Objectives
The course aims to: -develop and encourage students' interest in classical culture, with some or all of your key texts read in the original language; -provide 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; -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 is a programme based on the study of Greek and Latin language and literature in each of the three years of study. It is taken by students who begin the languages at University (programme 2) as well as those who already have them at A-level (programme 1). Where appropriate, the texts for literary and historical course units are studied in the original language. There is a wide range of styles of teaching, including lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and virtual seminars via the web. In particular, we encourage students to involve themselves under guidance in independent study and original research.
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 language, Greek literature, Latin language, Latin literature, and either Greek or Roman history. 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 continue to study courses in Latin and Greek language and literature. In addition, you can choose additional courses from Classics & Ancient History or the list of Classics-approved courses. You can also opt to study a free-choice course unit which can be chosen from a wide range of courses across the University.
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 complete your study of Latin and Greek language and literature. In addition, you take a course unit from within Classics & Ancient History (topics in the final year may include courses in Greek Tragedy; the World of Rome; Gods, Kings and Heroes: The Poetry of Ancient Greece; Wars, Empires and Diplomacy in Classical Greece) or from the list of Classics-approved courses. Finally, you will write a thesis on a subject of your choice - the thesis is your chance to carry out your own independent study of the classical past.
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.
