Classics (BA)

The field of classics embraces Greek and Roman culture from the prehistoric to the medieval periods.

One of the undergraduate’s primary aims in studying classics at the university is to learn Greek or Latin (or both) well enough to read the ancient authors in their original languages.

Students may also study the archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean world. Through the study of classical archaeology, students acquire a broad understanding of Greek and Roman sites and material culture. Grounded in the study of Greek and Roman buildings, tools, and objects, the courses also stress the cross-cultural influences and interactions that informed how people produced, used, and valued these materials.

Through the study of classical literature in the original language and in English translation, and through the study of other areas encompassed by the classics, such as ancient history, philosophy, art history, mythology and rhetoric, a student gains an understanding of the culture and ideals of the classical world and their influence on the languages and institutions of Western civilization.

Members of the classics faculty have a broad range of research and teaching specialties, including Greek poetry and prose, Roman poetry and prose, ancient philosophy and science, and classical archaeology, and foster close interdisciplinary ties with the faculty of several departments, including anthropology, art history, comparative literature, English, history, and philosophy.

Students who intend to major in classics should begin the study of one or both of the classical languages as early as possible in their undergraduate careers.

Students earning a BA in Classics at the University of Oregon will be expected to demonstrate the following learning outcomes, with proportionate emphasis given to the outcomes focused on the particular content area of the chosen concentration in Classics (Classics; Greek; Latin; Classical Civilization; and Classical Archaeology and Material Culture):

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Have acquired Ancient Greek / Latin, including competencies in reading and translating, and a socio-linguistic understanding of the language(s).
• Understand literature, art, and other artifacts from the cultures of the Greco-Roman world, and the capacity to situate them in their sociohistorical context, to identify, interpret, and discuss them, and to describe their later influence. Key aspects of these cultures include philosophy, political theory, rhetoric, theatre, art, archaeology, historiography, poetry, and religion.
• Understand ancient Greco-Roman society as a complex and changing organism shaped by a range of factors such as demography, political organization, class, gender roles, education, economy, and values; the capacity to analyze and synthesize evidence to draw valid conclusions about social phenomena.
• Understand the archaeology and material culture of Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations; the development of practical and analytical skills that allow students to critically interpret disparate bodies of material evidence, as well as to recognize and construct well-reasoned interpretations of ancient material culture. Key themes include methods and theory of archaeological excavation and survey, mortuary practices, social organization, the ancient economy, and the materiality of religious practice.
• Have mastery of transferable skills including skills in critical thinking, analysis of documentary evidence, ability to conduct independent research, and effective oral and verbal communication.

• Classical Archeology
• Classical Civilization
• Greek
• Greek and Latin
• Latin

Courses used to satisfy major requirements must be taken for letter grades and passed with grades of mid-C or better.

At least four upper-division courses (normally 16 credits) must be taken at the University of Oregon.

Classics (Classical Archaeology) Major Requirements

¹

Complete the introductory language courses with grades of mid-C or better or demonstrate proficiency at the introductory level.

²

Language courses must be completed with grades of mid-C or better.

³

Please consult your undergraduate advisor for appropriate alternatives if HIST 412 and HIST 414 are unavailable.

Classics (Classical Civilization) Major Requirements

¹

Complete the introductory language courses with grades of mid-C or better or demonstrate proficiency at the introductory level. Students whose Greek or Latin language courses were taken in high school must take one year of second- or third-year Greek or Latin (301, 302, 303 or 411) at the University of Oregon in works not read in their high school courses. All language courses at the second- or third-year level may count toward the 20 credits of electives.

²

Department head approval required.

³

Choose electives in consultation with a classics department advisor.

⁴

Please consult your undergraduate advisor for appropriate alternatives if HIST 412 and HIST 414 are unavailable.

Approved Elective Courses

Classics (Greek) Major Requirements

¹

Complete the introductory language courses or demonstrate proficiency at the introductory level.

²

Repeated with departmental approval.

³

A list of approved courses is available from the department.

⁴

Please consult your undergraduate advisor for appropriate alternatives if HIST 412 and HIST 414 are unavailable.

Students are encouraged to take electives in ancient literature in translation and in ancient art, religion, mythology, or philosophy. They are also urged to take course work in Latin.

Approved Elective Courses

Classics (Greek and Latin) Major Requirements

¹

Complete the introductory language courses or demonstrate proficiency at the introductory level.

²

No fewer than 8 credits devoted to each language. Courses may be repeated with departmental approval.

³

A list of approved courses is available from the department.

⁴

Please consult your undergraduate advisor for appropriate alternatives if HIST 412 and HIST 414 are unavailable.

Students are encouraged to take electives in ancient literature in translation and in ancient art, religion, mythology, or philosophy.

Approved Elective Courses

Classics (Latin) Major Requirements

¹

Complete the introductory language courses or demonstrate proficiency at the introductory level.

²

Repeated with departmental approval.

³

A list of approved courses is available from the department.

⁴

Please consult your undergraduate advisor for appropriate alternatives if HIST 412 and HIST 414 are unavailable.

Students are encouraged to take electives in ancient literature in translation and in ancient art, religion, mythology, or philosophy. They are also urged to take course work in Greek.

Approved Elective Courses

Honors

The honors program in classics provides an opportunity for a student to focus on an area of concentration in a written thesis. The requirements for a bachelor’s degree with honors in classics are as follows:

1. Satisfaction of the requirements for the major
2. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 or better in courses taken to meet the requirements of both the major and the university
3. A senior thesis of substantial quality, approved by the thesis director and at least one member of the program committee

Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

• Greek Concentration
• Latin Concentration
• Greek and Latin Concentration
• Classical Civilization Concentration
• Classical Archaeology Concentration

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Greek Concentration

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Latin Concentration

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Greek and Latin Concentration

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Classical Civilization Concentration

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Classical Archaeology Concentration