a sequence of courses.
Latin Language and Literature
- CL 201 Latin
- CL 202 Latin
- Two 300-400 level courses in Latin
- Two courses in Roman civilization, history, archaeology or art
Mediterranean Archaeology
- Four courses concerned with the archaeology or art of one of the three ancient Mediterranean culture areas (Near East/Egypt, Greece, Rome)
- One course in the archaeology of a culture outside the ancient Mediterranean
- One course in the method, history or theory of archaeology or an approved field program
Acceptance Criteria
Students wishing to pursue a Minor in Classics must complete all General Education Requirements with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Only courses at the 200-level or above may be used to satisfy requirements.
Student Testimonials
"I am forever grateful to the University at Buffalo's Department of Classics for its amazing professors, for the close-knit community it provided, and for the opportunities my degree has given me."
– Gabriel Malone, BA '06
