Welcome to Classics at UC Davis!
The major in Classical Civilization offers an opportunity for in-depth study of ancient societies that have profoundly influenced our own. The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians are particularly noted for their pyramids and temples but they were also among the first to develop literature, art, astronomy and mathematics. Greek and Roman literature, art, philosophy, and forms of government have had an enormous influence on the development of civilized society, an influence that is still very much alive today.
The founding fathers of our own country drew their ideas of democracy, freedom and government from Greece and Rome. The questions Socrates asked about beauty, truth, and justice are still being asked today. Plato remains the world's most widely studied philosopher. Today's dramatic productions, whether on the stage, screen or television, trace their origins back to the Athenian tragedies and comedies of the fifth century BC. The Romans gave the world an excellent system of laws, fine roads and aqueducts, and an enduring language, which, contrary to popular belief, never died out, for in its evolved forms of Italian, French, Spanish, Romanian and Portuguese, it continues to be spoken around the world today. English too has evolved. Basically a Germanic language, its vocabulary is now overwhelmingly derived from Latin roots.
Why Study Classics?
Students choosing to major in Classical Civilization or minor in Classics, Latin or Greek will find their lives permanently enriched in often unexpected ways. They will gain new insight into the vocabulary and grammatical structure of English and other languages. They will develop the skill of thinking analytically as they wrestle with subject matter as challenging as it is fascinating. Above all, as they read some of the world’s most admired and imitated literature, they will develop an appreciation of the more lasting thoughts on what it means to be human.
Students interested in balancing a major in science with a liberal arts major that combines real intellectual rigor with flexibility of approach will find the Classical Civilization major an excellent choice. Those majoring in English or any foreign language, linguistics, comparative literature, history, philosophy, political science, or art will enhance their degrees considerably with a second major in Classical Civilization.
Classics at UC Davis
The number of majors is comparatively small (about 30-45) so that students have no difficulty getting to know one another and the faculty. Classics faculty members are devoted teachers but are also active research scholars working in the fields of Greek and Latin literature, history, and philosophy, ancient religion, Late Antiquity, Medieval Latin, and the reception of Classical culture in later centuries; see the web pages of individual faculty members for further details. To find out what former students have done with a Classics major or minor, go to Alumni Stories.
Fall 2009 Welcome (re-scheduled)
Education Abroad Program on Ancient Mediterranean (Nov. 9th)