Majors and Minors

Majors and Minors

The Classics program at CSULB offers four different concentrations or tracks, two of which do not require ancient language study. See the CSULB Catalog preview for more information. Additionally, the CSULB Classics program offers Subject Matter Competence for the Latin Teaching Credential.

Classics Majors

All Classics majors must take these six three-unit courses: 

  • CLSC 101 – Greek Mythology
  • CLSC 110 – Classical Archaeology 
  • CLSC 130 – Women in the Classical World 
  • CLSC 201 – Poets, Plays, and Politics of Ancient Greece
  • CLSC 202 – Poets, Plays, and Politics of Ancient Rome
  • CLSC 300 – Pagan Culture

In addition, Classics majors must select at least one concentration, two of which require no language study: 

Concentration in Classical Studies (15 units):

  • CLSC 310 – The Greek World
  • CLSC 312 – The Roman World
  • CLSC 340 – The Underworld
  • CLSC 370 – Medicine in the Ancient World
  • CLSC 380 – Ancient Eats
  • CLSC 410 – Law and Literature in the Classical World
  • CLSC 420 – Classical Drama
  • CLSC 490 – Selected Topics in Classics
  • CLSC 499 – Directed Studies

Concentration in Classical Archaeology (12 units):

  • CLSC 430 – Archaeology of Ancient Greece
  • CLSC 440 – Archaeology of the Roman World
  • CLSC 450 – Aegean Bronze Age Archaeology
  • CLSC 460 – Etruscan Archaeology
  • CLSC 470 – Monuments of Athens
  • CLSC 480 – Monuments of Rome
  • CLSC 490 – Selected Topics in Classics
  • PLUS 3 units of field study
    • ANTH 450 – Archaeological Field Research
    • CLSC 499 – Summer Field Study at Greek or Roman Site

The Latin and Greek language major concentrations require three years of Greek or Latin. 

Concentration in Greek and Ancient Greek Civilizations (15 units):

  • GK 101A – Introductory Greek
  • GK 101B – Introductory Greek
  • GK 401 – Homer
  • GK 402 – Plato
  • GK 403 – Tragic Poets
  • GK 405 – Attic Orators
  • GK 490 – Selected Topics in Greek
  • GK 499 – Directed Studies

Concentration in Latin and Ancient Roman Civilizations (15 units):

  • LAT 101A – Introductory Latin
  • LAT 101B – Introductory Latin
  • LAT 401 – Vergil
  • LAT 402 – Cicero
  • LAT 403 – Latin Lyric and Elegy
  • LAT 404 – Latin Epic
  • LAT 405 – Historiography of the Republic
  • LAT 406 – Historiography of the Empire
  • LAT 407 – Latin of the Early Principate
  • LAT 408 – Roman Comedy
  • LAT 409 – Roman Satire
  • LAT 490 – Selected Topics in Latin
  • LAT 499 – Directed Studies

Minor in Classical Studies

The minor in Classical Studies is open to students in any major and requires students to complete five Classics courses (three of which must be upper division). There is no language requirement for the Classical Studies minor. 

Latin Teaching Credential

A Single Subject Credential in Latin is offered under the auspices of the College of Education at CSULB. Latin is included among “Languages Other Than English.”

The subject matter program in Latin consists of 37 units in Latin and related areas. Completion of these courses meets the subject matter competence requirement for the Single Subject Preliminary Credential in Latin. Courses taken for subject matter competence for the teaching credential also count toward units needed for the Classics B.A., Option in Roman Civilization. Prospective students should consult the Latin Credential Advisor and the Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Program Advisor early to plan their programs.

In addition to meeting the subject matter competence requirement for the Preliminary Credential, prospective teachers of Latin are also required to complete 44 units of professional preparation in the Single Subject Credential Program, including student teaching. Students may begin the professional preparation courses as early as the junior year. With careful planning, it is possible to complete all of the credential program courses, except for student teaching, as an undergraduate. Courses may also be completed as a post-baccalaureate/credential student.

Requirements

  1. Required courses: LAT 301 (Intermediate Latin), 401 (Vergil), 402 (Cicero), 410ABC (Latin Prose Composition).
  2. Seven courses from the following: LAT 403 (Lyric and Elegy), 404 (Epic), 405 (Historiography of the Republic), 406 (Historiography of the Empire), 407 (Latin of the Early Principate), 408 (Roman Comedy), 409 (Roman Satire), 490 (Special Topics).
  3. One of the following: HIST 312i (Roman World), 314 (Roman History); CLSC 420i (Classical Drama), 440 (Archaeology of the Roman World); AH 417 (Roman Art).

Students are required to keep a portfolio of written work produced in the above classes with instructor comments. Members of the Latin faculty evaluate the portfolio according to established criteria. The credential candidate also takes an exit examination administered by the Latin faculty which will assess pronunciation, speech and conversation, listening and writing, and reading. Credential students also produce a Latin play.

Advising

Most students are advised through ATLAS and the College of Liberal Arts Advising, where you can find information on checklists, procedures, forms, and degree progress.

For departmental advising, contact Dr. Paul Scotton, MHB 516.