What is Classics
Classics is the study of the languages, literatures, and cultures of Greek and Roman Antiquity from the beginnings in the Aegean Bronze Age through the fall of Rome. These are the cultures which give us the “Western” traditions of constitutional government, private property, freedom to dissent, open markets, civilian control of the military, and faith in the average citizen. Classical authors include Homer and Plato, Cicero and Vergil, writers who can tell us much about the human condition both in antiquity and today.
The Department of Classics offers major concentrations in Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization, and Classical Archaeology. The concentrations in Greek and Latin include the study of the languages and literatures of classical Greece and Rome and selected courses in aspects of Classical Civilization. The concentration in Classical Civilization offers a thorough study of classical mythology, civilization, art, and architecture without requiring knowledge of Greek and Latin. The Classical Archaeology concentration includes courses in the archaeology, art, and history of Greece and Rome as well as training in archaeological methods; it does not require study of Greek or Latin.
Career Opportunities in Classics
Classical language majors may become high school teachers or may go on to a Ph.D. to become university faculty. Classical Civilization majors choose a variety of career paths outside academics or continue for a Ph.D. in a field related to the Classical world. Classical Archaeology majors may find employment in U.S. archaeological projects or enroll in a Ph.D. program in Classical Archaeology. All Classics majors will have a strong liberal arts degree. Our concentrations provide excellent background for careers in business, law, medicine, and museum work. Training in Classics provides a broad, humane cultural perspective, and the ability to read with understanding, write with precision, think with clarity, and speak effectively. Many employers find these qualities attractive.
Salary Trends in Classics
An Arts and Sciences degree can propel students in limitless directions. Majors are not always the deciding factor as to what career path is followed. As with any degree, pre-professional experiences (volunteerism, work experience, internships, etc.) enhance the chances of obtaining desired employment and further affect the projected salary.
High School Preparation
While no high school preparation is necessary for a Classics major, the study of at least two years of Latin in high school makes for more efficient completion of any of the four concentrations in the major (Greek, Latin, Classical Civilization or Classical Archaeology).
How to Major in Classics
Please call Dr. Christopher Craig in the Classics Department, (865) 974-5383, so that we can arrange to meet with you, welcome you to the program, and arrange for your advising.
Requirements for Classics
The major consists of 30 hours, and has no prerequisites or progression requirements. It is completed in one of four concentrations:
I) CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY Requirements:
Note: Students are encouraged to satisfy the foreign language requirement with Greek, Latin, French or German.
1) Classics 232 Archaeology and Art of Ancient Greece or Rome
2) Twelve hours selected from any Classics course numbered 200 or above (excluding Classics 273).
3) Six hours chosen from the following: Classics 436 Cities and Sanctuaries; Classics 442 Prehistoric Aegean; Classics 443 Greek Archaeology; Classics 444 Etruscan and Roman Archaeology; Classics 445 Ancient and Medieval Seafaring 445; Classics 461 Special Topics
4) Three hours chosen from the following: Classics 301, 302, 303 Greek History; Classics 304, 305, 306 Roman History
5) Three hours chosen from the following: Anth 361 Historical Archaeology; Anth 362 Principles of Archaeology; Anth 464 Principles of Zooarchaeology
6) Three hours chosen from the following: any Classics course numbered above 300; Anth 435 Historical Archaeology Lab; Anth 463 Rise of Complex Civilizations; History 382 Ancient Near Eastern Civilization; History 400 History and Archaeology of Mesopotamia; History 486 Studies in the Ancient Near East
II) CLASSICAL CIVILIZATION Requirements:
Note: Students are encouraged to satisfy the foreign language requirement with Greek or Latin.
1) Classics 201 Introduction to Classical Civilization
2) Twelve hours selected from any Classics course numbered 200 or above (excluding Classics 273).
3) Fifteen hours chosen from the following: Greek 261 Intermediate Greek: Grammar Review and Readings and 264 Intermediate Greek: Epic Poetry; Latin 251 Intermediate Latin I and 252 Intermediate Latin II; any Classics course numbered above 300; History 382 Ancient Near Eastern Civilization, History 400 History and Archaeology of Mesopotamia, and Philosophy 320 Ancient Western Philosophy
III) GREEK Requirements:
1) Eighteen hours of Greek language courses numbered above 200
2) Twelve hours selected from the following: any courses in the Classics Department numbered above 200 (other than Classics 201 and 273); History 382 Ancient Near Civilization, History 400 History and Arcaeology of Mesopotamia, and Philosophy 320 Ancient Western Philosophy
IV) LATIN Requirements:
1) Eighteen hours of Latin language courses numbered above 200
2) Twelve hours selected from the following: any courses in the Classics Department numbered above 200 (other than Classics 201 and 273); History 382 Ancient Near Civilization, History 400 History and Archaeology of Mesopotamia, and Philosophy 320 Ancient Western Philosophy
The Department of Classics also offers an Honors major in each of the three concentrations. Please contact the department if you have questions about these or any of our other programs.
Special Programs, Co-ops, and Internships
The department offers several opportunities for study and travel in the classical countries, including an archaeological dig in Greece. Through the Haines-Morris Endowment, the department has its own strong scholarship program that includes scholarships for foreign study.
Highlights of Classics
The Classics Department has a faculty of distinguished research scholars who are also award-winning teachers and advisors, and who are committed to working with undergraduates. The undergraduate Classics Club is an officially recognized (and fun!) student organization.
Through the Rutledge Memorial Lecture Fund and the Haines-Morris Endowment, the department every year brings to campus some of the most distinguished and interesting classicists from this country and abroad. The Classics Department is well connected both with the American Academy in Rome and with the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, and provides opportunities and funding for students to study in Italy and Greece. For many years, the department has been able to give selected students first-hand experience at an active archaeological dig. The department also helps support a vigorous local chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America.
“Ready for the World” is part of a long-range plan to transform the UTK campus into a culture of diversity that best prepares students for working and competing in the 21st century. Thus students are encouraged to actively participate in the diverse cultural programs offered on campus. Some of these events include the guest lecture series, cultural nights at the International House, and international film screenings. Visit the Center for International Education web site (http://web.utk.edu/~globe/about.shtml) or the Ready for the World web site (http://www.utk.edu/readyfortheworld/) for more information on upcoming cultural programs and activities. Learn more about UT’s Ready for the World initiative to help students gain the international and intercultural knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.
Students are also encouraged to develop a global perspective within their academic program through study abroad. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers study abroad programs in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, South America, and North America. Program lengths vary from mini-term trips to the entire academic year, and students may choose to fulfill general education requirements, study a foreign language, or take courses within their majors. In addition, UTK offers students opportunities for international internships.
Students are highly encouraged to begin planning early in their academic career and to consult with an academic advisor about the best time to study abroad as well as what courses to take abroad. For more information about program options, the application process, and how to finance study abroad, please visit the Programs Abroad Office website.
Academic Plan and Milestones
Following an academic plan will help students stay on track to graduate in four years. Beginning with first-time, first-year, full-time, degree-seeking students entering in the Fall 2013 semester, UT has implemented Universal Tracking (uTrack), an academic monitoring system designed to help students stay on track for timely graduation. In order to remain on track, students must complete the minimum requirements for each tracking semester, known as milestones. Milestones may include successful completion of specified courses and/or attainment of a minimum GPA.
To see a sample academic plan and milestones for this major, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
For More Information
Dr. Christopher Craig
Dept. of Classics
1101 MClung Tower
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-0413
The information on this page should be considered general information only. For more specific information on this and other programs refer to the UT catalog or contact the department and/or college directly.