Major in Classical Civilizations

Our major in Classical Civilizations, revised in 1998, is highly interdisciplinary and features many options. This major allows students to choose an area of concentration which may include some study of one of the languages (Greek Language or Latin Language) or may be done completely in English (Classical Archaeology & Art History, Classical History & Culture). Another new feature of the Classical Civilizations major is the requirement for some comparative study of a pre-modern culture other than Greco-Roman (e.g. Chinese, sub-Saharan African, Egyptian, Mayan).

The major in Classical Civilizations is ideal for students fascinated with the ancient world and with the humanities who are preparing for a variety of careers, including law, medicine, teaching, writing, and business. It is not intended for those who wish to pursue Classics on a professional basis in graduate school.

N.B. Effective Fall semester, 1998, this major replaced the major in Classical Civilization [singular]; note, however, that the Greek and Latin work of the "old" Classical Civilization major can still be done within the options of the new Classical Civilizations [plural] major.

Requirements for the Classical Civilizations Major

How to Declare a Major

Prospective and current majors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the learning goals articulated for each major.

I. Prerequisites. (8 units)

Classics 10A (Intro. Greek Civilization)
Classics 10B (Intro. Roman Civilization)
Letters and Science R44 (Topics in Western Civilization) may be substituted for either 10A or 10B, but not for both.

II. Lower division. (8 units)

Two courses from the following list, one of which must be in the Classics Department:

Classics 17A (Intro to Greek Archaeology)
Classics 17B (Intro to Roman Archaeology)
Classics 28 (Classic Myths)
Classics 29 (Greco-Roman Magic)
Classics 34 (Epic Poetry)
Clssics 35 (Greek Tragedy)
Classics 36 (Greek Philosophy) (Philosophy 25A may not also be counted)
Classics 39 (Freshman-Sophomore Seminar)
Latin, 1, 2, 10, 15, 40 (Intro Language Comp.)
Greek 1, 2, 10, 15, 40 (Intro Language Comp.)
Art History 10 (Hist. Western Art)
History 4A (Origins of Western Civ.)
NES 23 (Topics in Near Eastern Archaeology)
NES 25 (Ancient Babylonian Legends/Myths)
NES 33 (Topics in NES: only ancient topics.)
NES 34 (Hebrew Bible in translation)
Philosophy 25A (Ancient Philosophy) (Classics 36 may not also be counted)

III. Area of concentration. (5 courses, 20 units)

Five courses from one concentration: no duplication with courses offered in fulfillment of the other lower or upper division requirements allowed except in the case of Classics 130 (which is required of all students in the major); other courses may be substituted with the permission of the faculty adviser; at least 3 courses must be in the Classics Department.

III.1. Classical Archaeology & Art History.

Five ud courses from Classics and Art History:

Classics 130 (Topics in Greek and Roman Culture)
Classics 170A (Greek Vase Painting)
Classics 170B (Greek Sculpture to 400 BC)
Classics 170C (Greek Architecture)
Classics 170D (Roman Art and Architecture)
Classics 175A (Topography of Athens)
Classics 175B (Topography of Rome)
Classics 175C (Sanctuaries of Greece)
Classics 175D (Pompeii and Herculaneum)
Classics 175E (Western Provinces)
Classics 175F (Roman Wall Painting)
Classics 180 (Ancient Athletics)
Art History 140 (Aegean Art)
Art History 141 A.B.C. (Greek Sculpture/Painting)
Art History 145 (Roman Art)

III.2. Classical History & Culture.

Five upper division courses from Classics, Anthropology, Art History, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies and Rhetoric.

All upper division courses in Greek and Latin
Classics 100A (Greek Literature in Translation)
Classics 100B (Latin Literature in Translation)
Classics 121 (Ancient Religion)
Classics 130 (Topics in Greek and Roman Culture)
Classics 155A-155B (Late Antiquity)
Classics 161 (Gender, Sexuality, and Culture)
Classics 163 (Topics in Philosophy)
Classics 175A (Topography of Athens)
Classics 175B (Topography of Rome)
Classics 175C (Sanctuaries of Greece)
Classics 175D (Pompeii and Herulaneum)
Classics 180 (Ancient Athletics)
Comparative Literature 151 (Ancient Med. World)
Dramatic Art 122 (Greek & Roman Theater)
History 101 (Historical Research-ancient topic)
History 103A (Proseminar: Problems in Interpretation)
History 105 A-B-C. (Ancient Greece)
History 106 A-B (Ancient Rome)
History 107 A-D (Topics in Ancient History)
Philosophy 160 (Plato)
Philosophy 161 (Aristotle)
Philosophy 163 (Topics in Greek Philosophy)
Political Science 112A (Hist. of Political Theory)
Religious Studies 120 A&B (Origins of Christianity)
Rhetoric 100 (The Rhetorical Tradition)
Rhetoric 138 (Rhetoric and Literature/Roman Empire)
Rhetoric 166 (Rhetoric, Law and Politics in Ancient Greece)

III.3. Greek Language.

Five courses, including up to 2 lower division.

Greek 1, 2, 10, 15, 40
Greek 100, 101, 102, 105,
Greek 115, 116, 117
Greek 120, 121, 122, 123

III.4. Latin Langurage.

Five courses, including up to 2 lower division.

Latin 1, 2, 10, 15, 40
Latin 100, 101, 102, 105
Latin 115, 116, 117, 118, 119
Latin 120, 121, 122, 123, 140, 155A-B

IV. Area of breadth:

Two courses from any combination of lower or upper division offerings in a non-Greco-Roman, preindustrial cultural. Examples of such cultures would be: North, Central, or South American Indian, Pacific, Chinese, Indic, sub-Saharan African, European bronze or iron age, and prehistoric;European medieval is also acceptable.

This requirement may be met with courses in any Department where relevant courses are offered; in particular, courses in Anthropology, Near Eastern Studies, History of Art, Linguistics, History, and Religious Studies might be appropriate, as well as Departments specializing in specific cultural areas.

The faculty adviser will determine with the student what culture will be offered as an Area of Breath. Since many "topics" courses change subject from offering to offering, the student should consult closely with the faculty adviser. (8 units)

V. Upper division.

Two courses. All students must take Classics 130. A single 130 counts both in this category, Upper Division, AND in the five course, UD requirement of the (1) the Art and Archeology and (2) the Classical History and Culture options above. (8 units)

Classics 100A (Greek Literature in Translation)
Classics 100B (Latin Literature in Translation
Classics 121 (Ancient Religion)
Classics 130 (Topics in Greek and Roman Culture)
Classics 155A-155B (Late Antiquity)
Classics 161 (Gender, Sexuality, and Culture)
Classics 163 (Topics in Philosopy)
Classics 170A (Greek Vase Painting)
Classics 170B (Greek Sculpture to 400 BC)
Classics 170C (Greek Sculpture to 400 BC)
Classics 170D (Roman Art and Architecture)
Classics 175A (Topography of Athens)
Classics 175B (Topography of Rome)
Classics 175C (Sanctuaries of Greece)
Classics 175D (Pompeli and Herculaneum)
Classics 175F (Roman Wall Painting)
Classics 180 (Ancient Athletics)
Greek 100, 101, 102, 105, 115, 116, 117, 118, 120, 121, 122, 123
Latin 100, 101, 102, 105, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 140, 155A-B
Anthropology 123C&E (Archaeology of Europe, Mediterranean Archaeology)
Art History 140 (Aegean Art)
Art History 141 A, B, C (Greek Sculpture & Painting)
Art History 145 (Roman Art)
Comparative Literature 151 (Ancient Med. World)
Dramatic Art 122 (Greek & Roman Theater)
History 101 (Seminar in Historical Research - ancient)
History 105 A, B, C (Ancient Greece)
History 107 A-D (Topics in Ancient History)
NES 101A-101B (History of Ancient Egypt)
NES 102A-102B (Archaeology of Ancient Egypt)
NES 103 (Religion of Ancient Egypt) (3)
NES 104 (Babylonian religion) (3)
NES 105A & 105B (Ancient Mesopot Lit) (3)
NES 106A & 106B (Art & Architecture Egypt)
NES 107 (Ancient Egyptian Lit & Documents) (3)
NES 108 (Topics in Ancient Med. World) (4)
NES 111 (Special topic in seminars: ancient topic)
NES 122A & 122B (Iranian archaeology) (4)
NES 123A & 123B (Mesopotamian archaeology) (4)
NES 124A-124B (Archaeology of Eastern Med) (4)
NES 130A-130B (History of Ancient Israel) (3)
NES 131 (Aspects of Biblical Religion) (3)
NES 132 (Judaism & Hellenism)
NES 133 (Judaism in Late Antiquity) (3)
NES 134 (Talmud & Midrash in Translation) (3)
NES 160 (Religions of Ancient Iran) (3)
Philosophy 161 (Plato)
Philosophy 163 (Special Topics in Greek Philsophy)
Political Science 112A (Hist. of Political Theory-ancient
Religious Studies 120 A&B (Origins of Christianity)
Rhetoric 100 (The Rhetorical Tradition)
Rhetoric 138 (Rhetoric & Literature/Roman Empire)
Rhetoric 166 (Rhetoric, Law and Politics in Ancient Greece)
Sanskrit 100A & B (Elementary Sanskrit)
Sanskrit 101A & B (Intermediate Sanskrit)

Honors

Classical Civilizations majors with an overall University GPA of at least 3.3 and a GPA of at least 3.3 in the major are eligible. Honors requirements: (a) completion of the major program, (b) one semester of Classics H195. H195 consists of largely independent study, including the writing of a thesis, which is usually an outgrowth of work done previously in a senior-level course, which will be evaluated by an Honors Committee of three members. The student forms the Honors Committee, with one member as Chair. The written thesis is due on Monday of the 13th week of the semester. The Committee will agree upon the level of Honors (Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors), and the grade to be awarded no later than the Monday of examination week.

For a fuller description of Honors, click HERE.

Total units: 52 (lower division 16; upper division 28: additional lower or upper division 8; at least 26 must be in the Classics Department)