Bachelor of Arts in Classics
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STUDENTS MAJORING IN CLASSICS
Over fifty students are majoring in the Classics program at any given time. Many of them combine a major in Classics with another major such as History, Economics, English, or Biology. Courses for the major are normally taught by the faculty. Since the Department offers both master's and doctoral programs, undergraduates with advanced skills may take course work at the graduate level. The interaction among undergraduates, graduates, and faculty provides an atmosphere highly conducive to the learning process. Each year there is available to students a full program of public lectures on various classical subjects. The Department sponsors regular information sessions for Classics majors on careers and study abroad. And the majors themselves, through their Classics Club, have a program of social and service events throughout the year.
The majors in Classics are a small enough group that they come to know one another well through their classes and informal activities. The faculty are also able to devote to them individual attention, know them well, and give them advice tailored to who they are and what they want to do. Many of them tell us that they can't imagine a better combination than that of coming to UVa, which has the rich possibilities of a large university, and majoring in Classics, which provides the intimacy and personal attention of a small college.
Our graduating majors each year go on to diverse careers. Some pursue graduate work in Classics. Some begin teaching high school Latin immediately or pursue a Master's Degree in that field. Each year some go on to graduate work in other fields (English, History, Philosophy), to medical school, to law school, or to the corporate world. One recently became a forest ranger. Our graduates report that their Classics major is regarded with great respect by prospective employers and has helped them secure the job of their choice.
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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. Learn More →
The Minor in Greek
The Minor in Latin
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, Coulter George, Department of Classics, P.O. Box 400788, B018 Cocke Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4788, telephone 434-924-3008.