← Classics (CLASSICS)

Hardest courses in Classics

Plan ahead for courses where students have earned lower grades.

Lowest historical GPA first. At least 100 letter grades over the five years through the selected term. Grades reflect past outcomes, not workload or a guaranteed result.

Find your fit

6 courses

Ranked courses have at least 100 recorded letter grades.

Explores the art and archaeology of ancient Italy, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity.

Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources

Past student reviews · William Aylward

Grades were based solely on four exams, but the instructor provided detailed study guides well in advance and explicitly stated what to expect, making preparation straightforward.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2023–Spring 2026

Classical Mythology explores Classical myths and their influence on later literature and art, examining ancient texts in translation and material culture.

Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources

Past student reviews · Jeffrey Beneker

Weekly reading assignments ranged from 200 to 300 pages, though students noted they could be skimmed. Attendance was strictly necessary because lectures were not posted online and covered tested material.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2024–Spring 2026

Women and Gender in the Classical World explores constructions of gender and sexuality in the classical world through art, literature, and archaeology.

Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources

Past student reviews · Laura McClure

The course required a lot of reading, but students who completed the readings and attended class generally did fine.

historical GPA · grades

Fall 2022–Spring 2026

The Romans covers Latin literature in translation with an emphasis on its social background.

Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources

Past student reviews · Alice gaber

Students reported a significant amount of reading required for the class, alongside a final paper that was considered somewhat difficult.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2023–Spring 2026

Explore Greek and Latin origins of medical terms, their cultural influences, and contrasts between ancient and modern medicine.

Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources

Past student reviews · Andrea Samz-Pustol

The grading was described as lax, with the professor often awarding extra points to students who were close to the threshold.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2023–Spring 2026

Explores general principles of reading ancient literature in translation, covering genres, oral/written cultures, social contexts, translation practices, and interactions with other media.

Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources

Past student reviews · Alice gaber

The class was rated as insanely easy, suggesting minimal academic pressure for those seeking a straightforward grade.

historical GPA · grades

Fall 2024–Spring 2026