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    Classical Studies

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

    About This Major

    • College: Liberal Arts and Sciences
    • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
    • Hours for Degree: 120
    • Specializations: Ancient Language, Classical Civilization, Teacher Certification, Modern Greek
    • Minor: Yes
    • Website: www.classics.ufl.edu/undergrad.html

    Overview

    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 may be possible depending upon the track 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

    There are four specializations in the classical studies major:

    • Ancient Language
      The ancient language track 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 track 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 track 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 track. 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 credit hours of coursework for the classical studies major; the total will be dependent upon the track the student chooses. Each track' coursework requirements are specified after the critical tracking section below. 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 of 15 credit hours 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 track the student chooses. The credits earned in the language courses are not included in the 21-30 credit hours of coursework for the classical studies 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 track 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.
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    Critical Tracking

    To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college and major requirements. 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 for semesters 1-5

    Semester 2:

    • Complete 1 Latin,* ancient Greek,* modern Greek * or classics course

    Semester 3:

    • Maintain 1 course completed

    Semester 4:

    • Complete 1 additional Latin,* ancient Greek,* modern Greek * or classics course with 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework

    Semester 5:

    • Complete 2 additional Latin,* ancient Greek,* modern Greek * or classics courses with 2.5 GPA on all critical-tracking coursework

    * Students should select their language taken based on the track they choose.

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    Ancient Language
    Classical Civilization
    Modern Greek
    Teacher Certification

    Ancient Language

    Required Coursework

    Students in this track demonstrate proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek through one of these options:
    1. 10 credit hours of beginning Latin or beginning ancient Greek
      1. LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1, LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 and LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3; or
        LAT 1130 Accelerated Latin 1 and LAT 1131 Accelerated Latin.
      2. Or 8-10 credit hours of ancient Greek (GRE 1120 Beginning Ancient Greek 1 and GRE 1121 Beginning Ancient Greek 2; or
        GRE 1130 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 1 and GRE 1131 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 2).
      3. Students with high school Latin complete the sequence based upon their score on the SAT II Latin test (or other placement mechanism).
    2. A score of 3 or above in one of the AP Latin exams (Latin Literature or Vergil).
    3. Completion of LNW 2630 (Latin Love Poetry) or a 2000-level ancient Greek course.
    4. A 3000-level course in the original Latin or Greek literature.

    In addition to demonstrating proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek, students must complete a total of 21 hours of coursework for the major:

    • Two courses on the ancient Graeco-Roman world (in English translation) from the Department of Classics or approved courses from the departments of Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Religion. At least one course must be at the 3000 level or above.
    • Five courses at the 3000 level or above in Latin or Greek or a combination of Greek and Latin, including CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar. Students who complete the language requirement using a 3000-level course in Latin or Greek literature need only four Latin or Greek courses at the 3000 level or above.
    • Students planning to go to graduate school in classical languages and literature will need more credit hours in ancient languages.

    Recommended Semester Plan

    Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. 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).

    Semester 1 Credits
    HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H)​ 3​
    LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1 (4) or
    LAT 1130 Accelerated Beginning Latin 1 (5) or
    GRE 1120 Beginning Ancient Greek 1 (4) or
    GRE 1130 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 1 (5) (or higher if placed out by SAT II) *
    4-5
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Physical Science (GE-P) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 16-17
    Semester 2 Credits
    LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 (3) or
    LAT 1131 Accelerated Beginning Latin 2 (5) or
    GRE 1121 Beginning Ancient Greek 2 (4) or
    GRE 1131 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 2 (5) or
    Elective (if placed out by SAT II) *
    3-5
    Biological Science (GE-B) 3
    Electives 6
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Total 15-17
    Semester 3 Credits
    LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3 (if needed) or elective 3
    Elective (CLA 2100 The Glory That Was Greece or
    CLA 2120 The Grandeur That Was Rome recommended) *
    3
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Physical or Biological Science Laboratory (GE-P or B) 1
    Physical Science (GE-P) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 16
    Semester 4 Credits
    Biological Science (GE-B) 3
    Elective (CLA 2100 The Glory That Was Greece or
    CLA 2120 The Grandeur That Was Rome recommended) *
    3
    Electives 6
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 5 Credits
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Latin or Greek courses (two at 3000 level or above) 6
    Total 15
    Semester 6 Credits
    Ancient Graeco-Roman World (3000 level or higher) 3
    Latin or Greek course (3000 level or above) 3
    Elective 3
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Total 15
    Semester 7 Credits
    Ancient Graeco-Roman World 3
    Elective 3
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Latin or Greek course (3000 level or above)​ 3​
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar 3
    Elective (or honors thesis) 3
    Electives 7
    Total 13

    * Students with prior Greek or Latin and an SAT II Latin score of 540 or higher, a 3 or higher on the AP Latin exam or a 4 or higher on the IB exam will begin with more advanced courses.

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    Classical Civilization

    Required Coursework

    Students in this track must demonstrate proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek through one of these options:

      1. 10 credit hours of beginning Latin or beginning ancient Greek
        1. LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1, LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 and LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3; or
          LAT 1130 Accelerated Latin 1 and LAT 1131 Accelerated Latin 2.
        2. Or 8-10 credit hours of ancient Greek (GRE 1120 Beginning Ancient Greek 1 and GRE 1121 Beginning Ancient Greek 2; or
          GRE 1130 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 1 and GRE 1131 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 2).
        3. Students with high school Latin complete the sequence based upon their score on the SAT II Latin test (or other placement mechanism).
      2. A score of 3 or above in one of the AP Latin exams (Latin Literature or Vergil).
      3. Completion of LNW 2630 (Latin Love Poetry) or a 2000-level ancient Greek course.
      4. A 3000-level course in the original Latin or Greek literature.

    In addition to demonstrating proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek, students must complete a total of 24 credit hours of coursework for the major:

    • 24 credit hours of coursework covering the ancient Graeco-Roman world (in English translation) from the Department of Classics or approved courses from the departments of Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Religion.
      • At least 18 credit hours must be at the 3000 level or above, including CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar.
      • Modern Greek may be taken for the six credit hours at the 1000/2000 level.

    Recommended Semester Plan

    Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. 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).

    Semester 1 Credits
    HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H)​ 3​
    LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1 (4) or
    LAT 1130 Accelerated Beginning Latin 1 (5) or
    GRE 1120 Beginning Ancient Greek 1 (4) or
    GRE 1130 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 1 (5) (or higher if placed out by SAT II) *
    4-5
    Biological Science (GE-B) 3
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Total 13-14
    Semester 2 Credits
    LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 (3) or
    LAT 1131 Accelerated Beginning Latin 2 (5) or
    GRE 1121 Beginning Ancient Greek 2 (4) or
    GRE 1131 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 2 (5) or
    Elective (if placed out by SAT II) *
    3-5
    Electives (CLA 2100 The Glory That Was Greece or
    CLA 2120 The Grandeur That Was Rome recommended)
    6
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Physical Science (GE-P) 3
    Total 15-17
    Semester 3 Credits
    LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3 (3) (if needed) or elective 3
    Elective (CLA 2100 The Glory That Was Greece or
    CLA 2120 The Grandeur That Was Rome recommended)
    3
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Physical Science (GE-P) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 4 Credits
    Ancient Graeco-Roman World (2000 level or higher) or
    Modern Greek
    3
    Biological Science (GE-B) 3
    Elective 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 6
    Total 15
    Semester 5 Credits
    Ancient Graeco-Roman World (2000 level or above) or
    Modern Greek
    3
    Electives 6
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Science laboratory (GE-B or P) 1
    Total 16
    Semester 6 Credits
    Ancient Graeco-Roman World (3000 level or above) 6
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Total 15
    Semester 7 Credits
    Ancient Graeco-Roman World (3000 level or above) 6
    Elective 3
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar​​ 3​
    Ancient Graeco-Roman World (3000 level or above) 3
    Elective (or honors thesis) 3
    Elective(s) 7-4
    Total 16-13

    * Students with prior Greek or Latin and an SAT II Latin score of 540 or higher, a 3 or higher on the AP Latin exam or a 4 or higher on the IB exam will begin with more advanced courses.

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    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 credit hours: GRK 1130 and 1131) or (with departmental approval) the intermediate modern Greek sequence (3-6 credits).

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

    • GRK 2200 Intermediate Modern Greek.
    • 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 3000 level or above, of which at least two must be in modern Greek. Included in these five courses is CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar.

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

    Recommended Semester Plan

    Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. 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).

    Semester 1 Credits
    GRK 1130 Accelerated Beginning Modern Greek 1 5
    HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H)​ 3​
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Physical Science (GE-P) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 17
    Semester 2 Credits
    GRK 1131 Accelerated Beginning Modern Greek 2 5
    Biological Science (GE-B) 3
    Electives 6
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Total 17
    Semester 3 Credits
    GRK 2200 Intermediate Modern Greek 3
    Elective (CLA 2100 The Glory That Was Greece or
    CLA 2120 The Grandeur That Was Rome recommended) *
    3
    Mathematics (GE-M) 3
    Physical or Biological Science Laboratory (GE-P or B) 1
    Physical Science (GE-P) 3
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 16
    Semester 4 Credits
    Biological Science (GE-B) 3
    Elective (CLA 3114 Greece Yesterday and Today, highly recommended) * 3​
    Electives (CLA 2100 The Glory That Was Greece or
    CLA 2120 The Grandeur That Was Rome or
    CLT 3930 Greece in its European Context, highly recommended) *
    6
    Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
    Total 15
    Semester 5 Credits
    Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek or Latin (3000 level or above) * 6​
    Total 15
    Semester 6 Credits
    Elective 3
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Modern, Medieval or Ancient Greek World (3000 level or higher)​ 3​
    Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek (3000 level or above) * 3​
    Total 15
    Semester 7 Credits
    Elective 3
    Electives (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
    Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek (3000 level or above) * 3​
    Modern, Medieval or Ancient Greek World (3000 level or higher)​ 3​
    Total 15
    Semester 8 Credits
    CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar​ 3​
    Elective (or honors thesis) 3
    Electives 7
    Total 13

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

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    Teacher Certification

    Required Coursework

    Students in this track must demonstrate proficiency in Latin by fulfilling one of these options:

    • 10 credit hours of beginning Latin: LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1, LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 and LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3; or
      LAT 1130 Accelerated Latin 1 and LAT 1131 Accelerated Latin 2.
      Students with high school Latin complete the sequence based upon their score on the SAT II Latin test (or other placement mechanism).
    • A score of 3 or above in one of the AP Latin exams (Latin Literature or Vergil).
    • Completion of LNW 2630 Latin Love Poetry.
    • A 3000-level course in the original Latin literature.

    In addition to demonstrating proficiency in Latin, students will have to complete a total of 30 hours of coursework for the major:

    • 24 credit hours of advanced Latin, including:
      • 9 credit hours in Latin vocabulary, grammar and composition
      • 12 credit hours in Latin literature (not in translation)
      • 3 credit hours of CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar
    • Two courses on the ancient Roman world (not in English translation) from the Department of Classics or from the departments of Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Religion. At least one of these must be at the 3000 level or above.
  • Those planning to earn a state of Florida Latin teaching certificate need to make certain which courses dealing with Rome are appropriate for this option.
    • Recommended Semester Plan

      Students are expected to complete the writing and math requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are required to complete HUM 2305 The Good Life (GE-H) in semester 1 or 2. 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).

      Semester 1 Credits
      HUM 2305 What is the Good Life (GE-H)​ 3​
      LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1 (4) or
      LAT 1130 Accelerated Beginning Latin 1 (5)
      (or higher if placed out by SAT II) *
      4-5
      Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
      Physical Science (GE-P) 3
      Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
      Total 16-17
      Semester 2 Credits
      LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 (3) or
      LAT 1131 Accelerated Beginning Latin 2 (5) or
      Elective (if placed out by SAT II) *
      3-5
      Biological Science (GE-B) 3
      Electives 6
      Mathematics (GE-M) 3
      Total 15-17
      Semester 3 Credits
      LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3 (3) or elective (if placed out by SAT II, or having taken
      LAT 1130, 1131) *
      3
      Mathematics (GE-M) 3
      Physical Science (GE-P) 3
      Science laboratory (GE-B or P) 1
      Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
      Total 13
      Semester 4 Credits
      Biological Science (GE-B) 3
      Elective - Latin course (2000 level or higher vocabulary, grammar and composition highly recommended) 3
      Electives 6
      Social and Behavioral Sciences (GE-S) 3
      Total 15
      Semester 5 Credits
      Composition (GE-C, WR) 3
      Elective 3
      Electives for Florida Teaching minor (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
      Latin course (3000 level or higher vocabulary, grammar and composition)​ 3​
      Total 15
      Semester 6 Credits
      Ancient Roman World (3000 level or higher) 3
      Electives for Florida Teaching minor (3000 level or above, not in major) 6
      Latin courses (two at 3000 level or higher vocabulary, grammar and composition)​ 6​
      Total 15
      Semester 7 Credits
      Ancient Roman World 3
      Elective for Florida Teaching minor (3000 level or above, not in major)​ 3​
      Latin literature courses (three at 3000 level or above, not in translation)​ 9​
      Total 15
      Semester 8 Credits
      Latin literature courses (two at 3000 level or above, not in translation)​ 3
      CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar​ ​3
      Elective 4-1
      Elective (3000 level or above, not in major) 3
      Elective (or honors thesis) 3
      Total 16-13

      *Students with prior Greek or Latin and an SAT II Latin score of 540 or higher, a 3 or higher on the AP Latin exam or a 4 or higher on the IB exam will begin with more advanced courses.

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    majors: classical-studies