The Department puts its primary emphasis on reading Greek and Latin literature in the original languages, and it offers courses in Greek and Latin from the elementary to the graduate level. This work is supplemented by courses taught in English on Greek and Roman civilization and on particular topics (e.g., Tragedy and Comedy, Greek Religion, Age of Augustus, Women and Gender, Mythology).
The Major in Greek
The requirements for the Major in Classics with a Greek concentration are 18 credits in Greek at the 2000 level or above; at least 6 credits in Latin; and 12 credits of related courses chosen in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Six of these twelve hours of related courses must include HIEU 2031 (Greek History) and CLAS 2010 (Greek Civilization) or CLAS 2020 (Roman Civilization). Other related courses may be additional courses in Latin and Greek, or courses on classical antiquity in areas such as art, history, and religion.
The Major in Latin
The requirements for the Major in Classics with a Latin concentration are 18 credits in Latin at the 2000 level or above, including at least one course at the 4000-level (excluding LATI 4993) or above; at least 6 credits in Greek; and 12 credits of related courses chosen in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Six of these twelve hours of related courses must include HIEU 2041 (Roman History) and either CLAS 2010 (Greek Civilization) or CLAS 2020 (Roman Civilization). Other related courses may be additional courses in Latin and Greek, or courses on classical antiquity in areas such as art, history, and religion. Credits awarded for AP exams may not be counted toward the major.
The Major in Greek & Latin
The requirements for the Major in Classics with a Greek & Latin concentration are: GREE 2010-2020 and LATI 2010-2020 or their equivalent; 18 credits of Greek and Latin language courses above that level, including at least two Greek courses at the 3000 level (or higher) or one Latin course at the 4000 level (or higher); six additional credits, consisting of CLAS 2010 (Greek Civilization) or 2020 (Roman Civilization) and HIEU 2031 (Greek History) or 2041 (Roman History).
The Distinguished Major in Classics
Classics majors with an overall GPA of 3.4 or higher may apply for the Distinguished Major Program. This involves two components: additional coursework (three credits at the 4000-level or above, not including 4998 or 4999) and a research project conducted under the guidance of a faculty member during both semesters of the fourth year. Students interested in the Distinguished Majors Program should apply to the Director of Undergraduate Studies no later than the end of their sixth semester.
The Minor in Greek
The requirements for the Minor in Greek are 12 credits in Greek at the 2000 level or above, plus CLAS 2010 (Greek Civilization). The minor must be declared by the 'add period' of the student's next-to-last (usually seventh) semester.
The Minor in Latin
The requirements for the Minor in Latin are 12 credits in Latin at the 2000 level or above, plus CLAS 2020 (Roman Civilization). The minor must be declared by the 'add period' of the student's next-to-last (usually seventh) semester.
All courses for the major and minor must be taken at the University or an approved study-abroad program; AP credits cannot be counted toward the major or minor.Students must earn a grade of C- or better for a course to apply towards the major or minor.
For further information, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Classics, P.O. Box 400788, B018 Cocke Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4788, telephone 434-924-3008.