Major in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies
The major in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies (AGRS) is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore the diverse cultures, histories, literatures, and philosophies of Mediterranean antiquity within a supportive undergraduate community.
Language study is optional: while students can choose to study ancient Greek or Latin, the major can also be completed entirely through coursework taught in English. This versatile degree provides strong preparation for graduate studies in fields like Archaeology, History, Anthropology, and Art History, as well as professional careers in law, business, technology, education, and public policy.
🗺️ Planning Your Degree: Explore semester-by-semester roadmaps and career planning resources on the Arts & Humanities AGRS Major Map.
Major Requirements
The AGRS major consists of foundational lower-division coursework, upper-division specialized electives, and a comparative course in another premodern tradition.
1. Introductory Survey Courses (8 units)
Complete two courses from the following options:
- AGRS 10A or AGRS 17A (Ancient Greece)
- AGRS 10B or AGRS 17B (Ancient Rome)
- AGRS R44 (Ancient Greece and Rome: Literature and Writing)
- Note: AGRS R44 satisfies the second half of the L&S Reading and Composition requirement (R&C Part B) and can replace either an "A" or "B" survey course.
2. Lower-Division Elective (4 units)
- Complete one additional lower-division AGRS course of your choice.
3. Special Topics: AGRS 130 Series (4 units)
- Complete at least one course in the AGRS 130 series.
- These in-depth courses explore specialized topics driven by faculty research expertise. You may take multiple AGRS 130 courses; any course taken after fulfilling this requirement applies toward your upper-division electives.
4. Upper-Division Electives (20 units)
Complete five upper-division courses (20 units total) in AGRS or closely related fields, subject to the following rules:
- At least three courses must be taken within the AGRS department (upper-division Greek and Latin courses count toward this requirement).
- Language Substitution Option: You may replace one upper-division elective course with lower-division language study. Approved course sequences include Greek 1 + 2, Latin 1 + 2, Greek 15, or Latin 15. (Choosing this option brings total major coursework to 24–30 units.
5. Comparative Premodern Culture Course (4 units)
- Complete one course (lower- or upper-division) focusing on a premodern culture other than Greco-Roman.
- This course must be taken outside the AGRS department.
- Course Approval: View pre-approved courses by running an Academic Progress Report (APR) or a "What-If" report in CalCentral. Please consult with a DAGRS Undergraduate Advisor to confirm whether a specific course qualifies if it’s not yet been approved.
🔄 Transfer Course Credit
Related Coursework completed at other colleges or universities may be applied toward major requirements following review and approval.