10 Days and Counting - Still Undecided

mamenyu
Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:16:15 +0000

Classics is a rigorous major, not one you can easily jump in and out of, because it requires advanced knowledge of Latin and/or Greek and lots of courses in translation as well (because you simply can’t read that much of the Iliad or the Aeneid in a semester or two). Doing a double degree in Classics and music would be a major challenge for anyone (and there are all the breadth requirements, too, so without a lot of AP’s, it would require a lot of balancing and hard work). Medieval studies at SMU could be a fine major, if your son is interested in the Middle Ages, though their language offerings in Latin and Greek are quite minimal.
Since music is his principle focus, and he seems flexible about his double degree choice, and even about continuing it through the full 5 years, it may be best to go where he has the best combination of musical and financial benefits and where he will thrive socially. He could go with his gut here.