A minor in classical languages is an excellent way to solidify skills in the modern English language, while expanding your interest in ancient Mediterranean cultures. Students gain a solid understanding of both ancient Greek and Latin.

Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to demonstrate:

  • ability to read the ancient Greek and Latin languages at an intermediate to advanced level;
  • knowledge of major literary works and written sources of the ancient Mediterranean world; and
  • transferable linguistic and analytic skills by studying the ancient languages that stand behind the vocabulary and structure of English and the Romance languages.

The undergraduate minor in classical languages requires a minimum of 19 s.h., including 6 s.h. in advanced courses taken at the University of Iowa. Students must maintain a g.p.a. of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass.

The sequences CLSG:2001 Second-Year Greek I and CLSG:2002 Second-Year Greek IICLSL:2001 World of Cicero and CLSL:2002 Golden Age of Roman Poetry, and Department of Classics courses numbered 3000 or above are considered advanced for the minor.

A maximum of 3 s.h. of work for another major, minor, or certificate in the Department of Classics and up to 3 s.h. of lower-level transfer credit may be counted toward the minor.

Students who earn a minor in classical languages may not earn a minor in Latin or Greek.

Required Courses

All of these:
CLSG:1001Classical and New Testament Greek I5
CLSG:1002Classical and New Testament Greek II5
CLSG:2001Second-Year Greek I3
CLSL:2001World of Cicero3
or CLSL:2002 Golden Age of Roman Poetry

Electives

At least 3 s.h. from these:
An ancient civilizations course numbered CLSA:1000-4999
A Greek course numbered CLSG:1000-4999
A Latin course numbered CLSL:1000-4999

Students who have taken high school Greek or Latin should consult the advisor.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.

Classical Languages, Minor

Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
Academic Career
Any SemesterHours
The undergraduate minor in classical languages requires a minimum of 19 s.h., including 6 s.h. in advanced courses taken at the University of Iowa.
Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor.
Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass.
A maximum of 3 s.h. of work for another major, minor, or certificate in the Department of Classics and up to 3 s.h. of lower-level transfer credit may be counted toward the minor.
Students who earn a minor in classical languages may not earn a minor in Latin or Greek.
 Hours0
First Year
Fall
CLSL:1001 Elementary Latin I a, b 5
 Hours5
Spring
CLSL:1002 Elementary Latin II b 5
 Hours5
Second Year
Any Semester
CLSL:2001
World of Cicero
or Golden Age of Roman Poetry
3
 Hours3
Fall
CLSG:1001 Classical and New Testament Greek I b 5
 Hours5
Spring
CLSG:1002 Classical and New Testament Greek II b 5
 Hours5
Third Year
Fall
CLSG:2001 Second-Year Greek I 3
 Hours3
 Total Hours26
a
This course is a prerequisite for a required minor course.
b
Students who have taken high school Greek or Latin should consult the advisor.