The Major and Minors in Classics

A major in Classical Civilization provides students with a flexible array of courses, centered around a core of language and literature from the Classical world. Students gain an intermediate proficiency with a relevant foreign language (satisfying their university language requirement), and are introduced to a broad spectrum of ancient literature. All remaining credits may be chosen from a large variety of courses, depending on students' goals and interests.

Degree Requirements

32 units, including:

• 8 Units (2 courses) in Intermediate Languages, either Ancient Greek (GRK 201-202 or 212), Latin (LAT 201-202 or 212), or Modern Greek (CRL 201-403 and CRL 202-403; see the Critical Languages Program for more information on Modern Greek);
• 6 Units (2 courses) in Literature in Translation Classes Classics 301A and Classics 301B; (formerly 250A and 250B);
• 12 Upper Division Elective Units (4 courses) selected from any Classics, Greek, or Latin courses numbered 300 or higher;
• 6 Additional Elective Units (2 courses) These courses may include Classics, Greek, or Latin courses.*

*1XX-level language courses cannot be used to satisfy a major/minor IF a.) that language is used to satisfy the University Foundations requirement and/or b.) that language is used to satisfy the language requirements for the classics major (dictated by the emphasis).

N.B.: University policy does not allow courses offered for Tier 1 General Education credit to be applied to any major or minor.

Every undergraduate degree program requires satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA).

 CLASSICS Department options for students who do not earn an "A" or "B" in English 102, 108, 104 or 109. In order to assure that students are adequately prepared for the required Writing Emphasis course in the major, the Department of CLASSICS requires that students earning less than a "B" in English 102, 108, 104 or 109 must do one of the following: receive a "C" or higher in CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B, which will be taught by tenure-stream faculty whenever practicable. Students who do not receive a "C" or higher in CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B must attend workshops and tutorial support through the Writing Skills Improvement Program or attend workshops and peer consultations through the Writing Center. In addition, students either must enroll in a two-unit Independent Study (CLASSICS 3xx) with the professor who taught the relevant 301A or 301B course (when practicable) and write a total of 10 pages (which may be either a single paper or several shorter papers) for a grade of "C" or higher, or GRO CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B for a grade of "C" or higher.

Contact an advisor to learn more about Classics or declare a major or minor today!

A major in Classical Languages provides students with a solid grounding in Ancient Greek and Latin, so that they can explore the Classical World in its original languages. Students gain at least an intermediate proficiency in both ancient languages (satisfying their university language requirement), and advanced proficiency in at least one of the languages, and are introduced to a broad spectrum of ancient literature. Remaining credits may be chosen from a large variety of courses, depending on students' goals and interests. This track is ideal for students who wish to pursue graduate study in Classics or related fields or are passionate about languages or linguistics. 

Degree Requirements

32 units, including:

• 6-8 Units (Usually 2 courses) in Intermediate Ancient Greek (GRK 201-202 or 212)
• 6-8 Units (Usually 2 courses) in Intermediate Latin (LAT 201-202 or 212)
• 6 Units (2 courses) Upper Division Language Course Work (any (ancient) GRK or LAT course numbered 400 or higher)
• 6 Units (2 courses) in Literature in Translation Classes Classics 301A and Classics 301B; (formerly 250A and 250B);
• 6 Upper Division Elective Units (2 courses) selected from any Classics, Greek, or Latin courses numbered 300 or higher.

Every undergraduate degree program requires satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA).

 CLASSICS Department options for students who do not earn an "A" or "B" in English 102, 108, 104 or 109. In order to assure that students are adequately prepared for the required Writing Emphasis course in the major, the Department of CLASSICS requires that students earning less than a "B" in English 102, 108, 104 or 109 must do one of the following: receive a "C" or higher in CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B, which will be taught by tenure-stream faculty whenever practicable. Students who do not receive a "C" or higher in CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B must attend workshops and tutorial support through the Writing Skills Improvement Program or attend workshops and peer consultations through the Writing Center. In addition, students either must enroll in a two-unit Independent Study (CLASSICS 3xx) with the professor who taught the relevant 301A or 301B course (when practicable) and write a total of 10 pages (which may be either a single paper or several shorter papers) for a grade of "C" or higher, or GRO CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B for a grade of "C" or higher.

Contact an advisor to learn more about Classics or declare a major or minor today!

Greek is a foreign language major, with focus on developing the skill to read Ancient Greek fluently. Greek majors gain facility in reading a number of Ancient Greek authors in their original language, and build a broad base of familiarity with ancient literature and culture.  

Degree Requirements

32 units in Ancient Greek and Classics, including:

• 8 Units (2 courses) in Intermediate Language, Ancient Greek (GRK 201-202 or 212)
• 6 Units (2 courses) in Literature in Translation Classes Classics 301A and Classics 301B; (formerly 250A and 250B);
• 12 Upper Division Elective Units (4 courses) selected from any Greek courses numbered 300 or higher;
• 6 Additional Elective Units (2 courses) These courses may include Greek courses numbered 300 or higher or ANY Classics or Latin course.

Every undergraduate degree program requires satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA).

N.B.: University policy does not allow courses offered for Tier 1 General Education credit to be applied to any major or minor.

 CLASSICS Department options for students who do not earn an "A" or "B" in English 102, 108, 104 or 109.In order to assure that students are adequately prepared for the required Writing Emphasis course in the major, the Department of CLASSICS requires that students earning less than a "B" in English 102, 108, 104 or 109 must do one of the following: receive a "C" or higher in CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B, which will be taught by tenure-stream faculty whenever practicable. Students who do not receive a "C" or higher in CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B must attend workshops and tutorial support through the Writing Skills Improvement Program or attend workshops and peer consultations through the Writing Center. In addition, students either must enroll in a two-unit Independent Study (CLASSICS 3xx) with the professor who taught the relevant 301A or 301B course (when practicable) and write a total of 10 pages (which may be either a single paper or several shorter papers) for a grade of "C" or higher, or GRO CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B for a grade of "C" or higher.

Contact an advisor to learn more about Classics or declare a major or minor today!

Latin is a foreign language major, with focus on developing the skill to read Latin fluently. Latin majors gain facility in reading a number of Latin authors in their original language, and build a broad base of familiarity with ancient literature and culture.  

Degree Requirements

32 units in Latin and Classics, including:

• 8 Units (2 courses) in Intermediate Language, Latin (Latin 201-202 or 212)
• 6 Units (2 courses) in Literature in Translation Classes Classics 301A and Classics 301B; (formerly 250A and 250B);
• 12 Upper Division Elective Units (4 courses) selected from any Latin courses numbered 300 or higher;
• 6 Additional Elective Units (2 courses) These courses may include Latin courses numbered 300 or higher or ANY Classics or Greek course.

Every undergraduate degree program requires satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA).

N.B.: University policy does not allow courses offered for Tier 1 General Education credit to be applied to any major or minor.

 CLASSICS Department options for students who do not earn an "A" or "B" in English 102, 108, 104 or 109.In order to assure that students are adequately prepared for the required Writing Emphasis course in the major, the Department of CLASSICS requires that students earning less than a "B" in English 102, 108, 104 or 109 must do one of the following: receive a "C" or higher in CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B, which will be taught by tenure-stream faculty whenever practicable. Students who do not receive a "C" or higher in CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B must attend workshops and tutorial support through the Writing Skills Improvement Program or attend workshops and peer consultations through the Writing Center. In addition, students either must enroll in a two-unit Independent Study (CLASSICS 3xx) with the professor who taught the relevant 301A or 301B course (when practicable) and write a total of 10 pages (which may be either a single paper or several shorter papers) for a grade of "C" or higher, or GRO CLASSICS 301A or CLASSICS 301B for a grade of "C" or higher.

Contact an advisor to learn more about Classics or declare a major or minor today!

The minor in Classics is primarily an area studies minor complemented by optional language study in ancient or modern Greek or Latin. Students develop critical thinking skills and work toward a broad understanding of the Greek and Roman world in their ancient Mediterranean contexts. 

To complete the 18-Unit minor, select from the following courses:
Virtually any GRK, LAT, or CLAS course offered by the department other than courses offered for Tier 1 General Education credit may be applied to the minor in Classics. The minor may not use 1XX-level study in the language used to satisfy the University foundations language requirement. The University also requires that at least 9 units of the minor be taken at the 300-level or above.

We recommend that students minoring in Classics take one upper-division writing emphasis course in the Classics department.

Contact an advisor to learn more about Classics or declare a major or minor today!

Ancient Greek is a foreign language minor focusing on helping students achieve intermediate reading proficiency.  

To complete the 19-unit minor, students must complete the following:

Required Courses

• At least 8 units of Elementary Classical Greek (GRK 101/102 or 112)
• At least 8 units of Intermediate Classical Greek (GRK 201/202)
• At least one additional 3-unit GRK or CLAS course at the 3xx or 4xx level with substantial ancient Greek studies content. (Courses with substantial ancient Greek studies content with prefixes other than GRK or CLAS can be substituted, with the approval of a faculty advisor.)

Classics major with Ancient Greek minor:

• Students majoring in Classics can minor in Ancient Greek. 
• Students with an Ancient Greek minor can fulfill the language requirement for the Classics major by completing the requirements for the minor. Students would still need to complete at least 32 units for the Classics major.
• A Classics major with an Ancient Greek minor is allowed to double-count one 3-unit course.

NOTE: Students who enrolled at the University prior to Fall 2019 may choose either the current version of the minor (above) or the legacy version (below:)

Legacy Version of Greek Minor: REQUIRED COURSES

• At least 8 units of Intermediate Classical Greek (GRK 201/202 or 212)
• 9 units of Greek at the Advanced level (GRK 400 or above)
• any 3 additional units of GRK (NB: 100-level study in Greek may not be used for this requirement)

Career Orientations

The enhancement of language skills entailed in this minor will be valuable for students of linguistics, or for careers in journalism, language teaching (no matter what the target language), medicine and the law. The extensive study of Greek greats will extend students' horizons beyond their own temporal and cultural milieu to experiences that the western world has deemed intrinsically valuable. The Greek minor is also preparatory to a vocation in the ministry or similar callings. See our "Why Study Classics" page!

Graduate Studies

The Greek minor provides a solid linguistic background for further study of the Greek language; it supports literary research in the fields of Comparative Literature, and English, as well as in the areas of Byzantine studies.

Contact an advisor to learn more about Classics or declare a major or minor today!

Latin is a foreign language minor focusing on reading courses at the 4xx level. 

To complete the 20-unit minor, students must complete the following:

Required Courses

• At least 8 units of intermediate Latin (LAT 201/202 or 212)
• 9 units of Latin at the advanced level (LAT 400 or above), including LAT 400
• any 3 additional units of LAT (NB: 100-level study in Latin may not be used for this requirement)

Classics major with Latin minor:

• Students majoring in Classics can minor in Latin. 
• Students with a Latin minor can fulfill the language requirement for the Classics major by completing the requirements for the minor. Students would still need to complete at least 32 units for the Classics major.
• A Classics major with a Latin minor is allowed to double-count one 3-unit course.

Not sure about a Minor in Latin?

The Latin minor, in addition to its unique preparation for graduate studies or law school, prepares students for careers in business, journalism, museum work, and teaching by developing writing and analytical language skills. Students will be able to complement the practical and linguistic skills with literature and art courses that emphasize timeless human experiences and achievements. See our "Why Study Classics" page!

Graduate Studies

The Latin minor provides a solid linguistic background for further study of the Latin language; it supports literary research in the fields of Comparative Literature, English, and Modern European Languages, as well as in the areas of Late Antique, Early European, Medieval, and Renaissance studies.

The minor in New Testament Language and Literature provides students with a multidisciplinary study of New Testament texts in their historical contexts. Students learn to read the New Testament in the original language of Ancient Greek. In addition to language study, students in this minor explore the dynamic relationship among ancient religions in the Greco-Roman World and between the New Testament texts and some of the subsequent interpretations of those texts. 

To complete this 19-unit minor, students must complete the following required courses and electives. At least 9 of these units must be at the 300 level or higher. 

Part 1
Required Coursework (7 units)

GRK 201 Intermediate Classical Greek 1 (4 units)
CLAS/RELI 401A Early Christian Literature: Greek Texts This course will include readings in the original Greek for students in the minor who have completed GRK 201. Students can enroll in GRK 201 and CLAS/RELI 401A simultaneously. 

Part 2
One of the following two courses in Religious Studies & Classics (3 units) 

If students enroll in both courses listed here, the second one can count toward the minor as an elective.
RELI 280 Introduction to the New Testament
CLAS/RELI 306 The Transformation of Society: Christianity in the Greco-Roman World

Part 3
Any three of the following elective courses (9-10 units)

The student must have enough upper-division elective units to fulfill the minor's requirement of 9 upper-division units. 
GRK 202 Selections from classical Greek poetry (4 units)
CLAS 210 Ancient Greek Magic
ENG/RELI 220B Literature of the Bible
PHIL/CLAS 260 Ancient Philosophy
RELI 300 Christian Literature and Thought
CLAS/RELI 305 Greek and Roman Religion
RELI 309 Epistles of Paul
CLAS 323 Ancient Empires
CLAS 326 Greek Mythology
RELI/GWS 327 Women and Christianity
JUS/RELI 329 Jewish-Christian Relations
CLAS 335 The Roman Empire: Rulers and Ruled
CLAS/RELI 348 Myth & Archetype
JUS/RELI  372B History & Religion of Israel in Ancient Times: Ezra-Nehemiah to the Roman Empire
JUS/RELI 382B Jesus, Judaism and Archaeology
CLAS/RELI 401B Early Christian Literature: Latin Texts
HIST/CLAS 403B History of the Hellenistic World
HIST/CLAS 404B History of Rome: The Empire through the Reign of Constantine the Great
JUS 405 Classical Aramaic
PHIL/CLAS 470 Greek Philosophy
RELI/JUS 481 Jews in the Roman Empire

Classics major in the New Testament Language and Literature (NTLL) minor:

• Students majoring in Classics can minor in NTLL. 
• Students with a NTLL minor can fulfill the language requirement for the Classics major by completing GRK 201-202 for the minor (GRK 201 is required for the minor and GRK 202 is an elective for the minor). 
• A Classics major with a NTLL minor is allowed to double-count one 3-unit course.