UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS, MINORS, AND ASSOCIATED AREAS OF STUDY
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES CLASSICS The Department of Classics aims to provide the undergraduate student with a working knowledge of the origins and heritage of Greco-Roman civilization. The Department is committed to a twofold purpose: (1) disseminating interest in and knowledge of Classical Civilization through the teaching of Greek and Latin language and literature; and (2) helping students, through courses in Classical literature, history, civilization, mythology, and religion taught through English translations, to appreciate the achievements of Greek and Roman culture and their pervasive influence on our own civilization. For the Classics major, study of the Classics must be based on competence in both Greek and Latin. The Classics program is designed to provide the student with this competence as rapidly as possible, so that by the end of first-year Greek or Latin the student has already been introduced to some of the major Classical authors in the original language. From then on, courses are devoted to reading and interpreting the literature of ancient Greece and Rome. In addition to their training in the languages, students increase their knowledge of the literature, history, and thought of the ancient world through the close study of some of its finest writers. The study of the ancient world is a valuable possession for modern life. The discipline of Classics is an important part of a well-rounded education. Greek and Latin language and literature, history and philosophy, mythology and religion make an excellent basis for exploring all periods of Western culture down to the present day. Classics is an interdisciplinary study, exploring human culture by a variety of methods from a variety of points of view. For this reason, the student who chooses to major in Classics or Classical Civilization may find many professional opportunities open. Graduate and professional schools in medicine, law, management, and other fields welcome students with training in Classics. So do many business corporations. Business, industry, and technology are well acquainted with the value of an education in Classics. They are aware that students with a strong background in a respected and challenging major such as Classics are disciplined thinkers who can express themselves in clear, coherent, and cogent language, capabilities that are considered valuable in future physicians, lawyers, and managers. There are also specific vocational opportunities open to the graduate in Classics or Classical Civilization. A major in this field may lead to a career in high school teaching, or (after appropriate further study) in college or university teaching. It is also an excellent preparation for advanced study in other academic disciplines such as archaeology, history, comparative literature, philosophy, and linguistics, as well as for theological studies and for work in a wide range of the humanities and social sciences. - From the 2007-2008 UCI General Catalogue |
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