Students who matriculated in the fall of 2023 or later are eligible for a major or minor in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies. Students who matriculated in fall 2021 must follow the requirements of the Classical Studies major and minor. Students who matriculated in fall 2022 may select to follow the requirements for Classical Studies or Ancient Greek and Roman Studies.    

Requirements

Students majoring in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies must complete a minimum of ten courses (nine 4-credit courses plus a 1-credit senior capstone) or 37 credits, including courses in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies (AGRS), and in either Ancient Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT). Specific requirements within the department include:

  • one course from 111: Ancient Greek Literature; 112: Roman Literature; or 121: Ancient Myths

  • three courses from 200-level AGRS courses

  • two courses from the 300-level AGRS courses;
  • two courses in either Ancient Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT);
  • one semester of AGRS 451 - Senior Research or AGRS 452 - Senior Research;
  • and 1 credit in AGRS 400 - Senior Research Symposium.

Distribution Requirement 1: At least 1 course of the 6 required AGRS courses must be in History 

Distribution Requirement 2: At least 1 course of the 6 required AGRS courses must be in Archaeology

Distribution Requirement 3: At least 1 course of the 6 required AGRS courses must be in Literature

Distribution Requirement: At least 1 course of the 6 required AGRS courses must be in Greek culture, if the Latin language is taken; or in Roman culture, if the ancient Greek language is taken. Many AGRS 300-level courses are both Greek and Roman and fulfill this requirement,

Ancient Greek and Roman Studies Minor

For the minor in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies, students must complete a minimum of six courses or 24 credits.

  • Students must take:

    • three courses from 111-112-121 and AGRS 200-level courses; at least 1 must be 200-level

    • and one course from the AGRS 300-level courses;

    • and two courses in either Ancient Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT).

  • Distribution Requirement: At least 1 course of the 4 required AGRS courses must be in History

  • Distribution Requirement: At least 1 course of the 4 required AGRS courses must be in Archaeology 

  • Distribution Requirement: At least 1 course of the 4 required AGRS courses must be in Literature

  • Distribution Requirement: At least 1 course of the 4 required AGRS courses must be in Greek culture, if the Latin language is taken; or in Roman culture, if the ancient Greek language is taken.

Ancient Greek Minor

For the minor in Ancient Greek,

  • students must complete a minimum of four courses in the language (GRK) or 16 credits.
  • In addition, students must take AGRS 201 - Ancient Greeks and Persians and AGRS 111 - Ancient Greek Literature.

Students may substitute an additional 4-credit language course (GRK) for the AGRS 111 - Ancient Greek Literature requirement.

Latin Minor

For the minor in Latin,

  • students must complete a minimum of four courses in the language (LAT) or 16 credits.
  • In addition, students must take AGRS 202 - Ancient Rome and AGRS 112 - Latin Literature.

Students may substitute an additional 4-credit language course (LAT) for the AGRS 112 - Latin Literature requirement.

Additional Points of Interest

Graduate Study

Students interested in pursuing graduate study in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies should understand that such programs normally focus on the languages. Therefore, in addition to majoring in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies, students should also minor in both Ancient Greek and Latin, preferably taking a language course every semester as an undergraduate. A Ph.D. in Classics requires proficiency in both Ancient Greek and Latin. However, it is also possible to earn a Master’s degree in only Ancient Greek or only Latin. Students should consult with the Chair of the department as early as possible if they are interested in graduate school in Classics or related fields, such as Classical Archaeology.

Archaeology Field Work

One of the most important things a student can do if they are interested in a career in Archaeology is attend a summer field school or archaeological dig. Students should consult with the Chair or Professor Vennarucci to discuss the possibilities and getting started, if interested. 

Eta Sigma Phi

Ancient Greek and Roman Studies sponsors a chapter of the national honorary society Eta Sigma Phi. Membership in our local chapter requires the completion of a minimum of one course in either Ancient Greek or Latin with a grade of B or better, a declared major or minor in the department (CLAS/AGRS, GRK, or LAT), and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the department.

Departmental Recognition

Majors in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies are eligible for Departmental Recognition of Senior Research, according to guidelines established by the college, including the completion of a yearlong senior research project (AGRS 451 - Senior Research and AGRS 452 - Senior Research). Students should consult with the Chair of the department and the Registrar for specific requirements and acknowledgments.

Directed Studies

Our current curriculum includes the possibility of a minor in Ancient Greek and/or Latin. For students finishing the 111-112 sequence of a classical language at Denison, or for those beyond the 111-112 sequence, the department offers a 211 level course in the fall semester only, followed by GRK or LAT 361-362.  Faculty members in the department supervise Directed Studies with permission of the department Chair following a "tutorial" model; these courses are conducted either as small groups or individually and meet typically twice per week. Faculty advisors for these courses create a syllabus based on the author, topic, or genre being studied. To qualify as a course toward the minor, it must be taken for 4 credits.  Students must also complete the appropriate form available from the Registrar's Office.