Classical and Medieval Studies Major
Major Requirements
The major requires 11 credits.
Introduction
Complete the following course:
- CMS 107 Race Reception and the Modern Creation of the Ancient and Medieval Past
Language
Complete at least one of the following:
- Any four Latin courses
- Any four Ancient Greek courses
Students may use one college-approved study abroad program or a pre-approved course taken in the summer to fulfill this requirement.
Additional Courses
Complete five courses from the following:
- Any Classical and Medieval Studies Course
- FYS 345 Classical Myths and Contemporary Art
- FYS 574 Creating Community in the Medieval World
- Additional courses in Ancient Greek and Latin beyond the four required language courses
Senior Thesis
Complete at least one course from the following:
Typically, majors complete a one-semester thesis. The program chair consults with faculty and students to assign thesis advisors. Additional information is available on the Classical and Medieval Studies website.
Courses Taken Outside of Bates
No more than four one-credit College-level courses, completed at institutions in the United States or abroad, may be applied toward the major. Students seeking to receive credits toward the major for summer courses should obtain permission from the program chair before enrolling in such a course. Generally speaking, the program does not grant credit for online courses, including online language courses, to fulfill its requirements. If a student wishes to seek an exception to this rule, they should consult the program chair.
Students with backgrounds in ancient Greek and Latin may consult with faculty to determine their course level for enrollment. Those who have taken only one year of College-level ancient Greek or Latin courses at Bates or another institution should register for 200-level courses. All other students may register for 300-level courses. Advanced Placement examination scores of four or five in Latin may be used toward the college's graduation requirements and to help place students in Latin courses, but they may not count toward the major, minor, or General Education Concentration requirements. All 200- and 300-level courses in ancient Greek and Latin focus on developing reading comprehension and exploring the historical context of the texts studied. Students meet collectively and divide into smaller groups to accommodate their individual needs.
Pass/Fail grading may not be elected for the ancient language courses required for the major.
Restricted Declarations
Bates Default: Students who have declared this major/minor may declare any other major, minor, or general education concentration (GEC).
Other Considerations
The major may include two Short Term CMS courses.
CMS courses taken during the semester at Bates count for 1 credit. Semester-long courses taken in College-approved study abroad programs usually count for 1 credit. CMS short-term courses count for .5 credits. Two CMS short-term courses count as one CMS credit.