Classics Minor - Ancient Greek Language and Literature Concentration

*Not a baccalaureate degree program

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.

1. Gain knowledge of the fundamental elements of Classics, through study of the languages, classes in Greek and Roman history, art and archaeology, and culture.
2. Develop their ability to read and analyze texts closely, whether in translation or in the original language.
3. Demonstrate their ability to write papers, drawing on research tools in the various subdisciplines — texts, documents, physical remains, scholarly articles and books, theoretical approaches and digital tools.
4. Understand the legacy of the Greek and Roman world, its historical importance in our own culture.
5. Be encouraged to supplement classroom learning with experience abroad, whether as part of an archaeological expedition or study abroad program.

The department of Classics offers lecture courses on the archaeology, culture, history and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, and smaller language classes (in Latin and ancient Greek) that emphasize class participation. Majors must complete a capstone class that draws upon all of the conceptual and analytical skills that they acquired while a major.

The department of Classics is housed in the Millard Fillmore Academic Center. Classics courses are held in the department’s seminar room and in classrooms located both in MFAC and on the Academic Spine of the North Campus. Instructors in lecture classes use technology to make the ancient Mediterranean world more concrete and vivid.

Rated nineteenth in the country in a recent survey of classics departments, the UB Department of Classics faculty regularly devotes some or all of their time to undergraduate teaching. Among them is the holder of the Andrew V.V. Raymond Professorship in Classics and past winners of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Members of the faculty have also held the office of President in both the American Philological Association and the Archaeological Institute of America. The department allows advanced graduate students to teach select classes.

Please visit our department website for additional information about our faculty.

The scope of study that classics provides includes historical, political, sociological, literary, philosophical, archaeological and artistic dimensions. Classics provides a broad foundation for future study and professional experience, and its graduates have learned to appreciate the past and its relationship to the present.

Employers are seeking candidates with experience and those who have developed their skills from that experience. Internships, part-time, summer employment and/or further education can enhance a graduate's employability in their chosen career area.

A minimum GPA of 2.0 overall is required, as are 18 credit hours of work in approved classics courses. Coursework in Greek and Latin (4 semesters in either language) is required only for the language-oriented minors. Students should consult with the Chair or Director of Undergraduate Studies to create a balanced program of study for the minor.

Please contact David Teegarden at dat6@buffalo.edu.

The department of classics does not provide financial support for minors.