The Classics Program in the Department of Modern Languages and Classics at the University of Alabama is pleased to offer an Honors Program for Classical Civilization, Latin, and Greek majors who wish to engage more deeply with the subject and produce an original piece of research in the field.
This option is ideal preparation for those who wish to go on to graduate studies in Classics or related fields or for anyone who wishes to challenge themselves to become an expert on a topic relating to the ancient world. In the past, such projects included papers on “The Wandering Womb” and “Discourse Analysis: Feminine Perspectives in Greek Mythology.”
Program Adviser
- Dr. Tatiana Tsakiropoulou-Summers (tsummers@ua.edu; office: B.B. Comer Hall 238)
Eligibility
- You must be an FLLT major with a concentration in Classical Civilization, Latin, or Greek, and have completed, or be about to complete, at least 6 credit hours of CL, GR, or LA courses at the 200 level or above. At least one of these must be a language course (GR or LA 201 or 202).
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.3
- Minimum major GPA of 3.3 (must be maintained to stay in the program)
Program Requirements
Once admitted to the Honors Program in Classics, you must complete the following requirements:
- 3 credit hours in a CL, GR, or LA course at the 300 or 400 level that you designate in advance as your honors course. This is to be taken no later than the spring of your junior year.
- You may choose from one of our existing courses (consult Course Descriptions to see a list of courses we offer), or you may arrange an Independent Study with a faculty member. Ideally, the course should explore topics related to your research interests.
- If you are designating an existing course as your honors course, you must approach the instructor to obtain their permission to use their class as your honors course.
- Instructors will require you to produce additional work on top of the regular requirements for the course. You should expect to receive additional assignments that will prepare you in research methodology (usually a research paper or other substantial product).
- You must receive a minimum grade of B- in this course in order to receive honors.
- 6 credit hours in CL 498 and CL 499: Honors Research in Classics I & II, in which you will work with a faculty member to produce a paper of original research on your chosen topic, 25 to 30 pages long.
- These courses are typically taken in the fall and spring of senior year.
- Students must receive a minimum grade of B- in CL 498 and CL 499 in order to receive honors.
- To apply for the program, contact program adviser, Dr. Tatiana Tsakiropoulou-Summers at tsummers@ua.edu.