Classical Studies introduces students to many aspects of ancient civilization: the arts, history, philosophy, and the Latin and Greek languages. These are the source of many important intellectual and artistic achievements of Western civilization.

Law, medicine, the arts, and politics have been profoundly influenced by their roots in the Classics. In addition, Greek is the language of the New Testament; and Latin developed into the Romance languages, which include French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. Moreover, Greek and Latin words are the source of almost half of English vocabulary.

Courses in Classical Studies not only provide knowledge of fundamental ideas of Western thought, but also foster a critical, inquiring spirit informed by a 3000-year perspective that reaches to the heart of education in the Humanities.

We offer a minor in Classical Studies with concentrations in Greek, Latin, and Classical Culture. For more information visit the Classical Studies Minor webpage.

The Minor in Classical Studies is an excellent foundation for advanced work in other academic disciplines as well as professional programs in law, medicine and management. By presenting a broad selection of courses in the various disciplines of language, literature, philosophy, religious studies and history, the minor provides students with a sound introduction to study of the ancient world. Because of the continuity between ancient and modern cultures, it also gives students an opportunity to develop a keener perception and better understanding of the cultural forces at work in the contemporary world.

Depending on their other undergraduate or career goals, students will have the option of pursuing one or more of three concentrations within the Classical Studies minor: Greek, Latin or Classical Culture. The Concentrations in Greek and Latin focus on intensive study of the ancient languages, with significant additional exposure to Classical literature and culture in translation. The Concentration in Classical Culture offers the option of pursuing more general study of Classical literature and culture mostly or exclusively in translation.

Requirements

• Completion of 15 credit hours is required.
• Nine credit hours must be taken at NC State and a maximum of six (6) credit hours may be transferred into the minor from another institution.
• The Department of Foreign Languages and Literature will determine which courses transferred from other institutions may qualify to meet requirements for the minor.
• A grade of "C-" or better is required in all courses in the minor program.
• No courses for the minor may be taken for S/U credit.
• A maximum of TWO (2) courses may be used (double-counted) towards both departmental major requirements and minor requirements. 

For more information about the concentrations in Greek, Latin and Classical Culture, as well as their benefits, see the Classical Studies Minor webpage.

The Classical Studies Minor‌

FALL 2022:

CLA 115-601/602 (DELTA) Medical Terminology: Online, Prof. Mathews
Study of the formation of medical terms from their Greek and Latin roots designed both to build vocabulary and to teach the uses of a medical dictionary.

CLA 210-601 (DELTA) Classical Mythology: Online, Prof. Heinen
Greek and Roman mythology through the writings and art of the Classical period. Discussion of creation stories, major gods and heroes, the underworld and afterlife, the intellectual, religious and educational role of myth, and the main theories of interpretation and classification. All readings and discussion in English.

CLA 320-001 Masterpieces of Classical Literature--Greek Tragedy and Japanese Noh: TuTh 1:30-2:45, Prof. Mathews
Study of great works of Greek and Latin literature in a genre such as tragedy, comedy, epic or lyric, with attention to both literary merit and cultural importance. May be taken up to three times in different genres for credit. All readings and discussion in English. The genre this semester will be Greek tragedy, covering the great dramatic works of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. These plays are the foundation of the Western idea of the “tragic,” as well as of Western theatre in general. A special unit of the course will compare the classic noh drama of Japan, which has many interesting similarities to Greek tragedy. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or instructor’s permission.

GRK 101-001 Elementary Greek I: TuTh 3:00-4:15, Prof. Mathews
Introduction to Classical Greek. Greek alphabet, basic grammar and syntax. Readings based on brief selections from Greek mythology, philosophy, and literature.

LAT 101 Elementary Latin I
Section 001: MWF 9:35-10:25, Prof. Heinen
Section 002: MWF 10:40-11:30, Prof. Heinen
Introduction to Classical Latin, emphasizing elementary grammatical forms and basic syntax. Readings based on brief selections from Roman authors.

LAT 201-001 Intermediate Latin I: MWF 11:45-12:35, Prof. Heinen
Introduction to Latin prose and poetry. Review of grammar fundamentals and exposure to new and more complex syntax. Examination of cultural significance of readings. Prerequisite: LAT 102 or equivalent.

SPRING 2023 COURSE SCHEDULE-TBA

Gary Mathews
Teaching Associate Professor
Section Coordinator, Classical Studies
Email: gary_m@ncsu.edu
Office: Withers 227
Phone: 919-515-9306

Dustin Heinen
Teaching Assistant Professor
Email: dheinen@ncsu.edu
Office: Withers 306
Phone: 919-515-9280

Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0