The classical studies certificate allows students to explore the literature, civilization, and culture of the ancient world. It is especially ideal for students drawn to Greek, Roman or Ancient Near Eastern society but less interested in language study.
Both the flexibility and variety are additional features that make the certificate attractive to students. Course options include topics in art, architecture, archaeology, history, literature, philosophy, and politics. Students are free to explore their individual interests on the way to developing a more comprehensive understanding of the ancient world.
Finally, in addition to completing requirements for the certificate, many of the courses fulfill General Education requirements, such as Communications Part B, and Breadth requirements, such as Humanities and Literature.
Declaring the classical studies certificate is as easy as meeting with the CANES advisor. Make an appointment using Starfish.
Please note: Classical humanities majors are not allowed to declare the certificate.
Requirements for the Certificate
18 credits are required, of which at least 12 must be numbered 300 and above: 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 12 credits from courses numbered 300 and higher: | 12-18 | |
| The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Greece | ||
| The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Rome | ||
| Sex and Violence in the Ancient Near East | ||
| The Greeks | ||
| The Egyptians: History, Society, and Literature | ||
| The Romans | ||
| Ancient Epic | ||
| Prophets of the Bible | ||
| King David in History and Tradition | ||
| Conspiracy in the Ancient and Modern Worlds | ||
| Jewish Literature of the Greco-Roman Period | ||
| Women and Gender in the Classical World | ||
| Sex and Power in Greece and Rome | ||
| Classical Mythology | ||
| Topics in Greek Culture | ||
| Topics in Roman Culture | ||
| Topics in Classical Culture | ||
| Topics in Classical Archaeology | ||
| Biblical Archaeology | ||
| Greeks, Romans and the Natural Environment | ||
| Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean | ||
| Palmyra and the Palmyrenes | ||
| Topics in Classical Literature | ||
| Undergraduate Seminar: Approaches to the Classical World | ||
| Directed Reading | ||
| Myths, Loves, and Lives in Greek Vases | ||
| Greek Sculpture | ||
| The Art and Archaeology of Ancient Rome | ||
| Cities and Sanctuaries of Ancient Greece | ||
| Proseminar in Ancient Art | ||
| A History of Greek Civilization | ||
| A History of Rome | ||
| Ancient and Medieval Science | ||
| History of Ancient Philosophy | ||
| Classical Philosophers | ||
| Up to 6 credits numbered below 300 may count (optional): | 0-6 | |
| Legacy of Greece and Rome in Modern Culture | ||
| The Ancient Mediterranean | ||
| Ancient Greek and Roman Monsters | ||
| Greek and Latin Origins of Medical Terms | ||
| Classical Influences on Western Art and Science | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Literature (in English) | ||
| Introduction to Biblical Archaeology | ||
| History of Western Art I: From Pyramids to Cathedrals | ||
| The World of Late Antiquity (200-900 C.E.) | ||
| Western Intellectual and Religious History to 1500 | ||
| Explorations in European History (H) | ||
| Western Culture: Literature and the Arts I | ||
| Western Culture: Political, Economic, and Social Thought I | ||
| Development of Ancient and Medieval Western Political Thought | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
Courses taken Pass/Fail do not count in the certificate.
rESIDENCE & QUALITY OF WORK
- Minimum 2.000 GPA in all courses approved for the certificate
- At least 9 credits in the certificate, taken in residence
Certificate COMPLETION REQUIREMENT
This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.
- Demonstrate knowledge of ancient Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern societies and cultures.
- Demonstrate competence in the critical methodologies of textual and material analysis with a view to social and cultural interpretation.
- Compare and critique ancient Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern societies and cultures to demonstrate intercultural competence and ethical reasoning.
If you like to plan, seeing your advisor is very important; it can make the difference between fitting in Ancient Greek and Roman Monsters and Introduction to Biblical Literature before you graduate. Many students also try to complete more than one major or certificate, and discussing how you might be able to reach this goal is another primary role of your major advisor. Advisors can speak to you about course content, which courses fit best with your interest areas, and what kinds of courses might work best with your learning style—e.g., do you prefer multiple choice or essays? Any and all of these discussions can occur during your advising appointment.
In addition to discussing the major, advisors know a lot about:
- General Education requirements
- Breadth requirements
- Interpreting university policies and deadlines
- Connecting majors to careers
- Getting involved with campus organizations
- Finding volunteer and/or internship opportunities
- Talking about your challenges and difficulties
- Connecting with tutors
- Choosing a study abroad program
- Practicing for interviews
- Talking about graduate school
- Proofreading résumés and cover letters
Ready to meet with the CANES advisor? Make an appointment using Starfish.
L&S career resources
Every L&S major opens a world of possibilities. SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps students turn the academic skills learned in their major, certificates, and other coursework into fulfilling lives after graduation, whether that means jobs, public service, graduate school or other career pursuits.
In addition to providing basic support like resume reviews and interview practice, SuccessWorks offers ways to explore interests and build career skills from their very first semester/term at UW all the way through graduation and beyond.
Students can explore careers in one-on-one advising, try out different career paths, complete internships, prepare for the job search and/or graduate school applications, and connect with supportive alumni and even employers in the fields that inspire them.
- SuccessWorks
- Set up a career advising appointment
- Enroll in a Career Course - a great idea for first- and second-year students:
- INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative (1 credit)
- INTER-LS 215 Communicating About Careers (3 credits, fulfills Comm B General Education Requirement)
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Activate your Handshake account to apply for jobs and internships from 200,000+ employers recruiting UW-Madison students
- Learn about the impact SuccessWorks has on students' lives
Please visit the Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies website for a complete list of faculty, instructional, and academic staff.