Classics: Classical Languages, BALAS

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Classics, Classical Languages Concentration

Study of fascinating languages, literatures, and material cultures of ancient Greece and Rome provides a simultaneously broad and deep education in the liberal arts that is crucial for 21st century career paths, whatever your goals in life may be. A Classics major helps you to think critically, read attentively, argue persuasively, and understand compassionately. Classics majors are especially well prepared for careers in teaching, business, law, medicine, government, publishing, and more.

Whether you choose a major in our Classical Languages or our Classical Civilizations concentration, come study with us! You will encounter unforgettable texts like Homer’s Odyssey and Ovid’s Metamorphoses, the lyric poetry of Sappho and Catullus, powerful tragedies and delightful comedies, satires and epigrams, histories and oratory; you will learn about mythology and religion, gender and sexuality, everyday life in the ancient Mediterranean, and much more!

 

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Classics, Classical Languages Concentration

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60 - 75 hours). Please see your adviser.

Departmental distinction: Students seeking departmental distinction must have at least a 3.5 average in relevant courses and should consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the earliest opportunity.


General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.


Minimum required major and supporting coursework: Normally equates to 44 hours. Twelve (12) hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.


Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.


Students choose one of three tracks: Ancient Greek, Latin, or Ancient Greek & Latin

Ancient Greek Track

GRK 101, Elementary Greek I, is a prerequisite for subsequent GRK courses; does not count toward the 32 hours for the concentration.

Ancient Greek Track
GRK 102Elementary Greek II4
GRK 201Classical & Koine Greek I4
GRK 202Classical & Koine Greek II4
GRK 411Greek Prose Composition3
CLCV 114Introduction to Ancient Greek Culture3
11 hours of Greek courses, at least 6 hours of which must be at the 300-400 level, from the following:11
GRK 251
GRK 252
GRK 401
Survey of Greek Literature
GRK 403
GRK 404
GRK 491
Readings in Greek Literature
GRK 492
Senior Thesis
GRK 493
Independent Reading
One additional CLCV course (3 hours)3
Supporting coursework, a minor or a second major in an area of study chosen by the student and approved by the Department of Classics Director of Undergraduate Studies12
Total Hours44

Latin Track

LAT 101,Elementary Latin I, is a prerequisite for subsequent LAT courses and does not count toward the 32 hours for the concentration.

Latin Track
LAT 102Elementary Latin II4
LAT 201Intermediate Latin4
LAT 202Intro to Latin Literature4
LAT 411Intermediate Prose Composition3
CLCV 116Introduction to Ancient Roman Culture3
11 hours of latin courses, at least 6 hours of which must be at the 300-400 level, chosen from the following:11
LAT 401
Survey of Latin Literature
LAT 460
Medieval Latin
LAT 491
Readings in Latin Literature
LAT 492
Senior Thesis
LAT 493
Independent Reading
One additional CLCV course3
Supporting coursework, a minor or a second major in an area of study chosen by the student and approved by the Department of the CLassics Director of Undergraduate Studies12
Total Hours44

Ancient Greek & Latin Track

LAT 101, Elementary Latin I (a prerequisite for subsequent LAT courses) and GRK 101, Elementary Greek I (a prerequisite for subsequent GRK courses) and do not count toward the 32 hours for the concentration.

Ancient Greek & Latin Track
GRK 102Elementary Greek II4
GRK 201Classical & Koine Greek I4
GRK 202Classical & Koine Greek II4
LAT 102Elementary Latin II4
LAT 201Intermediate Latin4
LAT 202Intro to Latin Literature4
GRK 411Greek Prose Composition3
or LAT 411 Intermediate Prose Composition
Additional GRK or LAT coursework at 400-level2
One CLCV course3
Supporting coursework, a minor or a second major in an area of study chosen by the student and approved by the Department of the Classics Director of Undergraduate Studies12
Total Hours44

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Classics, Classical Languages Concentration

Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Free Elective course1Free Elective course3
Language Other than English (1st level - prerequisite)4Language Other than English (2nd level)4
General Education course3General Education course3
Composition I or General Education course4General Education course or Composition I3
Free Elective course3Free Elective course3
 15 16
Total Hours 31
Second Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Language Other than English (3rd level)4Language Other than English (4th level)4
Track Coursework3Track coursework3
General Education course3General Education course3
General Education course3General Education course3
Free Elective course3Free Elective course3
 16 16
Total Hours 32
Third Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Additional CLCV course3Supporting coursework3
Supporting coursework3Track coursework3
Track coursework4Track coursework4
General Education course3General Education course3
General Education course3Free Elective course3
 16 16
Total Hours 32
Fourth Year
First SemesterHoursSecond SemesterHours
Supporting Coursework3Supporting coursework3
Track coursework3Track coursework3
Track coursework2General Education course3
General Education course3Free Elective course3
Free Elective course2 
 13 12
Total Hours 25

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Classics, Classical Languages Concentration

  1. Acquire and retain a detailed knowledge of Greek and Latin grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and modes of expression so as to be able to read literary and subliterary texts composed in Greek and Latin between roughly 800 BCE and 500 CE.
  2. Situate knowledge of the languages within the cultural contexts in which they were used in order to understand the crucial role of language in social dynamics and cross-cultural communication.
  3. Acquire facility with contemporary methods of literary and historical analysis sufficient to carry out original, self-directed research into cultures that made use of the Greek and Latin languages.
  4. Acquire critical awareness of the place of Greek and Latin in western literary history in order to appreciate the powerful role of tradition in interpreting the texts and events of the past.
  5. Acquire a detailed knowledge of the culture of Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, especially the broader historical, social, and cultural contexts and their development.

for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Classics, Classical Languages Concentration

Department of Classics

Classics faculty
classics@illinois.edu

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Overview of College Admissions & Requirements: Liberal Arts & Sciences