Modern Greek

Classical Studies is an interdisciplinary major, with specializations in ancient language, classical civilization, and teacher certification that offer students instruction in the history, literature, and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. These three specializations require proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek. A fourth specialization in modern Greek offers students instruction in the language, literature, and culture of modern Greece and requires proficiency in modern Greek.

About this Program

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

Department Information

The Department of Classics offers an interdisciplinary Classical Studies major, with specializations in ancient language, classical civilization, and teacher certification that offer students instruction in the history, literature, and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. These three specializations require proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek. A fourth specialization in modern Greek offers students instruction in the language, literature, and culture of modern Greece and requires proficiency in modern Greek. The department also offers minors in Classical Studies and Greek Studies.
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CONTACT

Email | 352.273.3701

P.O. Box 117435
125 DAUER HALL
GAINESVILLE FL 32611-7435
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Curriculum

Students who major in classical studies often pursue graduate studies in classical languages and literature, art history, ancient history, archaeology, comparative literature, and museum studies. Additional career opportunities are possible depending upon the specialization the student chooses. Small class sizes, emphasis on critical thinking and expression, and a faculty committed to involvement in lower-level undergraduate courses also make this major appealing to students who want excellent preparation for entry to professional schools (e.g., medicine or law).

Specializations

Ancient Language

For students wishing to have direct contact with the literature and culture of the ancients, and for those who plan to do graduate study in Greek or Latin. Students interested in admission to competitive graduate programs need a minimum of three years of upper-division courses in ancient Greek or Latin and an additional year in the remaining language.

Classical Civilization

For those who desire a broad humanities background or are considering admission to graduate school in archaeology, ancient history or an unrelated field such as medicine or law. Students interested in admission to competitive graduate programs in archaeology or ancient history should consult the Department of Classics' undergraduate coordinator for information on specific requirements.

Modern Greek

For students wishing to have direct contact with the language, literature, and culture of modern Greece and a closer acquaintance with ancient and medieval Greek civilization. Students study in greater detail the numerous communities of the diaspora, which includes the large and flourishing Greek-American communities of Florida, their history and contemporary culture. By learning a modern European language, students can work in translation, education, services, tourism, the entertainment industry, and political or financial institutions with ties to Greece or Cyprus.

Teacher Certification

Students who want to be high-school Latin teachers should follow the Teacher Certification specialization. Students who pursue the Florida Teaching minor have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate. Alternatively, students can consider a minor in educational studies that would be beneficial if applying to the ProTeach program. Students should consult the College of Education for more information.

Coursework for the Major

Students must complete 21-30 credits of coursework for the classical studies major; the total is dependent upon the specialization. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in a course for it to be applied to the major; no S/U courses can be applied. The Department of Classics requires that a minimum 15 credits of major-related courses be completed at the University of Florida.

All classical studies majors are also required to demonstrate proficiency in Latin, ancient Greek, or modern Greek, depending on the specialization. Credits earned in language courses are not included in the 21-30 credits of coursework for the major.

Overseas Studies

Students may participate in summer, semester, or academic year programs in Italy and Greece. Competitive scholarships for study abroad are available. Students in the modern Greek specialization are encouraged to participate in programs in Greece or Cyprus supported with competitive scholarships by the Center for Greek Studies and other organizations in the United States, Greece, and the European Union.

Placement

Refer to Placement Testing and Evaluation for information on placement into Latin.

Modern Greek

Required Coursework

Students in the modern Greek specialization are required to demonstrate proficiency in modern Greek by completing the beginning sequence of modern Greek (10 credits: GRK 1130 and GRK 1131) or (with department approval) the intermediate modern Greek sequence (3-6 credits).

In addition to demonstrating proficiency in modern Greek, students must complete 24 credits of coursework for the major:

  • GRK 2200.
  • Two courses at the 3000 level on the modern, medieval or ancient Greek world from the Department of Classics or approved courses from the departments of Anthropology, Art, European Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion, and Women’s Studies.
  • Five courses in modern Greek, Byzantine Greek, ancient Greek or Latin at the 3000 level or above, of which at least two courses must be in modern Greek. Included in these five courses is CLA 4931.

Study-abroad programs are recommended and supported with scholarships for the cultivation of greater fluency in modern Greek.

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

  • 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 2

  • Complete one modern Greek course 1
    Select the language based on the specialization chosen.
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 3

  • 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 4

  • Complete one additional modern Greek course with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 5

  • Complete two additional modern Greek courses with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 6

  • Complete 2 of the remaining required courses
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 7

  • Complete all of the remaining required courses
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

Semester 8

  • Complete CLA 4931 (Capstone)
  • 2.0 UF GPA required
1

At least two of these courses must be in modern Greek. 

Students are expected to complete the Writing Requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the General Education International (GE-N) and Diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another General Education requirement (typically, GE-C, H, or S). One of the two General Education Mathematics courses must be a pure math course.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
Quest 1 (Gen Ed Humanities) 3
GRK 1130 Beginning Modern Greek 1 (Critical Tracking) 5
State Core Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences 3
State Core Gen Ed Composition; Writing Requirement 3
State Core Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
 Credits17
Semester Two
GRK 1131 Beginning Modern Greek 2 (Critical Tracking) 5
Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences (area NOT taken in Semester 1) 3
State Core Gen Ed Humanities 3
State Core Gen Ed Mathematics 3
 Credits14
Semester Three
GRK 2200 Intermediate Modern Greek 1 (Critical Tracking) 3
CLA 2100 The Glory That Was Greece (recommended elective) 1 3
Science Laboratory (Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences) 1
Gen Ed Biological Sciences 2 3
Gen Ed Physical Sciences 2 3
Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences 2 3
 Credits16
Semester Four
GRK 2201 Intermediate Modern Greek 2 (recommended elective) 1 3
Select two electives: 1 6
Greece Today and Yesterday (recommended) 1
Special Topics in Classical Literature (Greece in its European Context (recommended)) 1
Gen Ed Mathematics 3
Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences 3
 Credits15
Semester Five
Gen Ed Composition; Writing Requirement 3
Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek or Latin courses (3000 level or above; Critical Tracking) 1 3
GRK 4300 Modern Greek Literature Since 1830 (recommended elective; or select an elective in Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek or Latin (3000 level or above); Critical Tracking) 1 3
 Credits15
Semester Six
Modern, Medieval or Ancient Greek World course (Critical Tracking; 3000 level or above) 3
Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek course (Critical Tracking; 3000 level or above) 1 3
Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
Elective 3
 Credits15
Semester Seven
Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek course (Critical Tracking; 3000 level or above) 1 3
Modern, Medieval or Ancient Greek World course (Critical Tracking; 3000 level or above) 3
Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
Elective 3
 Credits15
Semester Eight
CLA 4931 Classics Capstone Seminar (Critical Tracking) 3
Elective or honors thesis 3
Electives 7
 Credits13
 Total Credits120
1

At least two of these courses must be in modern Greek.

2

One General Education option taken this term must be a Quest 2 course.


The Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies, with specializations in classical civilization, ancient language, teacher certification, or modern Greek studies provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts through study of the language, literature, monuments, and history of ancient Greece and Rome. Students will develop linguistic, critical thinking, and writing skills while gaining knowledge of classical civilization. Students also will explore the connection between the ancient and modern worlds and discover the contributions of classical culture to western civilization.

Before Graduating Students Must

  • Successfully complete a department capstone course for majors.
  • Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes | SLOs

Content

  1. Translate passages of Latin, ancient Greek, or Modern Greek literature into English.

Critical Thinking

  1. Recognize and explain the connection between the ancient and modern worlds and the contribution of Classical culture to Western civilization.

Communication

  1. Write competently in Latin, ancient Greek, or Modern Greek using correct grammar and vocabulary of one or more of these languages. For Modern Greek, speak and comprehend competently.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Classical Civilization

Courses SLO 1 SLO 2 SLO 3
CLA 2100, CLA 2120, CLA 3114 I I
CLA 3111, CLA 3151, CLA 3430, CLA 3500, CLA 3501, CLA 3791, CLA 3793, CLA 3930 R R R
CLA 3160, CLA 3700 I
CLA 4173, CLA 4880 R
CLA 4931 Capstone A
CLT 2044 I I
CLT 3102, CLA 3230, CLA 3291, CLA 3340 R
CLT 3370, CLA 3371 I

Greek, Ancient

Courses SLO 1 SLO 2 SLO 3
GRE 1120, GRE 1121 and GRE 1130, GRE 1131 I I
GRW 2200, GRW 2201, GRW 2250 R I R
GRW 3102, GRW 3300, GRW 3303, GRW 3501, GRW 4330, GRW 4340, GRW 4380, GRW 4700, GRW 4930 A R A

Greek, Modern

Courses SLO 1 SLO 2 SLO 3
GRK 1120, GRK 1121 and GRK 1130, GRK 1131 I I
GRK 2200, GRK 2201 R I R
GRK 4300 A R A

Latin

Courses SLO 1 SLO 2 SLO 3
LAT 1120, LAT 1101, LAT 1104 and LAT 1130, LAT 1131 I I
LNW 2321, LNW 2560, LNW 2630, LNW 2660 R I R
LNW 3220, LNW 3310, LNW 3320, LNW 3360, LNW 3380, LNW 3490, LNW 3644, LNW 3660, LNW 3930 A R A

Assessment Types

  • Translations
  • Group presentations
  • Research papers