Classics

Classics embraces all of ancient Greek and Roman civilization but especially Greek and Latin literature. This includes not only poets like Homer and Vergil but also historians, philosophers, theologians, and statesmen. Their works and those of classical artists and architects inspired the Mediterranean world for a thousand years and are the basis of Western civilization.

Classical studies are built upon learning a classical language—Greek or Latin or preferably both. In addition to reading classical literature in the original, Classics majors explore a menu of intellectual and artistic studies through works in English translation.

Classics provides the foundation for a successful intellectual, cultural, and professional life. Some graduates enter careers in the arts or publishing or travel or education. Others use their liberal arts experience to work into management or administration. Still others find Classics incomparable preparation for law or, with some course work in sciences, medicine.

Major

The major in Classics combines language, literature, and culture. The major requires 30 upper division units. There are two emphases: Classical Language and Classical Humanities. Both emphases include language and nonlanguage courses. Majors emphasizing Classical Language can complete their lower and upper division program within three years, which is how long it takes to complete a six-course language sequence in Greek or Latin. The Classical Humanities emphasis requires four semesters in either language and can be completed in two years. See MAPs (Major Academic Plans) to plan the eight semesters of the major.

Premajor requirements consist of 14–26 lower division units, which include classes in Greek or Latin or both and two survey courses from among Classics, Humanities, Comparative Literature, and History.

All Classics majors are required to take the Senior Seminar and to submit a senior portfolio. A minor is not required with this major.

Minor

The minor in Classics consists of a minimum of 18-20 units There are two emphases in the minor: Classical Language and Classical Humanities. The Classical Language track requires 19-20 units and is usually completed in two years. The 18-unit Classical Humanities track can be completed in as little as one year.

Courses in Classics & Related Disciplines for the Major & Minor

The following courses are acceptable for the Classics major, minor, and premajor. Some courses have prerequisites, so check the catalogue before registering.

Classics

120. English Words from Latin and Greek (GE)
140. Heritage of Greece and Rome (GE)
296C. Experimental Topics in Classics*
310. Greek and Roman Myth and Legend (GE)
320. Epic and the Novel (GE)
330. Tragedy and Comedy (GE)
340. Ancient Greece and Rome (GE)
350. Classics and Cinema (GE)
496C. Topics in Classics
599C. Special Study in Classics

(Greek)
101G. Ancient Greek I
202G. Ancient Greek II
303G. Reading Greek Prose
304G. Reading Greek Poetry
496G. Topics in Greek
599G. Special Study in Greek

(Latin)
101L. Latin I
202L. Latin II
250L. Accelerated Latin (offered through College of Extended Studies)
303L. Reading Latin Prose
304L. Reading Latin Poetry
496L. Topics in Latin
599L. Special Study in Latin

Emphasis in Classical Humanities
A minimum of 30 upper division units to include Classics 320, 330, History 502, 503, Humanities 490; nine units selected from Art 568, History 501, Humanities 401, Philosophy 411 (additional prerequisite required), upper division courses in Classics; six units of Greek or Latin.

Emphasis in Classical Language
A minimum of 30 upper division units to include Classics 320 and Humanities 490; History 502 or 503; three to nine units from upper division courses in Classics, Art 568, History 502, 503, Philosophy 411 (additional prerequisite required); 12-18 units of Greek or Latin.