Classical studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, combines features of traditional programs, such as solid grounding in the ancient languages, with innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. While the core of the program is focused on courses in the ancient Greek and Latin languages, the program also encompasses courses in history, the history of art and visual culture, literature, philosophy, politics, and theater arts, from the Bronze Age through the Early Christian era. Recent offerings have included everything from introductory surveys in classical mythology and Greek and Roman history, to advanced courses in women and gender in Ancient Egypt and modern ancient drama. Students are encouraged to study the literary and material artifacts of Greece and Rome within the larger context of ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures.

The classical studies program provides the nurturing atmosphere and personal attention associated with a small liberal arts college, in the context of a large university. We offer students an opportunity to work in small classes with a distinguished and dedicated teaching faculty and excellent fellow students. Public lectures, guest speakers, and frequent social events bring students and faculty together and strengthen the program.

Classical studies students have the opportunity to give close, sustained attention to an area of study, from an almost unlimited variety of perspectives. For example, students with an interest in contemporary philosophy and political theory might want to concentrate in Greek, taking upper-division courses in Greek, history, philosophy, and politics. Students with an interest in European literature might want to concentrate in Latin, taking upper-division courses in Latin, history, and literature in translation. Students planning on pursuing a classics degree at the Ph.D. level should concentrate most of their coursework in the Greek and Latin languages themselves.

Classical studies is excellent preparation for further study in a wide variety of graduate and professional programs including history, art history, comparative literature, English, philosophy, law, education, and publishing.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the classical studies major graduate with the following knowledge and skills:

语言

✔ Competence in one or more ancient languages. At present offerings include Greek and Latin (full curriculum offered yearly). Majors have also taken Biblical Hebrew and Hieroglyphics (offered less often).

Interdisciplinary Exposure

✔ Familiarity with one or more of the disciplinary approaches represented by the faculty in the program, as well as other relevant approaches in the division and the university. Courses at present credited for the major include (but are not limited to) offerings in: history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, art history, and theater arts. For the skills and outcomes fostered by these disciplines see the reports of the relevant departments.

Collaboration

✔ Provide constructive and effective critiques of each other’s work.

✔ Complete a shared research project.

Research, Critical Reading, Writing

✔ Gather and engage critically with primary sources.

✔ Evaluate competing interpretations and multiple narratives.

✔ Compile a bibliography.

✔ Present clear and compelling arguments, based on critical analysis of diverse historical sources, and effectively communicate your interpretations in written essays and/or other media.

Scope and Thematics

✔ Through completion of a combination of courses, become familiar with the ancient cultures of:

- the western Mediterranean

- the eastern Mediterranean

- the Near East

✔ Comparative study: whether of diverse ancient cultures or of ancient and later cultures

✔ Reception: ancient culture as understood by later traditions