CLASSIC 10
Discovering Greeks
Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Knowledge of Greek not required. Study of Greek life and culture from age of Homer to Roman conquest. Readings focus on selections from works of ancient authors in translation. Lectures illustrated with images of art, architecture, and material culture. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
1 of 3
AD
AD
Most Helpful Review
The best classics prof i have taken here at UCLA. Honestly, he makes things interesting, and sure depending on the course the reading is boring, but what do you expect? It's classics, and unless you adore you will think some stuff is boring. I am a classics minor and i keep checking to see when he teaches so i can take the class with him. Brad as the TA is really cool and the prof is very understanding and informed. THE BEST!!!!
The best classics prof i have taken here at UCLA. Honestly, he makes things interesting, and sure depending on the course the reading is boring, but what do you expect? It's classics, and unless you adore you will think some stuff is boring. I am a classics minor and i keep checking to see when he teaches so i can take the class with him. Brad as the TA is really cool and the prof is very understanding and informed. THE BEST!!!!
Most Helpful Review
Fall 2025 - I haven't even finished this class but want to give a heads up to everyone, since all the reviews are old. Dr. Ellis is awesome and does have an amazing British accent- HOWEVER- I was not prepared for how much reading this class takes. We read things such as The Odyssey and The Theogony, which were actually super interesting, but then he pulls out random 80-page texts that SUCK to read. Like overall easy just very very material heavy. Midterm also consisted of a lot of memorization of images. Lectures are recorded and attendance is not mandatory.
Fall 2025 - I haven't even finished this class but want to give a heads up to everyone, since all the reviews are old. Dr. Ellis is awesome and does have an amazing British accent- HOWEVER- I was not prepared for how much reading this class takes. We read things such as The Odyssey and The Theogony, which were actually super interesting, but then he pulls out random 80-page texts that SUCK to read. Like overall easy just very very material heavy. Midterm also consisted of a lot of memorization of images. Lectures are recorded and attendance is not mandatory.
Most Helpful Review
Medium-difficult course. Not an easy GE, but with a little bit of effort you can get an A. I got an A-, but that's because I got 80% on my first midterm for not listing enough details. So pay attention to details! Lots of memorization. Reading is not essential, but it will help you remember the essential information much more easily. Things are easier to remember when they're coupled with a story. You really do learn a lot from this class if you try. It is essential to attend lecture, because all of his tests are based on lecture. There are two 4-5 page papers, graded by your TA. Section attendance is 15% part of your grade, so I'd say having a good TA would help. Andy Kinzler's a nice guy. There are 2 midterms and one final. Tests consist of different types of short answer questions and one interpretive essay. Pay attention to the images. Sometimes he posts his PowerPoint slideshows before lecture, so you could print those out and bring them to lecture to take notes on. But that's a lot of ink, so I'd recommend bringing your laptop and viewing the slides from there. I have lecture voice recordings and notes that pertain to the midterm formats. I also have reading notes, study guides, and practice exams. Email me at ************* if you're interested.
Medium-difficult course. Not an easy GE, but with a little bit of effort you can get an A. I got an A-, but that's because I got 80% on my first midterm for not listing enough details. So pay attention to details! Lots of memorization. Reading is not essential, but it will help you remember the essential information much more easily. Things are easier to remember when they're coupled with a story. You really do learn a lot from this class if you try. It is essential to attend lecture, because all of his tests are based on lecture. There are two 4-5 page papers, graded by your TA. Section attendance is 15% part of your grade, so I'd say having a good TA would help. Andy Kinzler's a nice guy. There are 2 midterms and one final. Tests consist of different types of short answer questions and one interpretive essay. Pay attention to the images. Sometimes he posts his PowerPoint slideshows before lecture, so you could print those out and bring them to lecture to take notes on. But that's a lot of ink, so I'd recommend bringing your laptop and viewing the slides from there. I have lecture voice recordings and notes that pertain to the midterm formats. I also have reading notes, study guides, and practice exams. Email me at ************* if you're interested.
AD
1 of 3
