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

The ancient language specialization is appropriate 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

The classical civilization specialization is appropriate 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

The modern Greek specialization is appropriate 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

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.

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

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

Communication

3. 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

Greek, Ancient

Greek, Modern

Latin

Assessment Types

• Translations
• Group presentations
• Research papers