Objectives
The course aims to: -examine important aspects of Greek and Roman political, social and intellectual history; develop and encourage students' interest in the literature, history and culture of the classical world, by providing a broadly based and challenging curriculum including course-units that are innovative and stimulating, informed by the research expertise of the teaching staff, and examined by a range of methods of assessment; -train students in the methods, techniques and approaches necessary for the critical study of Greek and Roman literature, history and culture, based on extensive reading of classical texts; also in the methods and techniques of historical analysis, based on the direct study of primary evidence and taking account of modern approaches and debates; -train students in help students to work independently and to organise effectively their own schedules of personal study; produce graduates with the transferable cognitive skills necessary to equip them for employment, postgraduate study, or further training; -make available progressive language courses in Latin and/or Greek, starting from elementary, intermediate or advanced level, consolidating any existing knowledge of the language(s) and developing particularly reading knowledge but also some active competence and other language-based and language-related skills. Although language study is not required, all students are encouraged to take a language option, and if successful to continue language study throughout the programme, and thus to follow a `language pathway'.
Course description
Course description
Classics and Ancient History offers the chance to combine the study of Greek and Latin language, literature and culture with the examination of important aspects of Greek and Roman political, social and intellectual history. All students take either Greek or Latin language for three years, and may begin this at University. Students can also take related specialist courses from a range including religion, philosophy, art, archaeology, and modern history. There is a wide range of styles of teaching, including lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and virtual seminars via the web.
Course content for year 1
Please note that reference to modules is intended to be a guide only - course content or availability may change slightly as we aim to improve and update our courses yearly.
In your first year you will study five core units covering Greek literature, Latin literature, Greek history, Roman history and either Greek or Latin language. In addition you will study a further course unit from Classics & Ancient History or from the list of Classics-approved courses in other disciplines such as:
Archaeology eg Roman Britain, Aspects of Neolithic & Bronze Age in Atlantic Europe;
History of Art eg The Human Figure & Western Art, Greek/Roman Art & Architecture;
Middle Eastern Studies eg Aramaic/Syriac Language, The Middle East before Islam);
Philosophy eg Ancient Philosophy,Plato;
Religions & Theology eg The Rise of Christianity, The World of the Ancient Israelites
Course content for year 2
Please note that reference to modules is intended to be a guide only - course content or availability may change slightly as we aim to improve and update our courses yearly.
In the second year you will take further courses in Greek history, Roman history and either Greek or Latin literature. You will also continue with Greek or Latin language at a more advanced level (depending on which language you studied in the first year). In addition you will choose two additional courses from Classics & Ancient History or the list of Classics-approved courses.
Course content for year 3
Please note that reference to modules is intended to be a guide only - course content or availability may change slightly as we aim to improve and update our courses yearly.
In your final year you will study a literature course unit (Greek or Latin), an ancient history course (from Greek and Roman history courses available: subjects offered recently include Greek Diplomacy, Greek Democracy, Greek and Roman Slavery, Hellenisation and Roman Social History) and a final language course at a more advanced level (depending on which language you have studied for the first two years). You will also write a 10-12,000 word thesis on a classical or historical subject of your choice - the thesis is your chance to carry out your own independent study of the ancient world. Finally, you will study a further course unit from Classics & Ancient History or the list of Classics-approved courses.
Career opportunities
A classical degree opens many doors and is highly prized by employers. We see our graduates take up jobs in museum or gallery management, publishing, the media, the Civil Service, industry, banking, accountancy, retail management and law, as well as teaching.
