Options for Majoring

NEW DECLARATION OF MAJOR AND MINOR

Students desiring to declare a major (or minor) in Classics can do so by selecting “Classical Studies.” This is a new program that replaces and combines features of the formerly separate majors and minors in “Classical Civilization” and in “Classical Languages and Literatures.” “Classical Studies” will permit students to pursue a course of study no different from the “Classical Civilization” major (or minor). All readings in Greek and Latin authors for the “Classical Studies” major and minor are in English translation, except that the major requires students to demonstrate a reading proficiency at the intermediate level in either Ancient Greek or Modern Greek or Latin. This requirement can be satisfied either by earning a passing grade in GKA 104 or GKM 104 or LAT 104, or by means of a proficiency examination. The fulfillment of this requirement simultaneously satisfies the LAS foreign-language requirement. In addition, students majoring in “Classical Studies” who want to take courses in Ancient Greek and/or Latin beyond the required 104-level can complete a course of advanced study formerly available through the suspended Greek (or Latin) major by pursuing the new and expanded honors track leading to high or highest distinction. Details of the requirements and options for the major or the minor can be found at:

http://www.uic.edu/ucat/catalog/LACLASSICS.shtml#h

PREVIOUSLY DECLARED MAJORS AND MINORS

Students who have already declared a major (or minor) in “Classical Civilization,” or in “Classical Languages and Literatures,” are free to switch to “Classical Studies” if they wish, or they can complete the requirements for the program in which they are currently enrolled. Those who declared a major (or minor) in the now suspended “Classical Languages and Literatures” program by the end of the spring 2010 semester may continue to work toward the completion of that degree. They may satisfy the requirements for hours of study in Ancient Greek and/or Latin above the 104-level by taking LAT 291, 391 (or GKA 292, 392), repeatable topics courses, or by taking LAT 299 or GKA 299 “independent study” courses. LAT 299 and GKA 299 are not independent study in the traditional sense but are regular reading courses. They meet on a weekly basis, for a set number of hours, each with its own syllabus of readings. Topics for these courses are typically selected in consultation between faculty and prospective students.

Courses offered by the department have as their focus the civilizations of Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as the Ancient Near East, ancient Egypt, the Arabic world, and modern Greece—their languages, literatures, histories, philosophies, religions, arts, and archaeology. Study in our program is inherently interdisciplinary and can touch upon many subjects, ranging from drama to astronomy, from mythology to geography, from science to gender studies, from philology to literary criticism, from political theory to sociology and anthropology—a complete liberal arts education in a single department.

To declare a major or minor, a student need only fill out a short form available either from Professor Nano Marinatos, Director of Undergraduate Studies (in room1808 of University Hall), or from Dr. Stacy Jeffries (in room 1730 of University Hall). If a student has already declared another major and wishes to switch to Classics, or to add Classics as a second major, this same form should be completed.

It is to a student’s advantage to declare a major early, as soon as the freshman or sophomore year if possible. In any case, the deadline for doing so is the beginning of the junior year for students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. By declaring a major, the student gains access to departmental advising, which helps to insure that (s)he will have completed all the requirements for the major (or minor) by the intended date of graduation. It is important that students work with an advisor who will assist in answering questions and help to design a program that fits the student's needs.

The department encourages its majors and minors to meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies at least once each semester to review progress toward the degree. Students should also feel free to seek informal advising from other members of the department and are encouraged to get to know the teaching staff outside the classroom. Contact with the faculty will put professors in a better position to furnish letters of recommendation for students when they are applying to graduate school or seeking employment after graduation.