Classics is the study of the literature, languages, cultures and societies of ancient Greece and Rome. It is one of the oldest of the liberal arts disciplines.
The popularity of movies like 300, Gladiator, and Troy have renewed students' interest in mythology and the study of classics.
Whether you choose to major or minor in Classics or just take a few classes of interest, students in this field are exposed to the history, literature, art and architecture, archaeology, language, and religion of ancient times. Many classes are in English but some offer the subject matter in its original format of Greek or Latin. Many pre-med majors also find that an introduction to Latin vocabulary serves as an exceptional preparation for medical school where much of the terminology originated from Latin.
Classics is an original liberal arts field and is designed to prepare students for any type of profession that emphasizes critical analysis, reading of dense texts, and oral and written communication. Law school is a popular destination after college, though certainly not the only option. A student's career choices after college will be guided by how they applied their coursework to real world applications during college. A student who volunteered and interned in museums and galleries may find work in that industry. A student who obtained work experience during college in library reference may pursue that line of work after graduation.
Requirements
There are three minor concentrations:
- Classical Civilization
- Ancient Greek Language and Literature
- Classical Latin Language and Literature
Completion of the Classical Civilization minor concentration requires a minimum of 18 credits, while completion of either the Ancient Greek or Classical Latin minor concentration requires a minimum of 21 credits. At least 9 of the credits in the minor must come from upper-division courses (300 level and above) completed in residence at UWM. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the minor attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work.
Minor Concentration in Classical Civilization
The Classical Civilization minor concentration requires completion of a minimum of 18 credits, including the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose one from the following 100 level courses: | 3-4 | |
| Words Matter: How Greek and Latin Shape Our Language | ||
| Classical Mythology | ||
| First Semester Greek | ||
| First Semester Latin | ||
| Choose two from the following 200 level courses: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Greek Life and Literature | ||
| Introduction to Roman Life and Literature | ||
| Alexander the Great to Augustus | ||
| Ancient Egyptian Civilization | ||
| Select nine additional credits in Classic, Greek, or Latin courses at the 300 level or above. Examples include the following: | 9 | |
| The Life and Literature of Classical Athens: Herodotus and Dramatists | ||
| The Life and Literature of the Roman Empire | ||
| The Graeco-Roman World: | ||
| Ancient Epic Oral Traditions | ||
| Ancient Greek Religion | ||
| Hittite Myth and History | ||
| Egyptian Mythology | ||
| Readings in Ancient Greek Literature: | ||
| Readings in Classical Greek Prose: | ||
| Readings in Ancient Greek Poetry: | ||
| Readings in Latin Literature: | ||
| Readings in Latin Prose: | ||
| Readings in Latin Poetry: | ||
| Total Credits | 18-19 | |
Minor Concentration in Ancient Greek Language and Literature
The Ancient Greek Language and Literature minor concentration requires completion of a minimum of 21 credits, including the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GREEK 103 | First Semester Greek | 4 |
| GREEK 104 | Second Semester Greek | 4 |
| GREEK 205 | Third Semester Greek (or equivalent) | 4 |
| Select 6 credits in Greek at the 300 level or above | 6 | |
| Select 3 credits in Greek or Classic at the 300 level or above | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Minor Concentration in Classical Latin Language and Literature
The Classical Latin Language and Literature minor concentration requires completion of a minimum of 21 credits, including the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LATIN 103 | First Semester Latin | 4 |
| LATIN 104 | Second Semester Latin | 4 |
| LATIN 205 | Third Semester Latin (or equivalent) | 4 |
| Select 6 credits in Latin at the 300 level or above | 6 | |
| Select 3 credits in Latin or Classic at the 300 level or above | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Letters & Science Minor Advising
Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.
Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a UWM college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.
Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first UWM classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.