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
There are three major concentrations:
- Classical Civilization
- Ancient Greek Language and Literature
- Classical Latin Language and Literature
Students who major in a Classics Program concentration must complete at least 15 credits of the major in 300 level or above courses in residence at UWM. All students must complete a research experience in their major. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM, including any transfer work.
Classical Civilization Major Concentration
This concentration is intended for students who wish to study classical literature and culture without a focus on the original languages. Courses in ancient Greek and Latin are optional and may count toward fulfilling major requirements. A total of 15 credits of all courses in the major must be at the 300 level or above taken in residence at UWM.
Students must complete the L&S research 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. The student should inform the instructor of their intention to use the course for the L&S research requirement at the start of the course.
Completion of the major requires a minimum of 30 credits distributed as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| Choose one from the following 100 level courses: | 3-4 | |
| Words Matter: How Greek and Latin Shape Our Language | ||
| Classical Mythology | ||
| First Semester Greek | ||
| First Semester Latin | ||
| Choose two from the following 200 level courses: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Greek Life and Literature | ||
| Introduction to Roman Life and Literature | ||
| Alexander the Great to Augustus | ||
| Ancient Egyptian Civilization | ||
| Select 9 additional credits in Classic, Greek, or Latin courses at the 300 level or above. Examples include the following: | 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 | ||
| Egyptian Mythology | ||
| Readings in Ancient Greek Literature: | ||
| Readings in Classical Greek Prose: | ||
| Readings in Ancient Greek Poetry: | ||
| Readings in Latin Literature: | ||
| Readings in Latin Prose: | ||
| Readings in Latin Poetry: | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select at least 12 credits (see below) | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 30-31 | |
Electives
For the remaining 12 credits, students may choose from among any Classic, Greek, or Latin courses or approved courses in related disciplines. Of these elective 12 credits, up to 9 credits can be taken in approved courses from the list below and at least 6 credits must be in courses 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 |
Ancient Greek Language and Literature Major Concentration
The Ancient Greek Language and Literature major concentration requires the completion of 33 credits, including the following. A total of 15 credits of all courses in the major must be at the 300 level or above taken in residence at UWM.
Students must complete the L&S research 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. The student should inform the instructor of their intention to use the course for the L&S research requirement at the start of the course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| GREEK 103 | First Semester Greek | 4 |
| GREEK 104 | Second Semester Greek | 4 |
| GREEK 205 | Third Semester Greek (or equivalent) | 4 |
| CLASSIC 201 | Introduction to Greek Life and Literature | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select four additional courses in Greek at the 300 level or above | 12 | |
| Select six additional credits chosen from Greek, Latin, and/or Classic courses | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
Classical Latin Language and Literature Major Concentration
The Classical Latin Language and Literature concentration requires the completion of 33 credits, including the following. A total of 15 credits of all courses in the major must be at the 300 level or above taken in residence at UWM.
Students must complete the L&S research 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. The student should inform the instructor of their intention to use the course for the L&S research requirement at the start of the course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| LATIN 103 | First Semester Latin | 4 |
| LATIN 104 | Second Semester Latin | 4 |
| LATIN 205 | Third Semester Latin (or equivalent) | 4 |
| CLASSIC 202 | Introduction to Roman Life and Literature | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select four additional courses in Latin courses at the 300 level or above | 12 | |
| Select six additional credits chosen from Latin, Greek, and/or Classic courses | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
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!