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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

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 Credits18
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.

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of ancient Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern societies and cultures.
  2. Demonstrate competence in the critical methodologies of textual and material analysis with a view to social and cultural interpretation.
  3. 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 graduateMany 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.

 

Please visit the Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies website for a complete list of faculty, instructional, and academic staff.