Ancient Mediterranean Studies Major Requirements

Ancient Mediterranean Studies Requirements

The Ancient Mediterranean Studies Program in MEAMS offers students the opportunity to study and develop lifelong interest in the languages, literatures, thought, and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world (Greece, Rome, areas affected/influenced by them), as well as the influence of these subjects on the rest of history. By grappling with the familiar and the unfamiliar, with civilizations that are simultaneously part of us and distinctly separate, Classics Studies majors, whatever their career goals, are uniquely challenged to broaden their perspectives, hone their critical-thinking skills, and improve their speaking and writing skills.

  • Classical Civilization

    Classical Civilization is a flexible program, putting together studies of Greek, Roman, and Mediterranean history and culture and literature from various departments, including medieval and Near Eastern elements. It does not require Latin or Greek language study, though we always encourage it.

    Requirements - Total of 10 Courses

    1. (7 Courses) listed or cross-listed under Classics Studies (CLAS), Greek (GRK) or Latin (LAT).
    2. (3 Courses) in ancient archaeology, ancient history, ancient philosophy, ancient art, ancient literature or other courses in classical civilization approved by the Classics Studies undergraduate advisor.

    NOTE: Not more than two introductory-level (100-level) courses may be counted toward the major.

  • Classics Studies, Greek and Latin

    The Classics Studies, Greek and Latin program is designed to provide thorough and rigorous training in ancient Greek and Latin, the principal languages and literatures of the ancient Mediterranean world and beyond. Our majors have found doors opening for them in a variety of fields: teaching, scholarship (including PhD work in Classics Studies, archaeology, etc.), and careers of all sorts. Specializing in one of the two languages, ancient Greek or Latin, students enrolled in this major take at least four semesters in that language plus at least two semesters of study in the other. Their program is rounded out with coursework in ancient civilization, history, culture, and so on.

    Requirements - Total of 10 Courses

    1. (4 Courses) beyond 102 in either ancient Greek or Latin.
    2. (2 Courses) in the other language (ancient Greek or Latin).
    3. (4 Courses) listed under Classics Studies (CLAS) or those chosen with departmental approval from other departmental offerings, or from ancient archaeology, ancient history, ancient philosophy, ancient art or ancient literature.

    NOTE: Depending on prior exposure to the language, LAT 101,102 and GRK 101 and 102 may be required prerequisites for the major. Not more than two introductory-level (100-level) courses may be counted toward the major.

  • Latin

    The Latin program is designed to provide thorough and rigorous training in ancient Latin. Majors may leverage the training this major provides toward advancement in a variety of fields, including teaching. (Majors of ours have gained admission to Master of Arts in Teaching [MAT] programs in Latin.) Alternatively, the enrichment that Latin majors gain can supplement training in other disciplines, including Medieval and Early Modern Studies. Either way, this major holds many possibilities for students.

    Students majoring in Latin will take a minimum of five courses beyond the 102 level, one course in Roman History, and additional courses in culture, civilization, and so on to round out their program. 

    Requirements - Total of 10 Courses

    1. (5 Courses) Latin courses beyond 102.
    2. (5 Courses) listed under Classics Studies (CLAS) or those chosen with departmental approval from other departmental offerings, or from ancient archaeology, ancient history, ancient philosophy, ancient art, or ancient literature.

    NOTE: (Latin major) Depending on prior exposure to the language, LAT 101 and 102 may be required prerequisites for the major. Not more than two introductory-level (100-level) courses may be counted toward the major.

Study Abroad in Ancient Mediterranean Studies

Binghamton University-sponsored study-abroad opportunities are available for Ancient Mediterranean Studies students in Rome, where there is a faculty-led program centered around Roman archaeology and art. Students interested in a study abroad program or an archaeological field school need to consult with the departmental Undergraduate Director, as well as with other faculty in Ancient Mediterranean Studies, especially for pre-approval of credit recognition and credit transfer.

headshot of Tina Chronopoulos

Tina Chronopoulos

Associate Professor/Undergraduate Director - AMS; Fellow, CEMERS

Middle Eastern and Ancient Mediterranean Studies; Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
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