156 Humanities Hall; (714) 824-6735
Walter Donlan, Department Chair
Faculty
Luci Berkowitz, Ph.D. The Ohio State University, Research Professor of Classics (Greek literary history, computer applications to literature)
Theodore F. Brunner, Ph.D. Stanford University, Research Professor of Classics and Director, Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (computer application to Classical literature, Augustan literature)
Cynthia L. Claxton, Ph.D. The University of Washington, Lecturer in Classics (Greek prose, historiography)
Walter Donlan, Ph.D. Northwestern University, Department Chair and Professor of Classics (early Greek literature and social history)
Richard I. Frank, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Associate Professor of History and Classics (Roman history, Classical tradition)
Maria C. Pantelia, Ph.D. Ohio State University, Associate Professor of Classics and Assistant Director, Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (Greek epic poetry, Hellenistic poetry, computer applications to Classics)
B.P. Reardon, D.U. Université de Nantes, Professor Emeritus of Classics (Late Greek literature, Greek novel)
Patrick Sinclair, Ph.D. Northwestern University, Associate Professor of Classics (Latin prose, lexicography)
Dana F. Sutton, Ph.D. University of Wisconsin, Professor of Classics (Greek and Latin drama, Greek poetry, Anglo-Latin literature)
The Department of Classics aims to provide the undergraduate student with a working knowledge of the origins and heritage of Greco-Roman civilization. The Department is committed to a twofold purpose: (1) disseminating interest in and knowledge of Classical Civilization through the teaching of Greek and Latin language and literature; and (2) helping students, through courses in Classical literature, history, civilization, mythology, and religion taught through English translations, to appreciate the high achievements of Greek and Roman culture and their pervasive influence on our own civilization.
The Department offers both a major in Classics (with an emphasis on Greek, Latin, or Linguistics) and a major in Classical Civilization in which most of the required courses are in English translation. Students are encouraged to consult with the Classics faculty regarding the appropriate choice of major and design of program.
For the Classics major, study of the Classics must be based on competence in both Greek and Latin. The Classics program is designed to provide the student with this competence as rapidly as possible, so that by the end of first-year Greek or Latin the student has already been introduced to some of the major Classical authors in the original. From then on, courses are devoted to reading and interpreting the literature of ancient Greece and Rome. In addition to their training in the languages, students gain first-hand knowledge of the literature, history, and thought of the ancient world through the close study of some of its finest writers.
The major in Classical Civilization is designed for students who do not plan to concentrate on the Classical languages or pursue graduate study in the Classics, yet wish to obtain an undergraduate degree based on a sound knowledge of the Classical world. This major requires one year of study (or its equivalent) in either Greek or Latin and a minimum of 10 courses taught in English translation concerning such topics as Classical literature, civilization, history, archaeology, art, drama, and philosophy.
The student planning to major in Classics or Classical Civilization should obtain a copy of the brochure, "Undergraduate Study in Classics," available in the Department office.
Students entering UCI with previous Greek or Latin training can be given advanced standing. Usually, one year of high school work is equated with one quarter of UCI work. Thus, students with one, two, three, or four years of high school Latin (or Greek) will enroll in Latin (or Greek) 1B, 1C, 25, and 101 respectively. Placement may vary, depending on the extent of the student's preparation. Students with transfer credit for Greek and/or Latin may not repeat those courses for credit. Students with high school training in the Classical languages are encouraged to consult with the Classics faculty before enrolling in Classics courses.
The Department adheres to the policy of giving its students an opportunity to participate in the departmental decision-making process. Student representatives, elected from and by the undergraduate majors, participate in all departmental meetings. Representatives are responsible for maintaining close liaison with their constituency, for representing the students' interest in curriculum and personnel matters, and for the evaluation of both the academic program and the academic staff.
Inquiries regarding language placement, prerequisites, planning a program of study, or other matters related to the Department's offerings should be directed to the Office of the Chair, 156 Humanities Hall, telephone (714) 824-6735.
Hebrew and Judaic Studies
Courses in Hebrew and Judaic Studies were initiated by the Department of Classics in September 1976, through a joint agreement between the School of Humanities and the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. Courses are offered in aspects of Jewish history, philosophy, and literature (Classics 180A-B-C, 181, and 182A-B-C). Through this program the Department of Classics is able to broaden its offerings to include both the Greek and Hebrew contributions to Western civilization.
University Requirements: See pages 5155.
School Requirements: See page 184.
Departmental Requirements for Majors
Two separate majors: Classics (with an emphasis in Greek, Latin, or Linguistics) and Classical Civilization.
Classics (Greek emphasis): Greek 1A-B-C; Greek 25; Greek 101-102; Greek 105A-B-C; Greek 110; Latin 1A-B-C; Latin 25; Latin 101-102.
Classics (Latin emphasis): Latin 1A-B-C; Latin 25; Latin 101-102; Latin 105A-B-C; Latin 110; Greek 1A-B-C; Greek 25; Greek 101-102.
Classics (Linguistics emphasis): two possible plans of study. Greek concentration--Greek 25, 101, 102, 105A-B-C; Latin 25, 101, 102; Linguistics 3, 10, 20, 170 (Greek 120 recommended) or Latin concentration--Latin 25, 101, 102, 105A-B-C; Greek 25, 101, 102; Linguistics 3, 10, 20, 170.
NOTE: With the permission of the Department, an additional course at the 100 level in the same language may be substituted for Greek or Latin 25.
Classical Civilization: Latin (or Greek) 1A-B-C, or equivalent; Classics 35A, 35B, 35C or 50A, 50B, 50C; four upper-division Classics courses; three additional courses in Classical history, Classical philosophy, or Classical art.
Residence Requirement for the Major: At least five upper-division courses required for the major must be successfully completed at UCI.
Departmental Requirements for Minors
The Department offers minors in Greek, Latin, and Classical Civilization.
Greek: Greek 1A-B-C, 25, 101, 102, 105A-B-C. Greek 120 may be substituted for one course at the 100 level.
Latin: Latin 1A-B-C, 25, 101, 102, 105A-B-C.
Classical Civilization: Classics 35A, 35B, 35C or Classics 50A, 50B, 50C; five upper-division Classics courses, one of which may be in a related field such as history, art history, or philosophy.
Residence Requirement for the Minor: Four upper-division courses must be successfully completed at UCI.
The Department believes in close consultation with students on academic advising and program planning. Students planning to major (or minor) in Classics or Classical Civilization are strongly urged to consult with the departmental faculty at the earliest possible moment to learn about the various programs.
The study of the ancient world is a valuable possession for modern life. The discipline of Classics is an important part of a liberal education. Greek and Latin language and literature, history and philosophy, mythology and religion make an excellent basis for exploring all periods of Western culture down to the present day. Classics is an interdisciplinary study, exploring human culture by a variety of methods from a variety of points of view. For this reason, the student who chooses to major in Classics or Classical Civilization may find many professional opportunities open.
Graduate and professional schools in medicine, law, management, and other fields welcome students with training in the Classics. So do many business corporations. Business, industry, and technology are well acquainted with the value of a Classical education. They are aware that students with a strong background in a respected and challenging major such as Classics are disciplined thinkers who can express themselves in clear, coherent, and cogent language, capabilities that are considered valuable in future physicians, lawyers, and managers.
There are also specific vocational opportunities open to the graduate in Classics or Classical Civilization. A major in this field may lead to a career in high school teaching, or (after appropriate further study) in college or university teaching. It is also an excellent preparation for advanced study in other academic disciplines such as archaeology, history, comparative literature, philosophy, and linguistics, as well as for theological studies and for work in a wide range of the humanities and social sciences.
The Career and Life Planning Center provides services to UCI students and alumni including career counseling, information about job opportunities, a career library, and workshops on resume preparation, job search, and interview techniques. See the Career and Life Planning Center section for additional information.
The Department of Classics encourages students to take advantage of educational opportunities abroad while making progress toward their UCI degree. Classics and Classical Civilization majors and minors can benefit from a broader perspective of the field by studying for one year at a university in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or the United Kingdom through the Education Abroad Program. Students can also augment their exposure to Greek, Latin, and Classical civilizations by studying for a summer in Greece or Italy at programs sponsored by other UC campuses through the International Opportunities Program. See the Center for International Education section of the Catalogue or your academic counselor for additional information.
From the program's inception in 1970, emphasis has been on close attention to each student's progress, together with a relatively high reliance on independent work. Each graduate student is assigned to a faculty preceptor, who monitors student progress in language skills, knowledge of the discipline, competence in research, and experience in teaching. The graduate program is closely connected with the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae research project and the Consortium for Latin Lexicography (the electronic version of the Munich-based Thesaurus Linguae Latinae). These projects afford special opportunities for students interested in computing as a means for research and teaching.
The Department offers a Ph.D. program with specializations in Greek or Latin. Except for students with advanced standing, three years (nine quarters) of course work are required. Normal course requirements are four quarters of the core courses, Classics 200A-B-C and 201; nine quarters of Classics 220; and five quarters of Classics 205. (Classics 280 may be substituted for these courses at the discretion of the Department.) Students are encouraged to take courses and seminars in relevant areas outside the Department. Students must demonstrate reading proficiency in German by the end of the second year and in another modern language (usually French or Italian) by the end of the third year. In order to become a candidate for the Ph.D. and enter the dissertation stage, a student must pass an individually designed set of qualifying examinations consisting of translation examinations in Greek and Latin, written examinations or lengthy papers in special authors and fields, and an oral examination. The normative time for the completion of the Ph.D. is six years.
All students entering the Ph.D. program, with the exception of those granted advanced standing because they hold the M.A. degree from another institution, will be concurrently enrolled in the M.A. program. The requirements for the M.A. degree are two years (six quarters) of course work, passage of a special set of examinations, and completion of a paper. The normative time for completion of the M.A. degree is two years. Course work for the M.A. degree normally consists of four quarters of Classics 200A-B-C and 201; four quarters of Classics 220; and five quarters of Classics 205. (Classics 280 may be substituted for these courses at the discretion of the Department.) A reading knowledge of German, demonstrated by examination or other means, is a requirement for the M.A. degree. Upon completion of the requirements for the M.A. degree, a student will be permitted to continue in the Ph.D. program only upon a positive vote of a majority of the Classics faculty.
The program puts emphasis on the tradition, methods, and tools of Classical scholarship, with special attention to computer application to scholarly research. Students are required to read extensively in the general field of Classics and ancient history, under faculty guidance. Experience in supervised teaching and/or research activity normally is required.
The resources of the program are enhanced through a cooperative teaching arrangement among the Classics graduate programs of the UC campuses at Irvine, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, and Santa Barbara, and the University of Southern California. The program has entered into a special arrangement with faculty in Classics and related disciplines at UC Riverside and UC San Diego, with the future purpose of forming a three-campus joint-degree program in Classics.
The Thesaurus Linguae Graecae, a unique resource for research in Greek literary and linguistic studies, is closely affiliated with the Department of Classics although it is administratively separate.
Greek 1A-B-C Fundamentals of Greek (5-5-5) F, W, S. 1A-B: Elements of Classical Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. 1C: Introduction to reading texts. Greek 1A-B-C and Greek S1AB-BC may not both be taken for credit.
Greek S1AB-BC Fundamentals of Greek (7.5-7.5) Summer. First-year Greek in an intensified form. Same as Greek 1A-B-C during academic year. Will be offered if enrollment warrants; those interested should contact the Department. Prerequisite for S1AB: none; for S1BC: S1AB or 1B, or two years of high school Greek. Greek S1AB-BC and Greek 1A-B-C may not both be taken for credit.
Greek 25 Grammar Review and Survey of Greek Literature (4) F. Intensive review of grammar and survey of Greek literature with an introduction to selected authors for students who have passed 1C or its equivalent or have had three years or more of the language at the high school level. (VI)
Greek 99 Special Studies in Greek (1 to 4) F, W, S. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to registration. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Greek 101 Greek Prose (4) W. Introduction to Greek prose with readings from the works of a major prose author such as Herodotus. Prerequisite: Greek 25, equivalent, or consent of the Department.
Greek 102 Greek Poetry (4) S. Introduction to Greek poetry with readings from the works of a major poet such as Homer. Prerequisite: Greek 101, equivalent, or consent of the Department.
Greek 105A-B-C Seminar in Greek Literature (4-4-4) F, W, S. Studies in specific Greek authors and topics arranged in a two-year sequence, i.e., prose, epic, philosophy; drama, history, lyric. May be repeated for credit provided topic varies. Prerequisite: Greek 102, equivalent, or consent of the Department.
Greek 110 Prose Composition (4). Studies in Greek grammar and syntax through composition of sentences and passages in Greek prose. Prerequisite: Greek 25, equivalent, or consent of the Department.
Greek 120 Reading of Selected Portions of the New Testament (4). Portions read may change each time course is offered. May be repeated for credit provided content varies. Prerequisite: Greek 1C or equivalent.
Greek 198 Directed Group Study (4-4-4) F, W, S. Special topics in Greek culture and civilization through directed reading and research. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to registration.
Greek 199 Independent Studies in Greek (1 to 4) F, W, S. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to registration. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Latin 1A-B-C Fundamentals of Latin (5-5-5) F, W, S. 1A-B: Elements of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. 1C: Introduction to reading texts, including study of the poetry of Catullus and selected readings. Latin 1A-B-C and Latin S1AB-BC may not both be taken for credit.
Latin S1AB-BC Fundamentals of Latin (7.5-7.5) Summer. First-year Latin in an intensified form. Same as Latin 1A-B-C during academic year. Will be offered if enrollment warrants; those interested should contact the Department. Prerequisite for S1AB: none; for S1BC: S1AB or 1B, or two years of high school Latin. Latin S1AB-BC and Latin 1A-B-C may not both be taken for credit.
Latin 25 Grammar Review and Survey of Latin Literature (4) F. Intensive review of grammar and survey of Latin literature with an introduction to selected major authors for students who have passed 1C or its equivalent, or have had three years or more of the language at the high school level. (VI)
Latin 99 Special Studies in Latin (1 to 4) F, W, S. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to enrollment. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Latin 101 Latin Prose (4) W. Introduction to Latin prose with readings from the works of a major prose author such as Cicero. Prerequisite: Latin 25, equivalent, or consent of the Department.
Latin 102 Latin Poetry (4) S. Introduction to Latin poetry with readings from the works of a major poet such as Vergil. Prerequisite: Latin 101, equivalent, or consent of the Department.
Latin 105A-B-C Seminar in Latin Literature (4-4-4) F, W, S. Studies in specific Latin authors and topics arranged in a two-year sequence, i.e., prose, epic, satire; drama, history, lyric. May be repeated for credit provided topic varies. Prerequisite: Latin 102, equivalent, or consent of the Department.
Latin 110 Latin Prose Composition (4). Studies in Latin grammar and syntax through composition of sentences and passages in Latin prose. Prerequisite: Latin 25, equivalent, or consent of the Department.
Latin 198 Directed Group Study (4-4-4) F, W, S. Special topics in Roman culture and civilization through directed reading and research. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to enrollment.
Latin 199 Independent Studies in Latin (1 to 4) F, W, S. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to enrollment. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Classics 5 Building English Vocabulary through Greek and Latin Roots (4). Formation and use of English words from Greek and Latin derivatives. Particularly useful for first-year students who wish to augment their vocabulary systematically.
Classics 10 Scientific and Specialized Terminology (4). A study of English terms derived from Greek and Latin and important to contemporary medicine, science, and other professions, with emphasis on development of word-building skills. No prior knowledge of Greek or Latin required. For undergraduates, particularly those in the sciences, interested in development of their technical vocabulary.
Classics 35A, B, C The Formation of Ancient Society (4, 4, 4) F, W, S. A unified view of the cultures of the Mediterranean world in antiquity. Focuses on major institutions and cultural phenomena as seen through the study of ancient literature, history, archaeology, and religion. Same as History 35A, B, C.
35A Origins of Ancient Society (IV)
35B Classical Greece (IV)
35C Ancient Rome (IV)
Classics 50A, B, C Classical Literature (4, 4, 4) F, W, S. A survey of Greek and Latin literature with attention to relations with social developments.
50A Greek and Roman Epic (IV)
50B Greek and Roman Drama (IV)
50C Greek and Roman Historians (IV)
Classics 99 Special Studies in Classics (1 to 4) F, W, S. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to enrollment.
Classics 111 The Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (4). Exposes undergraduate students to the history, objectives, and activities of UCI's Thesaurus Linguae Graecae and provides them with basic understanding of the principles and procedures inherent in computer application to literary texts. Prerequisite: one year of ancient Greek, or consent of instructor.
Classics 140 Classics and History: The Ancient World (4). Selected topics in society and culture of the Graeco-Roman world. May be repeated for credit provided topic varies. Readings in translation.
Classics 150 Classical Mythology (4). Selected myths and legends as used in Classical literature, and their modern interpretations.
Classics 151 The Olympians (4). Examination of the origins and development of the Greek Olympian divinities with emphasis upon those who became central figures in pre-Christian religious cults.
Classics 160 Topics in Classical Literature in English Translation (4). Subject matter variable. May be repeated for credit provided topic varies.
Classics 165 New Testament Literature (4). Analysis of texts and their literary, historical, and religious contexts.
Classics 170 Topics in Classical Civilization (4). Subject matter variable. May be repeated for credit provided topic varies. Same as Women's Studies CL170 when topic is appropriate.
Classics 175 Multicultural Studies and the Classics (4). Treats the literature and culture of one or more minority groups in California and the United States in relation to Classical literatures. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. (VII-A)
Classics 176 International Studies and the Classics (4). Develops a broader understanding of the formation of different cultures and countries of Classical times and their impact on the modern world. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. (VII-B)
Classics 198 Directed Group Study (4-4-4) F, W, S. Special topics in Classical studies through directed reading and research. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to registration.
Classics 199 Independent Studies in Classics (1 to 4) F, W, S. Consultation with instructor necessary prior to registration.
COURSES IN JUDAIC STUDIES
Classics 180A-B-C Judaic Studies (4-4-4). Jewish culture, history, and philosophy. Topics vary. May be repeated for credit provided topic varies.
Classics 181 Christian-Jewish Relations (4)
Classics 182A-B-C The Epic of the Jews (4-4-4). Panorama of Jewish history highlighting great events, ideas, leaders, and interaction with other cultures. Sponsored by the Jewish Chautauqua Society in honor of Rabbi Edgar I. Magnin.
Classics 200A Contemporary Literary Theory and the Classics (4). An introduction to contemporary literary theory focusing on important critical approaches; topics vary from year to year. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Classics 200B Diachronic Perspectives on Classical Antiquity (4). Examines ways in which Classical texts and ideas have been received and appropriated for the diverse purposes of ancient and subsequent cultures. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Classics 200C Greece and Rome in Their Contemporary Cultural Contexts (4). An introduction to the methods and perspectives of social scientific theory which can be used to study the material and social dimensions of the ancient cultures of Greece and Rome. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Classics 201 Computing in Classical Studies (4). An introduction to the latest methods of computing for research and teaching. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Classics 205 Concurrent Reading (2). Concurrent enrollment with advanced undergraduate courses (either Greek 105 or Latin 105) with enhanced reading and separate examinations. May be repeated for credit as topics vary.
Classics 220 Classics Graduate Seminar (4). Subject matter variable; mainly but not exclusively major literary topics. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Same as Art History 295 when topic is appropriate.
Classics 280 Independent Study (4). Supervised independent research. Subject varies.
Classics 290 Research in Classics (4-4-4) F, W, S
Classics 299 Dissertation Research (4 to 12) F, W, S. May be repeated for credit. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Only.
Classics 399 University Teaching (4-4-4) F, W, S. Required of and limited to Teaching Assistants.
