Classical Studies & Classics (BA)
in
Note:
Did you know that enrolment in university-level Latin is up across the country, according to the Classical Association of Canada?
In Classical Studies, we explore the worlds of ancient Greece and Rome, and their enormous impact on the world as we know it today. Some might think that these languages and cultures are dead, but the Greeks and Romans were concerned with many issues that remain fascinating and important today - love, death, fate, the individual and society, religion, justice, law and so on. Their works form the basis for much of what we know and understand about the world around us today.
The program will introduce you to the richness of thought and expression of the cultures that have shaped the Western intellectual tradition. You'll study the religion, politics, mythology, art, literature, architecture and philosophy of Greek and Roman society.
Classical Studies is a truly interdisciplinary subject of great breadth. The program allows a broad range of choice of courses in Greek and Roman languages and literature, history, philosophy and art and architecture. Our courses will introduce you to and deepen your understanding of a range of analytical approaches, including literary, linguistic, historical, philosophical and aesthetic approaches to classical culture.
Majoring in Classical Studies is an excellent way to develop critical, analytical and logical reasoning skills. You'll learn how to make rational arguments and express them lucidly. You'll gain a thorough understanding of some of the greatest accomplishments in human thought and art.
Streams within the program include:
- Classics – This stream focuses on the ancient Greek and Latin languages.
- Classical Studies – This stream focuses more on the historical and social/cultural aspects and ancient Greece and Rome.
Our graduates are well prepared for a career in libraries, teaching, law, archaeology and museum work. Many students also go on to graduate studies.
What makes this program unique:
- You can join the Classical Studies Students Association – one of the most active associations in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies – to network, learn useful information about courses, professors, jobs, graduate school and all things classical. It has a student office in Vanier College, where you'll find the Judith Rosner-Siegel Reading Room, reserved for students in Classical Studies and Jewish Studies.
- Study alongside our notable faculty which includes Steven Mason, Canada Research Chair in Greco-Roman Cultural Interaction.
- Students in this program have been sent on archaeological digs for credit and have even become supervisors at some digs during the summer break.