Classical Studies is an interdisciplinary program offering a broad range of courses on the languages, literature, history, and culture of the ancient world. 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. Students work in small classes with a distinguished and dedicated teaching faculty. Classical Studies majors and minors are a group of dedicated students who enjoy a challenge and find their work demanding but rewarding. Public lectures, guest speakers, and frequent social events bring Classical Studies students and faculty together on a regular basis.

The classical studies minor requires a minimum of seven courses: two lower-division ancient Greek or Latin language courses (or equivalent), and five 5-credit upper-division courses (minimum of 25 upper-division credits). Students are allowed to complete up to two of their minor courses for pass/no pass grades.

Learning Experience

Classical studies at UC Santa Cruz combines features of traditional programs, such as solid grounding in the ancient languages, with innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to ancient texts and artifacts. While the core of the program is focused on Greek and Latin, students are encouraged to study Greece and Rome within the larger context of ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures. By taking courses in history, the history of art and visual culture, linguistics, literature, philosophy, politics, and theater arts, students have the opportunity to give close, sustained attention to an area of study, from an almost unlimited variety of perspectives.

The Classical Studies library, which is situated by the Classical Studies faculty offices, is a center for our community: small seminars meet in it, and students may often be found working together there.