The Department of the Classics offers courses in Latin (classical and medieval), Ancient Greek, and Modern Greek at all levels.
Modern Greek
Students interested in taking Modern Greek should consult with the Preceptor in Modern Greek, Dr. Calliopi Dourou (dourou@fas.harvard.edu).
Ancient Greek and Latin
Those with no prior experience should begin with Ancient Greek 1 or Latin 1 and proceed along the following path.
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year of study | Ancient Greek or Latin 1 | Ancient Greek or Latin 2 |
| 2nd year of study | Ancient Greek or Latin 3 | Ancient Greek, Latin, or Medieval Latin 10 |
| Subsequent years | 100-level (or 10, with permission) | 100-level (or 10, with permission) |
Prior Experience
Students with prior experience should take the appropriate Placement Exam and consult with the Senior Preceptor in Ancient Greek and Latin, Dr. Ivy Livingston (livings@g.harvard.edu) or the Preceptor in Modern Greek, Dr. Calliopi Dourou (dourou@fas.harvard.edu). More information about placement may be found on the Placement Exams page.
If your placement recommendation is for the 10-level, you should begin with either Ancient Greek or Latin 10 (classical) or Medieval Latin 10. After one semester at the 10-level, you may proceed to the 100-level. Additional courses at the 10-level may be taken with permission.
If your placement recommendation is for Ancient Greek or Latin 3 or Ax, please be aware that
Please proceed along the following path if resuming language study in fall:
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year of study | Ancient Greek or Latin 3 | Ancient Greek, Latin, or Medieval Latin10 |
| Subsequent years | 100-level (or 10, with permission) | 100-level (or 10, with permission) |
| Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year of study | Latin Ax | |
| Subsequent years | Latin or Medieval Latin10 | 100-level (or 10, with permission) |
Levels of language courses
1, 2: First-year sequence for beginners.
3: Continuing from 2, with some review, introduction of more advanced grammar, and reading of short texts and extracts.
Ax: Review of grammar and reading of short texts and extracts.
10: Intermediate literature courses. Each includes both prose and poetry, either classical or medieval.
100-level: Advanced courses. NB: The course number does not indicate level of difficulty; the most advanced courses are 112a and 112b, which are surveys and hence require larger amounts of reading in the languages across various genres.
200 and above: Graduate-level seminars.
Not primarily reading courses
134: Historical and comparative grammar. Students should ideally have some knowledge of both Ancient Greek and Latin to take either Ancient Greek 134 or Latin 134. Normally taken by graduate students in Classics and students of linguistics.