Parthenon frieze, 3 gods

Major in Greek

The major in Greek offers intensive study in Ancient Greek, enabling students to read works of classical drama, philosophy, epic poetry, and history in the original language.

🗺️ Planning Your Degree: Explore semester-by-semester roadmaps and degree planning tools on the Greek & Latin Major Map.

📌 Prerequisite to Declare

  • Course Prerequisite: Successful completion of at least one UC Berkeley Greek course is required before declaring the major.

Major Requirements

The Greek major combines foundational language preparation, classical history and literature survey courses, upper-division Greek reading, and departmental electives.

1. Elementary Language Sequence (8–10 units)

Complete one of the following elementary sequences:

  • Greek 1 + 2 or Greek 15
  • Note: Requirements in this section may be partially or completely waived through faculty placement evaluation based on prior experience.

2. Ancient Mediterranean Survey Courses (8 units)

Select two of the following survey options (AGRS 10A, 10B, and R44 are preferred):

  • 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.

3. Core Upper-Division Greek Sequence (8 units)

Complete the following two courses:

  • Greek 100
  • Either Greek 101 or Greek 102
  • Substitution Note: Students who place out of Greek 100 must substitute another upper-division Greek class.

4. Upper-Division Greek Electives (16 units)

  • Complete four additional courses chosen from Greek 101 up to Greek 189..

5. Upper-Division Departmental Elective (4 units)

  • Complete one upper-division AGRS course (4 units) offered by the department.

📝 Language Placement & Advising

  • No Placement Exam: There is no formal placement test for Ancient Greek.
  • Placement Advising: Students with prior coursework or background in Ancient Greek should consult directly with Elementary Greek instructors or Faculty Advisors to determine proper placement.

🔄 Transfer Course Credit

Coursework completed at other colleges or universities may be applied toward language major requirements following review and approval.