Undergraduate Classics Majors

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The Department of Classics provides the experience of a small liberal arts school in the stimulating atmosphere of a Research-1 university. Our majors and minors are grounded in the most traditional subjects: languages, literature, history, philosophy, art, archaeology and religion. Our students are encouraged to test that knowledge in modern theoretical classes in women’s studies, gender and sexuality, anthropology, religious studies, and even ancient magic.

In Classics, faculty and students get to know each other well. For example, professors lead student trips to Greece and Rome, where instruction combines with first-hand experience of these rich cultures. Watch for City of Athens and City of Rome courses, which feature these trips. Students are encouraged to use the lounge and small study area in the department on the second floor of the Jefferson Building in downtown Iowa City. The many nearby coffee houses, book stores and art galleries provide an intellectually engaging ambience in which students can meet and explore their interests further.

There are coffee hours held every semester where faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and friends of classics, meet and talk. These coffee hours are the occasion for student and faculty readings of Latin and Greek, sponsored by Eta Sigma Phi, the classics honors society. The department maintains the classics-info list to notify students of university events of special interest to classicists, opportunities for study abroad, archaeological digs, jobs, further education, and to remind students of deadlines.

Study in Classics provides a solid foundation for graduate work in classics, law, history, art, philosophy, archaeology, anthropology, comparative literature and religion.

There is an acute, nation-wide shortage of Latin teachers. Students double-majoring in Classical Languages (Latin) and Education (for certification) will frequently have several positions to choose from by the time they graduate.

There are two majors, Classical Languages, which is centered on Latin and Greek, and Ancient Civilization, which is an interdisciplinary major not requiring these languages.

A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is also available. It is designed for students who have a B.A., but do not have enough Latin and/or Greek to continue on in graduate school, seminary, or other programs.

Click here to view the Department's current undergraduate and graduate course offerings.

PLEASE NOTE - Majors in Classical Languages: Currently only one advanced Latin course and one advanced Greek course are offered each semester. It will therefore normally take at least three full academic years to complete the Classical Languages major. Those studying only one language, Greek or Latin, will normally need four full academic years to complete the major. Students who wish to complete the major more quickly will need to take intensive Latin or Greek courses during the summer. Intensive Latin is offered in the summer at The University of Iowa. For Latin or Greek at other institutions, see the following link: http://www.summer-classics.com.

We encourage you to consider studying Classics with us at The University of Iowa. Some of our recent graduates have the following things to say about the benefits and strengths of the department:

"I was able to choose the classes I took, therefore having the ability to focus on my interests. I was able to avoid those classes that you have to take in your major, but may not like." Lindsay Morecraft

"My Latin courses taught me more about the English language than any English class ever did. However, the most significant benefit of my studies in Classics was the effect my teachers had on me. I will never be able to thank them enough for taking the time and interest in me as a person, not just a student. I have always wanted to teach, but had never really found a professor who inspired me until I started in Classics." Alicia Simmons

"The cooperation between TAs and professors, and the classics 'community', are a big draw when the focus of so many other departments is competition." Michelle Zeiner

Please contact the Department for more information. Feel free to call us at (319)335-2323 or (800)553-IOWA. You can also send an send an e-mail to the department.