Major in Classical Civilizations

Our major in Classical Civilizations, revised in 2012, 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)
Classics R44 (Roots of 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.)
History 4A (Origins of Western Civilization)
History of Art 10 (History of Western Art)
History of Art 41 (Introduction to Greek and Roman Art)
Near Eastern Studies 15 (Introduction to Near Eastern Art and Archaeology)
Near Eastern Studies 18 (Introduction to Ancient Egypt)
Near Eastern Studies 23 (Topics in Near Eastern Archaeology)
Near Eastern Studies 25 (Ancient Babylonian Legends/Myths)
Near Eastern Studies 33 (Topics in NES: only ancient topics.)
Near Eastern Studies 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 upper division 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 N172A (Field School: Nemea)
Classics N172B (Field School: Mycenae)
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 175G (Ptolemaic & Roman Egypt)
Classics 180 (Ancient Athletics)
History of Art 140 (Aegean Art)
History of Art 141 A-C(Greek Sculpture/Painting)
History of Art 145 (Roman Art)
History of Art 151 (Art in Late Antiquity)
History of Art 190B (Topics, ancient)
History of Art 192B (undergraduate seminar, ancient)

III.2. Classical History & Culture.

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

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 124 (Classical Poetics)
Classics 130 (Topics in Greek and Roman Culture)
Classics 155A-B (Late Antiquity)
Classics 161 (Gender, Sexuality, and Culture)
Classics 163 (Topics in Philosophy)
Classics 170B (Greek Sculpture to 400 BC)
Classics 170C (Greek Architecture)
Classics N172A (Field School: Nemea)
Classics N172B (Field School: Mycenae)
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 Mediterranean World)
Dramatic Art 122 (Greek & Roman Theater)
History 101 (Historical Research-ancient topic)
History 100 (History topics by visiting lecturers; only if ancient)
History 103A (Proseminar: Problems in Interpretation)
History 105 A-B-C. (Ancient Greece)
History 106 A-B (Ancient Rome)
History 185 (History of Christianity to 1250; primarily Late Antiquity)
Philosophy 160 (Plato)
Philosophy 161 (Aristotle)
Philosophy 163 (Topics in Greek Philosophy)
Political Science 112A (History of Political Theory)
Religious Studies 120A-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)
Theater 126 (Performance LIteratures: Greek Tragedy, Then and Now)

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 Native American, 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, Upper Division 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 124 (Classical Poetics)
Classics 130 (Topics in Greek and Roman Culture)
Classics 155A-B (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 Architecture)
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)
Comparative Literature 151 (Ancient Mediterranean World)
Cuneiform 100A-B (Elementary Akkadian)
Cuneiform 101A-B (Selected Readings in Akkadian)
Cuneiform 102A-B (Elementary Sumerian)
Cuneiform 103A-B (Selected Readings in Sumerian)
Cuneiform 106A-B (Elementary Hittite)
Egyptian 100A-B (Elementary Egyptian)
Egyptian 101A-B (Intermediate Egyptian)
Egyptian 102A-B (Elementary Coptic)
Hebrew 106A-B (Elementary Biblical Hebrew)
Hebrew 107A-B (Biblical Hebrew Texts)
History 101 (Seminar in Historical Research - ancient)
History 105 A-C (Ancient Greece)
History 107 A-D (Topics in Ancient History)
History of Art 140 (Aegean Art)
History of Art 141 A, B, C (Greek Sculpture & Painting)
History of Art 145 (Roman Art)
Iranian 110A-B (Middle Persian)
Iranian 111A-B (Old Iranian)
Near Eastern Studies 101A-B (History of Ancient Egypt)
Near Eastern Studies 102A-B (Archaeology of Ancient Egypt)
Near Eastern Studies 103 (Religion of Ancient Egypt)
Near Eastern Studies 104 (Babylonian religion)
Near Eastern Studies 105A-B (Ancient Mesopot Lit)
Near Eastern Studies 106A-B (Art & Architecture Egypt)
Near Eastern Studies 107 (Ancient Egyptian Lit & Documents)
Near Eastern Studies 108 (Topics in Ancient Mediterranean World)
Near Eastern Studies 109 (Mesopotamian History)
Near Eastern Studies 110 (Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egrypt First Millennium BC)
Near Eastern Studies 111 (Special topic in seminars: ancient topic)
Near Eastern Studies 113 (Gilgamesh: King, Hero and God)
Near Eastern Studies C119 (Disciplining Near Eastern Archaeology)
Near Eastern Studies C120A-B (Art of Ancient Mesopotamia)
Near Eastern Studies 122A-B (Iranian archaeology)
Near Eastern Studies 123A-B (Mesopotamian archaeology)
Near Eastern Studies 124A-124B (Archaeology of Eastern Med)
Near Eastern Studies 126 (Silk Road Art and Archaeology)
Near Eastern Studies C129 (Minoan and Mycenean Art)
Near Eastern Studies 130A-130B (History of Ancient Israel)
Near Eastern Studies 131 (Aspects of Biblical Religion)
Near Eastern Studies 132 (Biblical Poetry)
Near Eastern Studies 133 (Judaism in Late Antiquity)
Near Eastern Studies 134 (Talmud & Midrash in Translation)
Near Eastern Studies C135 (Jewish Civilization I: The Biblical Period)
Near Eastern Studies 136 (History and Historiography in the Hebrew Bible)
Near Eastern Studies 138 (The Hero in the Bible and the Ancient Near East)
Near Eastern Studies 160 (Religions of Ancient Iran)
Near Eastern Studies 190A-B (Special Topics in Fields of Near Eastern Studies, ancient only)
Near Eastern Studies 1962A-C (Undergraduate Seminar: Problems and Research in Near Eastern Studies)
Philosophy 161 (Plato)
Philosophy 163 (Special Topics in Greek Philsophy)
Political Science 112A (History of Political Theory-ancient)
Religious Studies 120 A-B (Origins of Christianity)
Rhetoric 100 (The Rhetorical Tradition)
Rhetoric 103A (Classical Rhetorical Theory)
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)
Semitics 100A-B (Aramaic)
Theater 126 (Greek Tragedy, Then and Now)

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)