The Undergraduate Guide

to

CLASSICS

at the University of Colorado, Boulder

2002-2003

Classics at the University of Colorado

The University of Colorado Department of Classics offers a complete sequence of courses in ancient Greek and Latin and a variety of courses in English translation on the ancient world. These courses are for students looking to fulfill their requirements in the Core Curriculum, desiring to learn an ancient language or major in Classics, or just interested in the world of antiquity. We offer a number of options for majors, as well as a minor in Classics. We hope that this short guide will help you to choose among the possibilities that are right for you. If you still have questions after consulting this guide and the University catalog, there are people ready to explain the program and make the riches of the classical world accessible: the Undergraduate Advisor, Professor Susan Prince (HUMN 384, x 2-7658), the Department Chair, Professor Peter Knox (HUMN 394, x 2-6257), and the other members of the department (listed on page 7). The Department office is located in HUMN 340. The staff of Mrs. Lesa Morris and Mrs. Gloria Fredricksmeyer can help with many questions; the office can be reached by phone at extension 2-6257.

Majoring in Classics
Major Requirements
Minoring in Classics
Study Abroad
Honors

Courses

A. Core Curriculum: Foreign Language: As with other foreign languages, the attainment of 3rd level proficiency in either Greek or Latin meets the foreign language requirement in the College of Arts and Sciences.

B. Core Curriculum: Critical Thinking: The Department of Classics offers its "Seminar in Classical Antiquity" (CLAS 4040) annually. This course is designed to meet the needs of our majors for a Critical Thinking course and to serve as a capstone to their experience as a major. Many Classics majors also choose to fulfill their Critical Thinking requirement with HIST 3011: Seminar in Ancient History (Instructor's permission required for non-History majors), which also counts towards the major.

C. Core Curriculum: Content Areas of Study: Every year we offer many courses in Classical Literature, Culture and Thought or Ancient History, Art and Archaeology that require no knowledge of Greek or Latin. Through these courses we hope to enrich for majors and non-majors alike the understanding and appreciation of antiquity. The following is a list of Classics courses that meet Content Area requirements of the Core Curriculm.

Historical Context
CLAS 1051. The World of the Ancient Greeks
CLAS 1061. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome
CLAS 1140. Roman Civilization
Cultural and Gender Diversity
CLAS 2100. Women in Antiquity: Greece
CLAS 2110. Women in Antiquity Rome
Literature and the Arts
CLAS 1009. Introduction to Greek Art and Archaeology
CLAS 1100. Greek Mythology
CLAS 1110. Masterpieces of Greek Literature in Translation
CLAS 1120. Masterpieces of Roman Literature in Translation
CLAS 4110. Greek and Roman Epic
CLAS 4120. Greek and Roman Tragedy
CLAS 4130. Greek and Roman Comedy
Natural Science (non-sequence)
CLAS 2020. Science in the Ancient World
Ideals and Values
CLAS 2610. Paganism to Christianity

D. Classics in Translation: Literature, Culture, Thought, History, Art and Archaeology: The Department offers a broad range of courses in these areas, which require no knowledge of Greek or Latin. Many of them can be taken to satisfy Content Area requirements of the Core Curriculum (see C above); any of them can be taken out of intellectual curiosity. Many are cross-listed with the Departments of History, Philosophy, Humanities, Fine Arts, Anthropology or Women Studies, and some are taught by faculty members in those departments. Consult the Registration Handbook, or ask a member of the department for further information about offerings that might interest you.

E. Greek and Latin Language and Literature: Advanced graduate students with training in instruction teach some elementary Latin and Greek and intermediate Latin courses with the guidance of faculty members; all other courses, including intermediate Greek and advanced Latin, are taught by professors. There are no language labs. Elementary and intermediate courses are not 'baby' courses: already at the end of the second semester of beginning Greek or Latin you will be reading Plato or Caesar in the original and at the intermediate level you will be able to read Homer or Virgil. Elementary course enrollments range from 10-25; classes beyond the intermediate level usually have fewer students. Our relatively small numbers mean that you will always be able to get plenty of individual attention from professors and teaching assistants. Our programs in Greek and Latin give students a breadth of knowledge that begins with the intensive study of grammar and expands to the literary examination of texts and inquiry into the cultural contexts of ancient Greek and Latin literature.

The sequence of introductory courses in ancient Greek is as follows:
CLAS 1013-1023. Beginning Classical Greek 1 and 2. This is the introductory language course taught in two semesters.
CLAS 3113-3123. Intermediate Classical Greek 1 and 2. The second year of the language sequence concentrates on the reading of actual texts, such as Plato or Euripides. Note that it carries Upper Division credit.

The sequence of introductory courses in Latin is similar but, in certain years, includes an option to study Latin on an intensive track:
CLAS 1014-1024. Beginning Latin 1 and 2. This is the introductory language course taught in two semesters.
OR
CLAS 5804. Accelerated Latin 1. This course is equivalent to 1014-1024 but in ONE semester - time-saving, but the designation 'accelerated' is significant.
CLAS 2114-2124. Intermediate Latin 1 and 2. The second year of the language sequence concentrates on the reading of actual texts, such as Caesar or Virgil.
OR
CLAS 5814. Accelerated Latin 2. This course is equivalent to 2114-2124, but again in ONE semester, and the designation 'accelerated' is still significant.

At the 3000 and 4000 level the Department offers advanced literature courses with annually changing subject matter, so that students will have a chance to read as many representative authors as possible. You may repeat 3014, 3024, 4013, 4014, 4023 and 4044 up to two times (for a total of nine credits) provided the same author is not taught under the same rubric. You may repeat 3113 and 3123 one time (for a total of six credits) provided the same author is not taught under the same rubric (i.e. you could receive separate credit for CLAS 3123 Euripides and CLAS 3123 Homer, but not for Euripides twice). Qualified undergraduates may also obtain permission to enroll in advanced Greek and Latin courses listed only at the graduate level. If you are interested, consult with the instructor for the graduate-level course you would like to take.

F. Independent Study: As your studies become more advanced, you may find that Independent Study best suits your academic needs. Guidelines and a form for requesting Independent Study are available in the Department office and from the Undergraduate Advisor.

 

Majoring in Classics

Can I complete a major in the Classics Department if I have had no Greek or Latin in high school? Of course. High school experience is not necessary: students who begin to study Greek or Latin in their first or second year at CU can certainly finish the major requirements by the end of their senior year, particularly if they take an accelerated introductory course. One possible outline for a major program in Ancient History, Art and Archaeology for a student beginning the study of the language in the sophomore year is outlined below:

Sophomore Year Courses Hours for Major
CLAS 1014-1024. Beginning Latin 1 and 2 0
CLAS 1509. Trash and Treasure 3
CLAS 1120. Masterpieces of Roman Literature 3
CLAS 2100/10. Women in Antiquity (Greece or Rome) 3
Total Credit Hours Towards Major 9

Junior
CLAS 2114-2124. Intermediate Latin 1 and 2 8
CLAS 2019. Pompeii and the Cities of Vesuvius 3
CLAS 4031. Alexander and the Hellenistic World 3
CLAS 4110. Greek and Roman Epic 3
Total Credit Hours Toward Major 17

Senior
CLAS 3014. Introduction to Latin Prose 3
CLAS 3024. Introduction to Latin Poetry 3
CLAS 4149. Greek Cities and Sanctuaries 3
CLAS 4081. The Roman Republic 3
Total Credit Hours Towards Major 12

Even if you decide that you cannot become a major, the 18-hour minor program in Classics (see below) still offers a substantial program in Greek or Latin.

What can I do with a major in Classics, Greek, or Latin? You can do much more than dazzle the crowd at a party. Of course, majors can go on to graduate school in Classics, Archaeology, English, History, Comparative Literature, or Philosophy. But alumni who began their careers as Classics majors have also gone on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers and administrators, members of the diplomatic service, engineers, businesswomen and men, and entrepreneurs of all types. Undergraduates interested in law or medicine will be especially pleased to discover that law schools and medical schools have a long history of welcoming Classics students. You will leave Boulder with a good education, because you have learned not only to pay attention to detail and to memorize facts, but also to analyze and interpret; because, through your study of Latin and Greek, your knowledge of language and its use will be vastly improved; and because you have pondered the irrational, noble, corrupt, idealistic, mundane, and creative qualities that characterize the contributions of ancient Greece and Rome to world culture.

Note: For purposes of the four-year guarantee in the College of Arts and Sciences (see p. 62 of the University Catalog 2002-2003), the Classics Department defines adequate progress as follows: "Students wishing to graduate in four years must declare the Classics major and begin course work in the major by the third semester. They must also successfully complete 1/3 of the hour requirements for the major by the end of the fourth semester and 2/3 of the hour requirements for the major by the end of the sixth semester." The four-year guarantee is not available to those pursuing the Classics major on the language track with only Greek or Latin. A full description of the guarantee is available from the academic advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences (first floor of Woodbury).

Major Requirements

You have several options for organizing your studies, so you should consult the Undergraduate Advisor in the Classics Department before embarking on your career as a Classics major. Please note that you are also subject to the College of Arts and Sciences degree and major requirements (including the Core Curriculum, with the exception of the Literature and the Arts Content Area, from which Classics majors are exempt) outlined on pp. 62-72 of the 2002-2003 catalog. These college requirements include:

The specific requirements for completion of the Classics major are as follows:

Courses/Areas/Semester Hours

Track I: Greek and / or Latin Language and Literature
Greek and / or Latin 30
Note: The major is offered in Greek, Latin, or Greek and Latin. Students must designate one language as the primary field of study. The introductory sequence in this primary field language (either 1013-1023 or 1014-1024) does not count toward the major. If you do both languages, the introductory sequence in the secondary language does count toward the major.
Electives (classical literature, culture and thought or ancient history, art and archaeology courses listed under Tracks II and III) 6

Track II: Literature, Culture and Thought
Classical Literature, Culture and Thought courses (CLAS 1010, 1100, 1110, 1115, 1120, 1140, 2020, 2100, 2110, 2610, 3330, 3820, 4040, 4110, 4120, 4130, 4840; PHIL 3000) 18
Ancient History, Art and Archaeology courses (CLAS 1041, 1051, 1061, 1509, 2009, 2019, 2100, 2110, 3039, 3049, 4021, 4031, 4041, 4051, 4061, 4081, 4091, 4119, 4139, 4149, 4169, 4199, 4761, 4849, HIST 3011) 12
Greek and / or Latin 6
Note: Students must designate either Greek or Latin as the primary field of language study. The introductory sequence in this primary field language (either 1013-1023 or 1014-1024) does not count toward the major. With the approval of the undergraduate advisor, upper-level Greek or Latin courses may be substituted for classical literature, culture and thought or ancient history, art and archaeology courses.

Track III: History, Art and Archaeology
Survey course in Ancient History or Art and Archaeology (CLAS 1051, 1061, or 1509) 3
Ancient History, Art and Archaeology courses (CLAS 1041, 1051, 1061, 1509, 2009, 2019, 2100, 2110, 3039, 3049, 4021, 4031, 4041, 4051, 4061, 4081, 4091, 4119, 4139, 4149, 4169, 4199, 4761, 4849, HIST 3011) 15
Classical Literature, Culture and Thought courses (CLAS 1010, 1100, 1110, 1115, 1120, 1140, 2020, 2100, 2110, 2610, 3330, 3820, 4040, 4110, 4120, 4130, 4840; PHIL 3000) 12
Greek and / or Latin 6
Note: Students must designate either Greek or Latin as the primary field of language study. The introductory sequence in this primary field language (either 1013-1023 or 1014-1024) does not count toward the major. With the approval of the undergraduate advisor, upper-level Greek or Latin courses may be substituted for classical literature, culture and thought or ancient history, art and archaeology courses.



The Classics Minor

So you would like to study the world of antiquity, but you don't have the time to devote to a major? That's not a problem. The Department offers a minor in Classics that can satisfy your needs. Please note that you are also subject to the College of Arts and Sciences minor requirements listed on p. 71 of the 2002-2003 catalog. These include:
· A minimum of 18 hours all C- or better in the minor
· A minimum 2.00 GPA for courses in the minor
· A minimum of 9 upper division hours in the minor

The specific requirements for completion of the Classics minor are as follows:

Minor Requirements Semester Hours

Track I: Greek and / or Latin Language and Literature
Greek and / or Latin 12
Note: The minor is offered in Greek, Latin, or Greek and Latin. Students must designate one language as the primary field of study. The introductory sequence in this primary field language (either 1013-1023 or 1014-1024) does not count toward the minor. If you do both languages, the introductory sequence in the secondary language does count toward the major.
Electives (classical literature, culture and thought or ancient history, art and archaeology courses listed under Track II) 6

Track II: Classical Studies
Classical Literature, Culture and Thought (CLAS 1010, 1100, 1110, 1115, 1120, 1140, 2100, 2110, 2610, 3330, 3820, 4040, 4110, 4120, 4130, 4840; PHIL 3000) 6 or 9
Ancient History, Art and Archaeology (CLAS 1041, 1051, 1061, 1509, 2009, 2019, 2020, 2100, 2110, 3039, 3049, 4021, 4031, 4041, 4051, 4061, 4081, 4091, 4119, 4139, 4149, 4169, 4199, 4761, 4849, HIST 3011) 6 or 9
Greek and / or Latin 3

Notes: Students must elect 6 hours each in the Classical Literature, Culture and Thought group and the Ancient History, Art and Archaeology group. 3 remaining hours may be elected in either group.
Students must designate either Greek or Latin as the primary field of language study. The introductory sequence in this primary field language (either 1013-1023 or 1014-1024) does not count toward the minor. With the approval of the Undergraduate Advisor, upper level Greek or Latin courses may be substituted for classical literature, culture and thought or ancient history, art and archaeology courses.


Study Abroad

Seeing the ancient sites and monuments is an important part of the study of antiquity, and there are a number of ways to acquire some familiarity with the remains of Greek and Roman civilization. The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome (ICCS) offers in each term an excellent one-semester program, usually taken in the junior year. College Year in Athens (CYA) offers an equally solid program in Greece which, despite its name, can be organized in semester or year-long courses of study. Both ICCS and CYA are CU equivalency programs. Any courses taken at either program automatically transfer for credit at CU and any financial aid offered by CU automatically transfers to these programs. To apply for either program, students must check both with the Undergraduate Advisor and the Office of International Education. During the summer there are more options, among them the outstanding Summer Sessions of the American School for Classical Studies in Athens and the Summer School of the American Academy in Rome. A listing of fieldwork opportunities is published annually by the Archaeological Institute of America. We receive announcements for all these programs, and if you are interested, you should check our bulletin boards and consult the faculty so that we can help you incorporate experience abroad into your program here.


Honors

The Classics Department encourages eligible majors to pursue a degree with honors. This program offers you the opportunity to work closely with faculty members on an individual basis to produce an honors thesis. Many CU alumni who took honors regard it as the high point of their undergraduate experience. If you are interested in exploring this option, please see Prof. Peter Hunt, the Honors Representative of the Classics Department.


Faculty
See our faculty page for photos and c.v.'s.. For offices and phone numbers, click here.