Classics, BA BA
Classics is the study of the literature, languages, cultures and societies of ancient Greece and Rome. It is one of the oldest of the liberal arts disciplines.
The popularity of movies like 300, Gladiator, and Troy, have renewed students' interest in mythology and the study of classics.
Whether you choose to major in Classics or just take a few classes of interest, students in this field are exposed to the history, literature, art and architecture, archaeology, language, and religion of ancient times. Many classes are in English but some offer the subject matter in its original format of Greek or Latin. Many pre-med majors also find that an introduction to Latin vocabulary serves as an exceptional preparation for medical school where much of the terminology originated from Latin.
What can you do with a Classics major? Classics is an original liberal arts field and is designed to prepare students for any type of profession that emphasizes critical analysis, reading of dense texts, and oral and written communication. Law school is a popular destination after college, though certainly not the only option. A student's career choices after college will be guided by how they applied their coursework to real world applications during college. A student who volunteered and interned in museums and galleries may find work in that industry. A student who obtained work experience during college in library reference may pursue that line of work after graduation. The possibilities are numerous, and all students are encouraged to gain practical experience that complements the major.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Major Requirements
Listed below are the requirements for the Classics Major. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all credits taken at UWM and a cumulative GPA 2.0 on all credits taken at UWM plus any transfer credits. Students must consult with their college advisor and the Classics Program Coordinator to ensure they stay on track to complete their Classics degree.
A Classics major includes course work of the student’s choosing in Classics, Greek, or Latin courses and, if desired, up to 9 elective credits at the 300 level and above from related disciplines, for a minimum total of 30 credits. At least 15 of the 30 credits must be completed at the 300 level or above taken in residence at UWM.
Students must complete the L&S research or the Classics major capstone requirement in the context of a Classic, Greek, or Latin course of their choosing at the 300 level or above, under the supervision of the instructor of that course. Students seeking to use a course to satisfy the L&S research requirement must seek approval of the course instructor in advance.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Choose at least nine credits from among any of the 100- or 200-level courses offered from Classics, Greek, and Latin: | 9 | |
| Words Matter: How Greek and Latin Shape Our Language | ||
| Classical Mythology | ||
| Introduction to Greek Life and Literature | ||
| Introduction to Roman Life and Literature | ||
| Alexander the Great to Augustus | ||
| Internship in Classics, Lower Division | ||
| UROP Apprenticeship | ||
| Study Abroad: | ||
| Ad Hoc: | ||
| First Semester Greek | ||
| Second Semester Greek | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Third Semester Greek | ||
| Internship in Greek, Lower Division | ||
| Ad Hoc: | ||
| First Semester Latin | ||
| Second Semester Latin | ||
| Intensive Latin | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| Third Semester Latin | ||
| Internship in Latin, Lower Division | ||
| Ad Hoc: | ||
| Choose at least nine credits from among any of the 300- to 500-level courses offered from Classics, Greek, and Latin: | 9 | |
| The Life and Literature of Classical Athens: Herodotus and Dramatists | ||
| War and Politics in Ancient Greece | ||
| The Life and Literature of the Roman Empire | ||
| The Graeco-Roman World: | ||
| Ancient Epic Oral Traditions | ||
| Ancient Greek Religion | ||
| Hittite Myth and History | ||
| Internship in Classics, Upper Division | ||
| Study Abroad: | ||
| Ad Hoc: | ||
| Directed Reading | ||
| Readings in Ancient Greek Literature: | ||
| Internship in Greek, Upper Division | ||
| Ad Hoc: | ||
| Readings in Classical Greek Prose: | ||
| Readings in Ancient Greek Poetry: | ||
| Directed Reading | ||
| Readings in Latin Literature: | ||
| Internship in Latin, Upper Division | ||
| Ad Hoc: | ||
| Readings in Latin Prose: | ||
| Readings in Latin Poetry: | ||
| Latin Prose Composition | ||
| Directed Reading | ||
| Electives (see below) | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Electives
For the 12 remaining elective credits, choose at least 3 credits from among any Classic, Greek, or Latin courses and up to 9 credits from courses in related disciplines from the list below. At least 6 of the 12 total elective credits must be at the 300 level or above.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Approved courses in related disciplines | ||
| ANTHRO 305 | The Celtic World | 3 |
| ANTHRO 306 | European Archaeology | 3 |
| ARTHIST 312 | Minoan and Mycenaean Art and Archaeology | 3 |
| ARTHIST 313 | Greek Art and Archaeology | 3 |
| ARTHIST 314 | Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East | 3 |
| ARTHIST 315 | Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt | 3 |
| ARTHIST 316 | Roman Art and Archaeology | 3 |
| ARTHIST 412 | Cities and Sanctuaries of Ancient Greece | 3 |
| ARTHIST 413 | Greek Sculpture | 3 |
| HIST 201 | The Ancient World: The Near East and Greece | 3 |
| CLASSIC/HIST 274 | Ancient Egyptian Civilization | 3 |
| HIST 202 | The Ancient World: The Roman Republic and Empire | 3 |
| HIST 303 | A History of Greek Civilization: The Greek City-State | 3 |
| HIST 304 | A History of Greek Civilization: The Age of Alexander the Great | 3 |
| HIST 307 | A History of Rome: The Republic | 3 |
| HIST 308 | A History of Rome: The Empire | 3 |
| HIST 370 | Topics in the History of Religious Thought: (Paganism in the Ancient World) | 3 |
| HIST 371 | Topics in European History: (Rome in the Age of Constantine – Society and Culture) | 3 |
| HIST 398 | Honors Seminar: (Pagans and Christians in the Roman Empire or Medicine and Healing in Ancient Greece and Rome) | 3 |
| PHILOS 430 | Great Thinkers of the Ancient Period | 3 |
| PHILOS 551 | Aristotle | 3 |
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
The Undergraduate Faculty Advisor for Classics is Associate Professor Elisabetta Cova, covae@uwm.edu.
What can you do with a classics major? We found out!