- PROGRAM DESCRIPTION OF CLASSICS MAJOR AND MINOR
THE CLASSICS MAJOR
Students must choose one of two tracks:
1) Classical Language and Literature Track
Students interested in graduate studies should take as many Greek and Latin courses as possible. Pre-seminary students should realize that 16 credit hours in Greek are recommended by most seminaries.Students must take CLC 220 and 311 and one of the following language concentrations:
• Greek (24 credits)
• Latin (16 credits beyond FLL 203)
• Classical Languages (16 credits of Greek and 8 credits of Latin beyond FLL 203)
2) Classical Civilization Track
Requirements for the major are:
• Either the 101-102 sequence in Greek or Latin, or 4 credit hours in either language at the 203 level or above, and
• 24 credits of Classical Civilization courses, which must include CLC 200, CLC 220, CLC 311, and CLC 411.
• Of the remaining 12 elective credits, as many as 6 can be taken in other departments. Approved courses are PHIL 215, THEO 317, and THEO 321. Other courses may be counted with prior permission from the Classics section head and Department Chair.
THE CLASSICS MINOR
Students must choose one of two tracks:
1) Language and Literature Track
Requirements are CLC 311 and either 16 credits in Greek or 8 credits beyond 203 in Latin.
2) Classical Civilization Track
Requirements are 15 credits of Classical Civilization courses, which must include CLC 200, CLC 220, and CLC 311.
CAREERS FOR CLASSICS MAJORS
VU graduates have completed Ph.D. programs in Classics or related fields at such institutions as University of Chicago, Duke University, University of North Carolina, University of Toronto, and University of Wisconsin. Some of these Ph.D.'s now hold teaching positions in such schools as Texas A&M, Western Maryland College, Ohio State University, University of Toronto, and Texas Technical University. Other, more recent graduates are completing their graduate studies at the University of Chicago, either in Classics or the Committee on Social Thought, and the University of Minnesota. In addition to all this, VU graduates from the Classics have gone on to study for the ministry at Lutheran seminaries.
STUDY ABROAD
• Athens
Valparaiso University hosts a new study-abroad option in Greece through the College Year in Athens program. This is an independent study-abroad program offering college-level courses in Ancient Greek Civilization. College Year in Athens enjoys an excellent reputation among North American colleges, and from all its participating institutions it enrolls about 100 students per year.
Students in good academic standing with at least 16 credits of Greek are eligible to apply. The junior year, however, is the best time for most students to leave the home campus for study abroad.
Students may choose from a variety of courses in such disciplines as Archaeology and Art, Classical Languages and Literature, History, Philosophy, Politics, and Religion. These may count towards a major or minor with the approval of the Department's Chair.
Normally four courses constitute full-time study, and study is conducted in the fall semester of the academic year.
• American School of Classical Studies
Valparaiso University is a corporate member of The American School of Classical Studies at Athens which provides Valparaiso students opportunities for summer study in Greece. Two sessions, directed by the School's Gertrude Smith professors, are conducted annually. These sessions are designed for students who wish to complement their training in the language and literature of ancient Greece with an introduction to the country and its monuments. Housing and meals for participants are provided by the School. Enrollment in each session is limited to twenty students. Students interested in this program should consult with the head of the Classics section.
Six semesters of Greek, History 311, and a grade point average of 3.50 or higher are required. Admission is highly competitive, as both professors well as students apply.
Each session is divided almost equally between the study of sites, monuments and museums in Attica and trips to places chosen by the director in Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Macedonia, Northwest Greece, and the Islands. Participants are required to prepare reports on assigned topics.
Credits may be applied toward a Classics major through Greek 495 (Independent Study). Students must consult with the Chair of the Department. This program is available in the summer only.
• Greek Monuments in Context
In addition to the above opportunities, the Classics section also hosts the course "Greek Monuments in Context" (CLC 250). Usually running from mid-May to mid-June, students in this class will travel to Greece to study archaeological sites in such places as Athens, Olympia, Korinth, and Delphi, as well taking time to visit the islands and Greek countryside. Ample time is allowed for students to pursue their own interests. The course counts for 3 credits. Those interested should contact Michael Kumpf.
• Other opportunities
Other opportunities to study Classical languages exist through the Universities study abroad programs in Cambridge and Oak Hill, both of England.
• Visit the Office of International Programs for more details.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Department offers competitive scholarships of $1,000 for freshman students who will major in French. These merit awards are renewable three times for a total of $4,000 if the student remains a French major and makes satisfactory academic progress. Scholarship holders may have two majors.
There are three steps to the application process.
Additionally, the Department offers the following awards desginated specifically for Classics students:
The Rev. & Mrs. Arthur L. Reinke & The Rev. & Mrs. Augustus Reinke Memorial Scholarship
Established by Dr. Edgar C. Reinke in honor of his parents and grandparents. Awarded to students who have completed one year of college Latin or Greek on the basis of academic excellence, not need. Renewable if the recipient elects to major in Latin, Greek, or Classics.
The John and Dorothea Helms Endowed Scholarship
Annual award. Preference to students studying Greek or Latin.
Delta Upsilon Chapter of Eta Sigma Phi
Classics honorary. Awarded to students who have had at least one year of Greek or Latin. Preference given to Eta Sigma Phi members.