B.A. in Classics

Classics embrace 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 provide 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. 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 non language 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.