Major in Ancient History

ANCH Major requirements

This major demonstrates that the student has engaged in a sustained study of premodern cultures and has become competent in multiple methods of historical inquiry. Although it begins from a basis in the Graeco-Roman world, this major encourages students to examine the cultures and civilizations of the Mediterranean world more broadly, including those of the Near and Middle East, drawing upon the curricular offerings of multiple academic departments and exploring rich terrain for intercultural comparison.

The major in Ancient History consists of 12 courses, configured as follows:

Cluster 1 (Core Introductory Courses) 

Any 2 of the following: ANCH 0100 Ancient Middle Eastern History and Civilization, ANCH 0101 Ancient Greece, ANCH 0102 Ancient Rome. [Old 3-digit numbers: 025, 026, 027.]

Cluster 2 (History of the Graeco-Roman World)

Any 4 courses in Ancient History (ANCH) or Classical Studies (CLST) with a focus on the history of the Greco-Roman world, of which 2 must be at the 3000-level or above. [Old 3-digit numbers: "200-level or above".]

Cluster 3 (Area Groupings)

Any 6 courses, of which 2 must be at the 3000-level or above, in Ancient History (ANCH), Classical Studies (CLST), Greek (GREK), or Latin (LATN), or in other areas of premodern or ancient studies as approved by the Undergraduate Chair. [Old 3-digit number: "200-level or above".]

NOTE: In selecting these courses, students should aim to pursue an emphasis in one of the following three area groupings: 

  • A. Graeco-Roman Culture in a Broader Context 
  • B. Languages of the Ancient Mediterranean World
  • C. Comparative Studies of Premodern Cultures
Equity Requirement

In the course of meeting the above coursework, students declaring a major in Classical Studies or Ancient History after May, 2022 are required:

  • EITHER to take one class that centrally addresses a methodological problem in the study of ancient inequalities and/or their reception,
  • OR to complete a course paper or project that addresses these questions. (This project must be pre-approved by the course instructor and the undergraduate chair.)

For information about current courses or research projects that would fulfill the requirement, please see our Equity Requirement page.  

Honors Option

ANCH 4998 Senior Research Paper (fall), which may be counted toward Cluster 3. This option requires the proposal of a Senior Research Paper, writing of the paper, and departmental approval of Honors for the completed paper. [Old 3-digit number: 399.]

For further information on the Minor and Major in Ancient History, and on courses, contact the Undergraduate Chair in Classical Studies.