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.

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

GRK 101–103Basic Greek 115
or LAT 101–103 Basic Latin
Three upper-division courses in Greek or Latin: 212
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Three courses in classical archaeology:12
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
Greek and Roman Archaeology: [Topic]
One other approved course
HIST 412Ancient Greece: [Topic] 34
HIST 414Ancient Rome: [Topic] 34
Select two of the following art history courses:8
Ancient Greek Art and Architecture
Ancient Mediterranean Art: [Topic]
Roman Art & Architecture
Ancient Mediterranean Art: [Topic]
Select two of the following anthropology courses:8
Principles of Archaeology
World Archaeology
Fundamentals of Archaeology
Archaeology of Egypt and Near East
Zooarchaeology: [Topic]
Other anthropology courses approved by advisor
Total Credits63
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

Select one of the following archaeology courses:4
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
Greek and Roman Archaeology: [Topic]
Seminar: [Topic]
Select one of the following language sequences: 112
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
HIST 412Ancient Greece: [Topic] 44
HIST 414Ancient Rome: [Topic] 44
Select two of the following:8
Greek Life and Culture
Roman Life and Culture
Greek and Roman Epic
Greek and Roman Tragedy
Classical Greek Philosophers
Introduction to the Humanities I 2
Select two of the following:8
Ancient Greek Art and Architecture
Ancient Mediterranean Art: [Topic]
Roman Art & Architecture
Ancient Mediterranean Art: [Topic]
Electives (see table below). 38
Total Credits48
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

Principles of Archaeology
World Archaeology
Archaeology of Egypt and Near East
Origins of Art
Ancient Mediterranean Art
History of World Architecture I
Ancient Jewish Art
Roman Art & Architecture
ARH 326
Ancient Mediterranean Art: [Topic]
Classical Mythology
Greek Life and Culture
Roman Life and Culture
Greek and Roman Epic
Greek and Roman Tragedy
Classical Greek Philosophers
Early China, Ancient Greece
Death and Rebirth in Greece and India
Gender and Sexuality in Antiquity
Seminar: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
HIST 101
World History Antiquity to 1500
Ancient Greece: [Topic]
Ancient Rome: [Topic]
Introduction to the Humanities I
HUM 361
Authors: [Topic]
Vergil: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Ancient Philosophers: [Topic]

Classics (Greek) Major Requirements

GRK 101–103Basic Greek 115
Select one of the following archaeology courses:4
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
Greek and Roman Archaeology: [Topic]
Seminar: [Topic]
Select six of the following:24
Authors: [Topic] 2
Authors: [Topic] 2
Authors: [Topic] 2
300-level Greek courses where repeatable
400-level Greek courses
HIST 412Ancient Greece: [Topic] 44
HIST 414Ancient Rome: [Topic] 44
Three upper-division Greek or Latin courses beyond the first year, courses in translation, or courses from related departments (see table below). 312
Total Credits63
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

Archaeology of Egypt and Near East
Origins of Art
History of World Architecture I
Ancient Jewish Art
Ancient Greek Art and Architecture
Roman Art & Architecture
ARH 326
Ancient Mediterranean Art: [Topic]
Greek and Roman Epic
Greek and Roman Tragedy
Classical Greek Philosophers
Early China, Ancient Greece
Death and Rebirth in Greece and India
Gender and Sexuality in Antiquity
Seminar: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Ancient Greece: [Topic]
Ancient Rome: [Topic]
Ancient Science and Culture
Authors: [Topic]
Vergil: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Ancient Philosophers: [Topic]

Classics (Greek and Latin) Major Requirements

GRK 101–103Basic Greek 115
LAT 101–103Basic Latin 115
Select one of the following archaeology courses:4
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
Greek and Roman Archaeology: [Topic]
Seminar: [Topic]
Select seven of the following courses: 228
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
300-level Greek or Latin courses where repeatable
400-level Greek or Latin courses
HIST 412Ancient Greece: [Topic] 44
HIST 414Ancient Rome: [Topic] 44
Two upper-division Greek or Latin courses beyond the first year, courses in translation, or courses from related departments (see table below). 38
Total Credits78
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

Archaeology of Egypt and Near East
Origins of Art
History of World Architecture I
Ancient Jewish Art
Ancient Greek Art and Architecture
Roman Art & Architecture
ARH 326
Ancient Mediterranean Art: [Topic]
Greek and Roman Epic
Greek and Roman Tragedy
Classical Greek Philosophers
Early China, Ancient Greece
Death and Rebirth in Greece and India
Gender and Sexuality in Antiquity
Seminar: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Ancient Greece: [Topic]
Ancient Rome: [Topic]
Ancient Science and Culture
Authors: [Topic]
Vergil: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Ancient Philosophers: [Topic]

Classics (Latin) Major Requirements

LAT 101–103Basic Latin 115
Select one of the following archaeology courses:4
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
Greek and Roman Archaeology: [Topic]
Seminar: [Topic]
Select six of the following:24
Authors: [Topic] 2
Vergil: [Topic] 2
Authors: [Topic] 2
300-level Latin courses where repeatable
400-level Latin courses
HIST 412Ancient Greece: [Topic] 44
HIST 414Ancient Rome: [Topic] 44
Three upper-division Latin or Greek courses beyond the first year, courses in translation, or courses from related departments (see table below). 312
Total Credits63
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

Archaeology of Egypt and Near East
Origins of Art
History of World Architecture I
Ancient Jewish Art
Ancient Greek Art and Architecture
Roman Art & Architecture
ARH 326
Ancient Mediterranean Art: [Topic]
Greek and Roman Epic
Greek and Roman Tragedy
Classical Greek Philosophers
Early China, Ancient Greece
Death and Rebirth in Greece and India
Gender and Sexuality in Antiquity
Seminar: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Ancient Greece: [Topic]
Ancient Rome: [Topic]
Ancient Science and Culture
Authors: [Topic]
Vergil: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Authors: [Topic]
Ancient Philosophers: [Topic]

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Greek Concentration

Degree Map
First Year
FallMilestonesCredits
GRK 101 First-Year Greek 5
WR 121Z Composition I 4
General-education course in social science 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 17
Winter
GRK 102 First-Year Greek 5
WR 122Z
Composition II
or College Composition III
4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
 Credits 17
Spring
GRK 103 First-Year Greek 5
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 17
 Total Credits 51
Degree Map
Second Year
FallMilestonesCredits
GRK 301 Authors: [Topic] 4
CLAS 188
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
or Seminar: [Topic]
4
General-education course in social science 4
General-education course that also satisfies a multicultural requirement 4
 Credits 16
Winter
GRK 302 Authors: [Topic] 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in social science 4
General-education course that also satisfies a multicultural requirement 4
 Credits 16
Spring
GRK 303 Authors: [Topic] 4
General-education courses in science 8
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 48
Degree Map
Third Year
FallMilestonesCredits
GRK 411 Authors: [Topic] 4
HIST 412 Ancient Greece: [Topic] 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
Winter
GRK 411 Authors: [Topic] 4
HIST 414 Ancient Rome: [Topic] 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
Spring
GRK 411 Authors: [Topic] 4
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Elective courses 8
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 48
Degree Map
Fourth Year
FallMilestonesCredits
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Winter
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Spring
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective courses 8
 Credits 12
 Total Credits 36

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Latin Concentration

Degree Map
First Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 101 First-Year Latin 5
WR 121Z Composition I 4
General-education course in social science 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 17
Winter
LAT 102 First-Year Latin 5
WR 122Z
Composition II
or College Composition III
4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
 Credits 17
Spring
LAT 103 First-Year Latin 5
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in social science 4
General-education course in science 4
 Credits 17
 Total Credits 51
Degree Map
Second Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 301 Authors: [Topic] 4
CLAS 188
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
or Seminar: [Topic]
4
General-education course in social science 4
General-education course that also satisfies a multicultural requirement 4
 Credits 16
Winter
LAT 302 Vergil: [Topic] 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in social science 4
General-education course that also satisfies a multicultural requirement 4
 Credits 16
Spring
LAT 303 Authors: [Topic] 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 48
Degree Map
Third Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 411 Authors: [Topic] 4
HIST 412 Ancient Greece: [Topic] 4
General-education course in science 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
Winter
LAT 411 Authors: [Topic] 4
HIST 414 Ancient Rome: [Topic] 4
Upper-division elective 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
Spring
LAT 411 Authors: [Topic] 4
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 48
Degree Map
Fourth Year
FallMilestonesCredits
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Winter
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Spring
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective courses 8
 Credits 12
 Total Credits 36

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Greek and Latin Concentration

Degree Map
First Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 101
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
WR 121Z Composition I 4
General-education course in social science 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 17
Winter
LAT 102
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
WR 122Z
Composition II
or College Composition III
4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
 Credits 17
Spring
LAT 103
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 17
 Total Credits 51
Degree Map
Second Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 301
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
GRK 101
First-Year Greek
or First-Year Latin
5
CLAS 188
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
or Seminar: [Topic]
4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 17
Winter
LAT 302
Vergil: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
GRK 102
First-Year Greek
or First-Year Latin
5
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 17
Spring
LAT 303
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
GRK 103
First-Year Greek
or First-Year Latin
5
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
 Credits 17
 Total Credits 51
Degree Map
Third Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 411
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
GRK 301
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
HIST 412 Ancient Greece: [Topic] 4
General-education course in science 4
 Credits 16
Winter
LAT 411
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
GRK 302
Authors: [Topic]
or Vergil: [Topic]
4
HIST 414 Ancient Rome: [Topic] 4
Upper-division elective course 4
 Credits 16
Spring
GRK 303
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
General-education courses that also satisfy a multicultural requirement 8
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 48
Degree Map
Fourth Year
FallMilestonesCredits
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Winter
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Spring
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective courses 8
 Credits 12
 Total Credits 36

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Classical Civilization Concentration

Degree Map
First Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 101
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
WR 121Z Composition I 4
Elective course 4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 17
Winter
LAT 102
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
WR 122Z
Composition II
or College Composition III
4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
 Credits 17
Spring
LAT 103
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
General-education course in social science 4
General-education course in science 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 17
 Total Credits 51
Degree Map
Second Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 301
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
CLAS 188
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
or Seminar: [Topic]
4
General-education course that also satisfies a multicultural requirement 4
 Credits 12
Winter
LAT 302
Vergil: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
Art History course 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course that also satisfies a multicultural requirement 4
 Credits 16
Spring
LAT 303
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 44
Degree Map
Third Year
FallMilestonesCredits
HIST 412 Ancient Greece: [Topic] 4
CLAS 201
Greek Life and Culture
or Roman Life and Culture
or Greek and Roman Epic
or Classical Greek Philosophers
or Introduction to the Humanities II
4
General-education course in science 4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 16
Winter
HIST 414 Ancient Rome: [Topic] 4
CLAS 202
Roman Life and Culture
or Greek Life and Culture
or Greek and Roman Epic
or Classical Greek Philosophers
or Introduction to the Humanities II
4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
Spring
Upper Division CLAS course 4
Upper Division elective 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 48
Degree Map
Fourth Year
FallMilestonesCredits
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Winter
Upper-division course with CLAS subject code 4
Elective courses 8
 Credits 12
Spring
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 8
 Credits 12
 Total Credits 36

Bachelor of Arts in Classics: Classical Archaeology Concentration

Degree Map
First Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 101
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
WR 121Z Composition I 4
General-education course in social science 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 17
Winter
LAT 102
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
WR 122Z
Composition II
or College Composition III
4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
 Credits 17
Spring
LAT 103
First-Year Latin
or First-Year Greek
5
General-education course in science 4
General-education course in social science 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 17
 Total Credits 51
Degree Map
Second Year
FallMilestonesCredits
LAT 301
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
CLAS 188
Introduction to Classical Archaeology
or Seminar: [Topic]
4
General-education course that also satisfies a multicultural requirement 4
 Credits 12
Winter
LAT 302
Vergil: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
Art History course 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course that also satisfies a multicultural requirement 4
 Credits 16
Spring
LAT 303
Authors: [Topic]
or Authors: [Topic]
4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
General-education course in science 4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 44
Degree Map
Third Year
FallMilestonesCredits
HIST 412 Ancient Greece: [Topic] 4
ANTH 150
World Archaeology
or Fundamentals of Archaeology
or Zooarchaeology: [Topic]
4
General-education course in science 4
General-education course in social science 4
 Credits 16
Winter
HIST 414 Ancient Rome: [Topic] 4
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Spring
Upper-division elective 4
General-education course in arts and letters 4
Elective courses 8
 Credits 16
 Total Credits 44
Degree Map
Fourth Year
FallMilestonesCredits
Upper-division elective courses 8
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Winter
Upper-division elective courses 8
Elective course 4
 Credits 12
Spring
Upper-division elective course 4
Elective courses 8
 Credits 12
 Total Credits 36