Classics

OFFICE: Arts and Letters 662
TELEPHONE: 619-594-5186 / FAX: 619-594-1004
WEBSITE: http://classicsandhumanities.sdsu.edu

Faculty

Emeritus: Eisner, Genovese, Hamilton, Warren
Chair: Levitt
Associate Professors: Dumas, Smith
Assistant Professors: Dumas, Starkey
Lecturer: Robbins

The Major

Classics is the study of the languages, literatures, and civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. These are the oldest European and American traditions of the humanities and the liberal arts. Classics literally means works of the first class or rank, and their profound truths and disciplined forms have ensured their lasting relevance.

All Classics majors take two or more years of Greek or Latin. They may choose the language emphasis that allows them to study one or both languages, or they may choose the broader emphasis in classical humanities. Classics majors have at their disposal the Burnett Classics Seminar Room with its library and media resources. In addition to small language classes, close academic advising, and the fellowship of a small department with diverse interests, Classics majors culminate their studies with a senior seminar.

Although the prime purpose of the Classics major is to satisfy a quest for the original intellectual and artistic values of Western civilization, graduates enjoy a range of professional choices in addition to academic careers in Classics and various humanities disciplines. Classics majors are well prepared for law school, and with supplementary coursework in business, economics, or information systems, a Classics graduate can be very competitive in the business world. Classics graduates also have an advantage as editors, librarians, journalists, and technical writers. Opportunities are available in public relations, government, and other fields where general knowledge, perspective, and a facility with language serve not only the public good but one’s own success.

Advising

All College of Arts and Letters majors are urged to consult with their department adviser as soon as possible; they are required to meet with their department adviser within the first two semesters after declaration or change of major.

Impacted Program

The classics major is an impacted program. To be admitted to the classics major, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete preparation for the major;
Complete a minimum of 60 transferable semester units;
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

To complete the major, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment).

Major Academic Plans (MAPs)