The Classics Department encourages its students to study abroad for a term or
year of their undergraduate program. Besides the valuable contribution foreign
study makes to any liberal arts degree, exposure to a different tradition of Classical education and the opportunity to visit Classical sites make this an option all Classics majors should seriously consider.
Nothing quite prepares the Classics student for their first look at the Parthenon upon the Acropolis in Athens or the columns of the Roman forum at twilight. Becoming well acquainted with archaeological sites and landscapes known previously only from books enhances the Classics major immeasurably. A term or year of study in Europe opens the door to this experience in a way that a tourist’s brief experience never can.
Classics departments in other countries, with their own histories and academic
cultures, offer their own distinctive perspectives on Classical studies. Europe is the heartland of the Classical tradition and European Classics programs are often first-rate, frequently complementing the curriculum and research interests represented at UCSB. For those interested in an educational experience on the Pacific Rim, there are many fine Classics Departments in Australia and New Zealand, direct descendants of the great British model of Classical education.
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In the many excellent Classics programs in Europe and elsewhere, Classics majors can make progress on their degrees while enjoying the benefits of study abroad. In Europe in particular, major Classical sites such as Rome and Athens are a relatively short trip away. Strong Classics departments can be found in universities in the UK and Ireland, particularly the Universities of Bristol, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London (King’s College and Royal Holloway College), Manchester, St. Andrews, Warwick, and University College Dublin. Other English-language options are programs in Australia and New Zealand.
Classics majors desiring a one semester program should consider the EAP Fall Semester in Rome, which offers study in Italian culture that includes courses in Roman Civilization and Latin.
Students with the necessary preparation in a modern foreign language (normally two years at the university level) should consider enrolling in a Classics program in France, Germany, Italy or Spain. Because of the obvious challenges of learning Latin or Greek through instruction in another foreign language, we recommend this option only for those whose modern language competence is excellent or who have moved beyond the second-year level of Latin or Greek. But for students contemplating graduate study in Classics, advanced knowledge of a modern language will be highly beneficial.
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UCSB’s Summer Sessions offers an excellent program in Greece, taught by UCSB faculty. Courses in this program are central not only to the history and cultural of Greece, but to all Western Civilization. Two weeks in Athens bring participants in contact with the art, history, and philosophy, of the Golden Age of Athens. Students then have the option of studying for four weeks in Paros or Crete, two of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands in the Mediterranean. Refer to: www.summer.ucsb.edu/greece.
There are two other programs that Classics majors should consider. College Year in Athens offers unparalleled opportunities to study the historical and cultural contributions of Greece, with both a summer and yearlong programs. Students take courses in English in archaeology, Classical languages, philosophy, history, and religion. Go to: http://www.cyathens.org.
The Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome offers another English-language option for students who wish to study in Rome. This is a one-semester program taught at different times of the year in order to accommodate a demanding schedule. Students study the archaeology and history of the Classical world, with courses in art as well as Latin and Greek literature (http://www.aas.duke.edu/study_abroad/ iccs).
Keep in mind that non-UC programs may cost more and require the transfer of credits.
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EAP offers a great variety of one-term and year-long programs. Students interested in fulfilling major preparation and General Education requirements can participate as early as their sophomore year. However, the junior year is usually the best time to study abroad because students have normally completed their lower-level courses in the major (especially in Latin and/or Greek) but still
have another year to complete all degree coursework. Classics majors may even study abroad in their senior year with good prior planning and close consultation with the departmental & college Undergraduate Advisors. The Classics Senior Seminar [185] can be taken in the junior year.
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All EAP coursework is automatically credited towards your degree requirements. Depending on your course selection, you may fulfill major or GE requirements as well. Consult the Classics Undergraduate Advisor.
Keep in mind that at least 20 units of upper-division major coursework (or
12 upper-division minor units) must be completed in residence at UCSB along with other residence requirements. Consult an advisor in the College of Letters & Science for more information.
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Come by the EAP office at 2431 South Hall. Staff advisors and peer advisors
who have recently returned from studying abroad are eager to answer your questions.
Make an appointment with the Classics Undergraduate Advisor. See an advisor
in the College of Letter & Science to discuss general education, residence and other requirements.
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Classics Department
4055 HSSB
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-3120
Phone: (805) 893-3556
www.classics.ucsb.edu
