Classical Studies

The Classical Studies program at Dartmouth College offers students a comprehensive exploration of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, cultures, languages, literature, history, philosophy, art, and archaeology. Designed to provide a deep understanding of the foundations of Western civilization, the program combines rigorous language instruction with interdisciplinary coursework that engages students in the study of the classical world from multiple perspectives. Students have the opportunity to develop proficiency in Latin and Greek languages, enabling direct engagement with original texts and primary sources. The curriculum includes courses in ancient mythology, epic poetry, political thought, philosophy, historical narratives, and visual art, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The program emphasizes the connection between ancient cultures and their enduring influence on contemporary society, encouraging students to examine the societal structures, values, and innovations of classical antiquity. Through seminars, lectures, and research projects, students gain valuable experience in textual analysis, archaeological interpretation, and historical contextualization. The program also offers opportunities for hands-on experiences such as archaeological fieldwork and internships, allowing students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. Graduates of the Classical Studies program at Dartmouth are well-prepared for careers in education, law, public service, academia, museum work, and numerous other fields that benefit from skills in critical thinking, historical analysis, and cross-cultural understanding. With personalized advising and a dynamic academic community, Dartmouth’s Classical Studies program aims to cultivate a deep appreciation of ancient civilizations and their relevance today, inspiring students to become thoughtful, informed global citizens.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR IN CLASSICAL STUDIES 
Prerequisite: Two courses selected from Classical Studies 1 (Antiquity Today: An Introduction to Classical Studies), 4 (Classical Mythology), 6 (Introduction to Classical Archaeology); Latin 3 (Intermediate Latin); Greek 3 (Intermediate Greek).
Requirements:
1. Two courses in ancient history selected from Classical Studies 11 (Sport and Democratization), 14 (Greek History: Archaic and Classical Greece), 15 (Alexander the Great and the Macedonean Kings), 17 (Roman History: The Republic),18 (History of the Roman Empire: Roman Principate to Christian Empire), 19 (Methods and Theory in Ancient History) and 31.
2. Two courses in Classical archaeology selected from Classical Studies 20-26 (CLST 20 Greek Prehistoric Archaeology: The Emergence of Civilization in the Aegean, CLST 21 From Disaster to Triumph: Greek Archaeology from the Destruction of Mycenae to the Persian Wars, CLST 22 Greek Classical Archaeology: City-States and Panhellenic Sanctuaries, CLST 24 Etruscan and Early Roman Archaeology: The Rise of Rome, CLST 25 Early Roman Imperial Archaeology: The First Emperors, CLST 26 Later Roman Imperial Archaeology: The Golden Age and Beyond); 30 (Classical Art and Archaeology: Study Abroad).
3. Two courses in Classical languages and literature selected from Classical Studies 2 - 5 (CLST 2 The Tragedy and Comedy of Greece and Rome, CLST 3 Reason and the Good Life: Socrates to Epictetus, CLST 4 Classical Mythology, CLST 5 The Heroic Vision: Epics of Greece and Rome), 10 (Ancient Texts on Mind and Emotion), and 12, exclusive of the courses selected as prerequisites; courses in Greek or Latin numbered 10 or higher (GRK 10 Readings in Greek Prose and Poetry, GRK 20 Homer, GRK 22 The Lyric Age of Greece, GRK 24 Theatre, GRK 26 Intellectual Enquiry in Classical Athens, GRK 28 Philosophy, GRK 29 New Testament, GRK 30.03 Studies in Greek and Latin Literature, GRK 85 Independent Reading and Research, GRK 87 Thesis. LAT 10 Readings in Latin Prose and Poetry, LAT 20 Vergil, LAT 22 Literature of the Republic, LAT 24 The Augustan Age, LAT 26 Literature of the Early Empire, LAT 28 Literature of the Later Empire and the Middle Ages, LAT 30.02 Studies in Greek and Latin Literature, LAT 85 Independent Reading and Research, LAT 87 Thesis).
4. Two additional courses selected from: all remaining Classical Studies offerings, courses in Greek or Latin numbered 10 or higher (excluding Greek 11); Art History 20 (The Art of Ancient Egypt and the Ancient Near East), 21 (Art in Ancient Greece: Temples, Gods, Heroes), 22 (Art in the Hellenistic era: from Alexander to Cleopatra), or 25 (Roman Art); Comparative Literature 10 (COLT 10.11 Male Friendship from Aristotle to Almodovar, COLT 10.12 Race in the Middle Ages, COLT 10.13 Debate and Dialog in Emerging Europe, COLT 10.14 The Literary Fairy Tale, COLT 10.02 Robbers, Pirates, Terrorists: Forms of Individual Resistance in Literature and Film) (when the content of the course focuses on Classical literature); Philosophy 11 (Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy).
5. Completion of Culminating Experience Requirement.
No more than two courses from a Classics Foreign Study Program may count towards the major (four courses can be counted by participation on both the Greek and Rome FSP programs).

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR IN CLASSICAL STUDIES

1. Prerequisite: One course selected from Classical Studies 1-5.
2. Two courses in ancient history selected from Classical Studies 11, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 19.
3. Two courses in Classical archaeology: one in Greek archaeology (Classical Studies 20-23) and one in Roman archaeology (Classical Studies 24-26).
4. Two courses in classical literature, mythology, and religion selected from: Classical Studies 1-4, 10 and 12, exclusive of the course selected as a prerequisite.

Participation in either of the Department’s two Foreign Study Programs will meet the requirements for two of the above six courses, one in archaeology and one in history (Classical Studies 30 and 31 respectively).

1.       SAT Reasoning or ACT (with Writing);

2.       2 SAT Subject Test Scores;

3.       The common application essay;

4.       Within the Common Application, Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write a brief response to one of the following supplemental essay prompts. Candidates choose one topic and respond;

5.       A counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. In addition, a peer recommendation is strongly encouraged;

6.       Resume;

7.       Brief abstract of an independent research project;

8.       IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum scores).

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Classical Studies at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive curriculum that explores the history, culture, language, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. The program aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the foundations of Western civilization through rigorous coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Students can study classical languages such as Latin and Greek, developing linguistic proficiency essential for engaging directly with original texts. The curriculum encompasses courses in ancient history, philosophy, art, archaeology, and literature, allowing students to investigate a wide range of topics and acquire interdisciplinary knowledge.

Dartmouth’s Classical Studies program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for diverse careers in education, law, public service, archaeology, museum work, and further academic pursuits. The department encourages engagement with the surrounding community and offers opportunities for research, internships, and participation in archaeological excavations. Students may also benefit from the College’s study abroad programs in Greece and Italy, providing immersive experiences in historically significant locations.

The program fosters a collaborative academic environment where students work closely with faculty members who are experts in their fields. Regular seminars, lectures, and conferences complement classroom learning and promote intellectual exchange. Graduates of Dartmouth’s Classical Studies program are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to explore the ancient world and apply those insights to contemporary issues. The program’s goal is to cultivate informed global citizens with an appreciation for the enduring influence of classical antiquity on modern society.