B.A in Classics

Program Overview

Majoring in classics is a superb instrument for exploring the broad liberal arts landscape. It combines rigorous technical training, an immersion in outstanding literature and art, and deep historical, philosophical, and theological study. Perhaps the oldest of academic fields, it inspires and informs contemporary research and provides avenues to many different careers and professions. The career options are endless — the study of classics at UVM leaves students ready to pursue a variety of fruitful careers in a most informed state of mind. Explore careers in the classics.

The Program in Classics offers a major in classics with concentrations in either classical languages or classical studies. The classical languages concentration provides intensive training in Greek and Latin and provides superb preparation for students interested in going to graduate school in classics or a related field (like archaeology, linguistics, or ancient philosophy), or to become a secondary school teacher. The classical studies concentration also provides excellent all-around preparation but offers students the chance to focus on ancient history, culture, literature, and philosophy.

Concentrations

Learning Goals and Requirements for the Classical Studies Concentration

• That students possess a broad and detailed knowledge of Greek and Roman history (chronology, institutions, major figures and events, cultural practices and values) and that they are able to situate classical authors, literary genres, and particular works within an historical context;
• That they understand the nature of evidence and can use and evaluate it appropriately (e.g., primary v. secondary sources, evidence from art and archaeology, the transmission history and state of extant authors' works, etc.);
• That they have an informed appreciation of the pervasive influence of the Greek and Latin Classics over the centuries up to and including the present day.

Learning Goals and Requirements for the Classical Languages Concentration

• That students have a good working knowledge of the morphology, vocabulary, syntax, and idiom of ancient Greek/Latin prose and poetry;
• That they have accurate knowledge of and sensitivity to, the historical and literary context of key works of Greek/Latin literature (e.g., authors, genres, periods, characters/persons, reception/influence);
• That they are familiar with the methods of analysis (both literary and historical) used in interpreting ancient literature.

Curriculum

From UVM catalogue:

Classics (B.A.) Requirements

Classics Minor Requirements

Outcomes

After Graduation

Careers

• Advertising and communications
• Classics scholar
• Editing and publishing
• Government and foreign service
• Law
• Non-governmental organizations
• Secondary education

Graduate Schools

Graduates from the program routinely go on to advanced study in the classics or related fields. A small sample of these institutions includes:

• The University of Chicago
• University College of London
• Indiana University
• New York University
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Cal. Berkeley
• Princeton University
• Yale University
• Duke University
• Cornell University
• University College of Dublin
• Florida State University