# 2025-2026 General Catalog

**Source**: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/classics/classical-civilization-ab/
**Parent**: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/#programsanddegreestext

[Office & Contact Information](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/classics/)

Classical Civilization is an interdisciplinary major that examines the ancient Mediterranean cultures of Greece, Rome and the Near East, with courses offered on the languages, history, literature, religions, myths, art and archaeology of these societies, their achievements in rhetoric and philosophy, and their political and social institutions. Minor programs in Classical Civilization, Greek, and Latin, and many General Education courses are also offered.

## The Program

The major has two tracks: *(1)* Classical & Mediterranean Civilizations, and *(2)* Classical Languages & Literatures. The core of both major tracks consists of two years of Latin or Greek, the introductory sequence on the ancient Mediterranean world ([CLA 001](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/search/?P=CLA%20001 "CLA 001"), [CLA 002](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/search/?P=CLA%20002 "CLA 002"), [CLA 003](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/search/?P=CLA%20003 "CLA 003") or [CLA 004](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/search/?P=CLA%20004 "CLA 004")), the advanced seminar ([CLA 190](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/search/?P=CLA%20190 "CLA 190")), and a number of electives. The Classical & Mediterranean Civilization track allows students to choose their electives from a broadly balanced program in history, art and archaeology, literature, philosophy and rhetoric. The Classical Languages & Literatures track focuses more intensively on language and literature, requiring the study of two languages and allowing fewer electives. Students planning to go on to graduate work in Classics should take Track 2 and study as much Latin and Greek as possible. They should make a point of talking to an advisor early in their undergraduate program. They are also advised to acquire a reading knowledge of French or German.

### Prerequisite Credit

Credit will not normally be given for a lower division course in Latin or Greek if it is the prerequisite of a course already successfully completed. Exceptions can be made by the Program Director only.

### Career Opportunities

A degree in Classical Civilization represents a solid liberal arts education that provides an excellent foundation for a wide variety of careers. In the last twenty-five years, many majors have applied to law or medical schools and nearly all have been accepted. Additional career options include library and museum work, teaching, journalism, and graduate study in Classics, art, archaeology, history, literature, philosophy, and religion.

### Major Advisors

Consult the department office.

### Honors Program

Candidates for high or highest honors in Classical Civilization must write a senior honors thesis under the direction of a faculty member in Classics. Potential candidates for the honors program must enroll in Classics [CLA 194HA](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/search/?P=CLA%20194HA "CLA 194HA") and [CLA 194HB](https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/search/?P=CLA%20194HB "CLA 194HB"), normally during the first two quarters of the senior year. Enrollment is limited to upper division students with a minimum of 135 units, and a 3.500 grade point average in courses in the Classical Civilization major. For further information, students should consult with the major advisor or program director. The requirements for the honors program are in addition to the regular requirements for the major in Classical Civilization.

## Graduate Study

The Department offers a master’s degree in Classics with emphasis on either Greek or Latin; however, admission into the graduate program has been suspended.

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