Classical studies is an interdisciplinary major, with specializations in ancient language, classical civilization and teacher certification that offer students instruction in the history, literature and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. These three specializations require proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek. A fourth specialization in modern Greek offers students instruction in the language, literature and culture of modern Greece and requires proficiency in modern Greek.
To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
Students who major in classical studies often pursue graduate studies in classical languages and literature, art history, ancient history, archaeology, comparative literature and museum studies. Additional career opportunities are possible depending upon the specialization the student chooses. Small class sizes, emphasis on critical thinking and expression and a faculty committed to involvement in lower-level undergraduate courses also make this major appealing to students who want excellent preparation for entry to professional schools (e.g., medicine or law).
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Specializations
- Ancient Language
The ancient language specialization is appropriate for students wishing to have direct contact with the literature and culture of the ancients, and for those who plan to do graduate study in Greek or Latin. Students interested in admission to competitive graduate programs need a minimum of three years of upper-division courses in ancient Greek or Latin and an additional year in the remaining language.
- Classical Civilization
The classical civilization specialization is appropriate for those who desire a broad humanities background or are considering admission to graduate school in archaeology, ancient history or an unrelated field such as medicine or law. Students interested in admission to competitive graduate programs in archaeology or ancient history should consult the Department of Classics' undergraduate coordinator for information on specific requirements.
- Modern Greek
The modern Greek specialization is appropriate for students wishing to have direct contact with the language, literature and culture of modern Greece and a closer acquaintance with ancient and medieval Greek civilization. Students study in greater detail the numerous communities of the diaspora, which includes the large and flourishing Greek-American communities of Florida, their history and contemporary culture. By learning a modern European language, students can work in translation, education, services, tourism, the entertainment industry and political or financial institutions with ties to Greece or Cyprus.
- Teacher Certification
Students who want to be high-school Latin teachers should follow the teacher certification specialization. Students who pursue the Florida Teaching minor have the coursework and preparation for professional teacher certification in Florida when they graduate. Alternatively, students can consider a minor in educational studies that would be beneficial if applying to the ProTeach program. Students should consult the College of Education for more information.
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Coursework for the Major
Students must complete 21-30 credits of coursework for the classical studies major; the total is dependent upon the specialization. Each specialization's coursework requirements are specified after the Critical Tracking section. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in a course for it to be applied to the major; no S/U courses can be applied. The Department of Classics requires that a minimum 15 credits of major-related courses be completed at the University of Florida.
All classical studies majors are also required to demonstrate proficiency in Latin, ancient Greek or modern Greek, depending on the specialization. Credits earned in language courses are not included in the 21-30 credits of coursework for the major.
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Overseas Studies
Students may participate in summer, semester or academic year programs in Italy and Greece. Competitive scholarships for study abroad are available. Students in the modern Greek specialization are encouraged to participate in programs in Greece or Cyprus supported with competitive scholarships by the Center for Greek Studies and other organizations in the United States, Greece and the European Union.
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Placement
Refer to Placement Testing and Evaluation for information on placement into Latin.
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Ancient Language
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
Required Coursework
Students must demonstrate proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek through one of these four options:
- 10 credits of beginning Latin or beginning ancient Greek:
- LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1, LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 and LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3; or
LAT 1130 Accelerated Latin 1 and LAT 1131 Accelerated Latin 2.
- Or 8-10 credits of ancient Greek (GRE 1120 Beginning Ancient Greek 1 and GRE 1121 Beginning Ancient Greek 2; or
GRE 1130 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 1 and GRE 1131 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 2).
- Students with high school Latin complete the sequence based upon their score on the SAT II Latin test (or other placement mechanism).
- A score of 3 or above on one of the AP Latin exams (Latin Literature or Vergil).
- Completion of LNW 2630 (Latin Love Poetry) or a 2000-level ancient Greek course.
- A 3000-level course in the original Latin or Greek literature.
In addition to demonstrating proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek, students must complete 21 credits of coursework for the major:
- Two courses on the ancient Graeco-Roman world (in English translation) from the Department of Classics or approved courses from the departments of Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Religion. At least one course must be 3000 level or above.
- Five courses at the 3000 level or above in Latin or Greek or a combination of Greek and Latin, including CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar. Students who complete the language requirement using a 3000-level course in Latin or Greek literature need only four Latin or Greek courses at the 3000 level or above.
- Students planning to go to graduate school in classical languages and literature will need more credits in ancient languages.
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
Semester 2
- Complete one Latin or ancient Greek course ♦
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
Semester 4
- Complete one additional Latin or ancient Greek course with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete two Latin or ancient Greek courses with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S). One of the two general education mathematics courses must be a pure math course.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1 (4) or
LAT 1130 Accelerated Beginning Latin 1 (5) or
GRE 1120 Beginning Ancient Greek 1 (4) or
GRE 1130 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 1 (5) (or higher if placed out by SAT II) ♦ |
4-5 |
Biological or Physical Science
State Core GE-B or P |
3 |
Composition
State Core GE-C; WR |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
State Core GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
16-17 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 (3) or
LAT 1131 Accelerated Beginning Latin 2 (5) or
GRE 1121 Beginning Ancient Greek 2 (4) or
GRE 1131 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 2 (5) or
Elective (if placed out by SAT II) ♦ |
3-5 |
Biological or Physical Science
Area not taken in Semester 1, GE-B or GE-P |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Humanities
State Core GE-H |
3 |
Mathematics
State Core GE-M |
3 |
| Total |
15-17 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3 (if needed) or
Elective |
3 |
Elective
CLA 2100 The Glory that was Greece or CLA 2120 The Grandeur that was Rome recommended ♦ |
3 |
Mathematics
GE-M |
3 |
Physical or Biological Science Laboratory
GE-P or B |
1 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
Biological Science
GE-B |
3 |
Elective
CLA 2100 The Glory that was Greece or CLA 2120 The Grandeur that was Rome recommended ♦ |
3 |
| Electives |
6 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Latin or Greek courses
Two at 3000 level or above |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
Ancient Graeco-Roman World
3000 level or above
|
3 |
Latin or Greek
3000 level or above |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| Ancient Graeco-Roman World |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Latin or Greek
3000 level or above |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar |
3 |
Elective
Or honors thesis |
3 |
| Electives |
7 |
| Total |
13 |
♦ Students with prior Greek or Latin and an SAT II Latin score of 540 or higher, a 3 or higher on the AP Latin exam or a 4 or higher on the IB exam will begin with more advanced courses.
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Classical Civilization
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
Required Coursework
Students must demonstrate proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek through one of these four options:
- 10 credits of beginning Latin or beginning ancient Greek:
- LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1, LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 and LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3; or
LAT 1130 Accelerated Latin 1 and LAT 1131 Accelerated Latin 2.
- Or 8-10 credits of ancient Greek (GRE 1120 Beginning Ancient Greek 1 and GRE 1121 Beginning Ancient Greek 2; or
GRE 1130 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 1 and GRE 1131 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 2).
- Students with high school Latin complete the sequence based upon their score on the SAT II Latin test (or other placement mechanism).
- A score of 3 or above in one of the AP Latin exams (Latin Literature or Vergil).
- Completion of LNW 2630 (Latin Love Poetry) or a 2000-level ancient Greek course.
- A 3000-level course in the original Latin or Greek literature.
In addition to demonstrating proficiency in Latin or ancient Greek, students must complete 24 credits of coursework for the major:
- 24 credits covering the ancient Graeco-Roman world (in English translation) from the Department of Classics or approved courses from the departments of Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Religion.
- At least 18 credits must be 3000 level or above, including CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar.
- Modern Greek may be taken for the six credits at the 1000/2000 level.
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
Semester 2
- Complete one Latin or ancient Greek course ♦♦
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
Semester 4
- Complete one additional Latin or ancient Greek course with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete two additional Latin or ancient Greek courses with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S). One of the two general education mathematics courses must be a pure math course.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
Ancient Graeco-Roman World (2000 level or above) or
Modern Greek |
3-5 |
Biological or Physical Science
State Core GE-B or P |
3 |
Composition
State Core GE-C; WR |
3 |
| Total |
12-14 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
Ancient Graeco-Roman World (2000 level or above) or
Modern Greek |
3-5 |
Biological or Physical Science
Area not taken in Semester 1, GE-B or GE-P |
3 |
Elective
CLA 2100 The Glory that was Greece or CLA 2120 The Grandeur that was Rome recommended |
3 |
Humanities
State Core GE-H |
3 |
Mathematics
State Core GE-M |
3 |
| Total |
15-17 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1 (4) or
LAT 1130 Accelerated Beginning Latin 1 (5) or
GRE 1120 Beginning Ancient Greek 1 (4) or
GRE 1130 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 1 (5) (or higher if placed out by SAT II) ♦♦ |
4-5 |
| Elective |
3 |
Mathematics
GE-M |
3 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
State Core GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
16-17 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 (3) or
LAT 1131 Accelerated Beginning Latin 2 (5) or
GRE 1121 Beginning Ancient Greek 2 (4) or
GRE 1131 Accelerated Beginning Ancient Greek 2 (5) or
Elective (if placed out by SAT II) ♦♦ |
4-5 |
Biological Science
GE-B |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
6 |
| Total |
16-17 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
Ancient Graeco-Roman World
3000 level or above |
3 |
| Electives |
6 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Science laboratory
GE-B or P |
1 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
Ancient Graeco-Roman World
3000 level or above |
6 |
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
Ancient Graeco-Roman World
3000 level or above |
6 |
| Elective |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar |
3 |
Elective
Or honors thesis |
3 |
| Electives |
9 |
| Total |
15 |
♦♦ Students with prior Greek or Latin and an SAT II Latin score of 540 or higher, a 3 or higher on the AP Latin exam or a 4 or higher on the IB exam will begin with more advanced courses.
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Modern Greek
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
Required Coursework
Students in the modern Greek specialization are required to demonstrate proficiency in modern Greek by completing the beginning sequence of modern Greek (10 credits: GRK 1130 and 1131) or (with department approval) the intermediate modern Greek sequence (3-6 credits).
In addition to demonstrating proficiency in modern Greek, students must complete 24 credits of coursework for the major:
- GRK 2200 Intermediate Modern Greek.
- Two courses at the 3000 level on the modern, medieval or ancient Greek world from the Department of Classics or approved courses from the departments of Anthropology, Art, European Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Religion and Women’s Studies.
- Five courses in modern Greek, Byzantine Greek, ancient Greek or Latin at the 3000 level or above, of which at least two courses must be in modern Greek. Included in these five courses is CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar.
Study-abroad programs are recommended and supported with scholarships for the cultivation of greater fluency in modern Greek.
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
Semester 2
- Complete one modern Greek course ♦♦♦
Select the language based on the specialization chosen.
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
Semester 4
- Complete one additional modern Greek course with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete two additional modern Greek courses with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S). One of the two general education mathematics courses must be a pure math course.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
| GRK 1131 Accelerated Beginning Modern Greek 2 |
5 |
Biological or Physical Science
Area not taken in Semester 1, GE-B or GE-P |
3 |
Humanities
State Core GE-H |
3 |
Mathematics
State Core GE-M |
3 |
| Total |
14 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
| GRK 2200 Intermediate Modern Greek |
3 |
Elective
CLA 2100 The Glory That Was Greece recommended ♦♦♦ |
3 |
Mathematics
GE-M |
3 |
Physical or Biological Science Laboratory
GE-P or B |
1 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
16 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
Biological Science
GE-B |
3 |
Elective
GRK 2201 recommended ♦♦♦ |
3 |
Electives
CLA 3114 Greece Today and Yesterday, and CLT 3930 Greece in its European Context recommended ♦♦♦ |
6 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek or Latin
3000 level or above, GRK 4300 Modern Greek Literature since 1830 recommended ♦♦♦ |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
| Elective |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Modern, Medieval or Ancient Greek World
3000 level or above
|
3 |
Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek
3000 level or above ♦♦♦ |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| Elective |
3 |
Electives
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Modern Greek or Byzantine Greek or Ancient Greek
3000 level or above ♦♦♦ |
3 |
Modern, Medieval or Ancient Greek World
3000 level or above
|
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar |
3 |
Elective
Or honors thesis |
3 |
| Electives |
7 |
| Total |
13 |
♦♦♦ At least two of these courses must be in modern Greek.
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Teacher Certification
Critical TrackingModel Semester Plan
Required Coursework
Students in this specialization must demonstrate proficiency in Latin by fulfilling one of these four options:
- 10 credits of beginning Latin: LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1, LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 and LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3; or
LAT 1130 Accelerated Latin 1 and LAT 1131 Accelerated Latin 2.
Students with high school Latin complete the sequence based upon their score on the SAT II Latin test (or other placement mechanism).
- A score of 3 or above in one of the AP Latin exams (Latin Literature or Vergil).
- Completion of LNW 2630 Latin Love Poetry.
- A 3000-level course in the original Latin literature.
In addition to demonstrating proficiency in Latin, students must complete 30 credits of coursework for the major:
- 24 credits of advanced Latin, including:
- 9 credits in Latin vocabulary, grammar and composition
- 12 credits in Latin literature (not in translation)
- 3 credits of CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar
- Two courses on the ancient Roman world (not in English translation) from the Department of Classics or from the departments of Anthropology, Art, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Religion. At least one of these must be 3000 level or above.
- Students planning to earn a state of Florida Latin teaching certificate need to make certain which courses dealing with Rome are appropriate for this option.
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Critical Tracking
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
Semester 1
Semester 2
- Complete one Latin or ancient Greek course ♦♦♦♦
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 3
Semester 4
- Complete one additional Latin or ancient Greek course with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
Semester 5
- Complete two additional Latin or ancient Greek courses with 2.5 critical-tracking GPA
- 2.0 UF GPA required
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Model Semester Plan
Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H or S). One of the two general education mathematics courses must be a pure math course.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.
| Semester 1 |
Credits |
|---|
IUF 1000 What is the Good Life
GE-H |
3 |
LAT 1120 Beginning Latin 1 (4) or
LAT 1130 Accelerated Beginning Latin 1 (5) (or higher if placed out by SAT II) ♦♦♦♦ |
4-5 |
Biological or Physical Science
State Core GE-B or P |
3 |
Composition
State Core GE-C; WR |
3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
State Core GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
16-17 |
| Semester 2 |
Credits |
|---|
LAT 1121 Beginning Latin 2 (3) or
LAT 1131 Accelerated Beginning Latin 2 (5) or
Elective (if placed out by SAT II) ♦♦♦♦ |
3-5 |
Biological or Physical Science
Area not taken in Semester 1, GE-B or GE-P |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Humanities
State Core GE-H |
3 |
Mathematics
State Core GE-M |
3 |
| Total |
15-17 |
| Semester 3 |
Credits |
|---|
LAT 1104 Beginning Latin 3 (3) or
Elective (if placed out by SAT II, or having taken LAT 1130, 1131) ♦♦♦♦ |
3 |
Mathematics
GE-M |
3 |
Physical Science
GE-P |
3 |
Science laboratory
GE-B or P |
1 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
13 |
| Semester 4 |
Credits |
|---|
Biological Science
GE-B |
3 |
Elective Latin course
2000 level or higher vocabulary, grammar and composition highly recommended |
3 |
| Electives |
6 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences
GE-S |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 5 |
Credits |
|---|
Composition
GE-C; WR |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Electives for Florida Teaching minor
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Latin course
3000 level or higher vocabulary, grammar and composition |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 6 |
Credits |
|---|
Ancient Roman World
3000 level or above
|
3 |
Electives for Florida Teaching minor
3000 level or above, not in major |
6 |
Latin courses
Two at 3000 level or above vocabulary, grammar, and composition |
6 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 7 |
Credits |
|---|
| Ancient Roman World |
3 |
Elective for Florida Teaching minor
3000 level or above, not in major |
3 |
Latin literature courses
Three at 3000 level or above, not in translation |
9 |
| Total |
15 |
| Semester 8 |
Credits |
|---|
| CLA 4931 Capstone Seminar |
3 |
Latin literature courses
Two at 3000 level or above, not in translation |
3 |
Elective for Florida Teaching minor
3000 level or above, not in major |
3 |
Elective
Or honors thesis |
3 |
| Electives |
4 |
| Total |
16 |
♦♦♦♦ Students with prior Greek or Latin and an SAT II Latin score of 540 or higher, a 3 or higher on the AP Latin exam or a 4 or higher on the IB exam will begin with more advanced courses.
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Related Classical Studies Programs
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