Undergraduate Program

Classical studies at UC 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.