All students majoring in Classics are required to choose one of the following emphases.
Classical Civilization
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.
Classical Languages
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.
Emphasis 1
Classical Civilization
With this emphasis, 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.
32 units, including:
- 8 Units in Intermediate Languages (2 courses) - 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)
- 6 Units in Literature in Translation Classes (2 courses) 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).
Emphasis 2
Classical Languages
Students will 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 and related fields or are passionate about languages and linguistics.
32 units, including:
- 6-8 Units in Intermediate Ancient Greek (usually 2 courses) GRK 201-202 or 212
- 6-8 Units in Intermediate Latin (usually 2 courses) LAT 201-202 or 212
- 6 Units Upper Division Language Course Work (2 courses) any (ancient) GRK or LAT course numbered 400 or higher
- 6 Units in Literature in Translation Classes (2 courses) 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
General Information for all Classics majors
- Every undergraduate degree program requires satisfaction of the Mid-Career Writing Assessment (MCWA).
- Many Classics majors have double majors or dual degrees and benefit from generous double-dipping policies. Learn more
- Double majors in Classics and Religious Studies can double-count up to 15 units (15 credit hours) in shared coursework. Learn more about Religious Studies
- For information on General Education and overall degree requirements associated with majors offered by the College of Humanities, please meet with an advisor at the College of Humanities Academic Advising Center and/or review the degree requirements.
Contact an advisor to learn more about Classics or declare a major or minor today!
It's never too late to be a Classics Major!
The Classics major is very flexible. The only courses that must strictly be done in order are language classes, but even there, we've got options! Learn about our flexible timelines and then meet with an advisor to make a plan for your unique situation.
Classics Major Timelines
The Classics major can be achieved with just a little more time than a single academic year! In the dropdown menu below you can find the Classics Major mapped out across however much time you have till graduation!