Classical studies at UC Santa Cruz combines features of traditional programs, such as solid grounding in the ancient languages, with innovative, interdisciplinary approaches (literary theory, gender studies, performance, and film.) The basic requirements for the classical studies major allow a variety of emphases and concentrations.

Study and Research Opportunities

• B.A., Undergraduate Minor
• Opportunities for study abroad through the UC Education Abroad Program
  

ClassicalStu07.pdf

High School Preparation
High school students planning to major in classical studies at UC Santa Cruz do not need any specific preparation other than the high school courses required for UC admission. Previous study of Latin or Greek is valuable, but not required. Students whose high schools do not offer Latin or Greek will be able to learn those languages at UC Santa Cruz, where the classics program is of high quality.

Transfer Preparation
Transfer students are advised to complete their campus’s general education requirements before coming to UC Santa Cruz. Some background in history and in literary analysis and interpretation is desirable, but not essential. Since this is an interdisciplinary major, preparatory work in art history, history, literature, philosophy, or politics, depending on the student’s interests, may also be useful.

While it is not a condition of admission, students from California community colleges may complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) in preparation for transfer to UC Santa Cruz.

Transfer course agreements and articulation between the University of California and California community colleges can be accessed on the ASSIST web site.

• One lower-division survey of ancient history or literature in translation
• Three upper-division courses in Greek or Latin
• Six additional approved upper-division courses (which may include courses in Greek or Latin language)
• Enrollment in a 2-credit comprehensive examination preparatory course, History 199F, is required in the same quarter that the senior oral examination will be given.

Requirements for the Minor
A minor in classical studies requires the lower-division sequence in elementary Greek or Latin language (Greek 1 and 2 or Latin 1 and 2) and Greek or Latin 100 plus any four of the upper-division courses listed as satisfying the classical studies major requirements. A minimum of seven courses must be completed for the minor.

Careers

Business
Communications
Computer services
Education
Foreign service
Government
Journalism
Law
Library science
Museum curatorship
Politics
Publishing
Theater
Writing

These are only samples of the field’s many possibilities.

Education Abroad Program (EAP)
Classical studies majors interested in the Education Abroad Program (EAP) should meet with the history undergraduate adviser early in their academic career. Advising appointments should also be made with your college academic preceptor and an EAP adviser. Careful planning will maximize the time available at UC Santa Cruz and minimize the possibility of extra quarters beyond the projected graduation date.

UC EAP offers students an opportunity to study abroad in 34 countries. A variety of academic programs is available: language and culture programs facilitate language acquisition; “focus” programs allow students to concentrate on a plan of study applicable to their major. Programs often offer instruction in English, and there are traditional semester and year-long program options.