Program description

The Department of Classics is devoted to the study of the ancient Mediterranean civilizations of Greece and Rome which stand at the beginning of the history and culture of the whole of Western civilization. A wide variety of subjects and methods of investigation come within the experience of students who pursue the study of the Classical world, including (among others) Ancient History, Archaeology, Art History, the Latin and ancient Greek languages, Linguistics, Modern Word Origins, Mythology, Literature and Drama, Religion, and the Origins of Western Thought. Students may study ancient Greek and Latin to a high level of fluency, but most courses in the Department do not require knowledge of these languages. 

Program options

Degree options

B.A. Bachelor of Arts (General) - 3 years
B.A. (Adv.) Bachelor of Arts (Advanced) - 4 years  

Note

Advanced Majors offered in Classical Studies, Greek and Latin.

Interesting courses and unique opportunities

Interesting courses

• Latin and Greek language courses are available at all levels from beginner to advanced
• Advanced-level Greek and Latin courses are conducted in small groups in which students receive personal attention
• 3000-level special topics courses are offered every year in areas of study that are likely to be of wide interest

Notes

Students are at times given the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations conducted by members of the Department, or in field-study courses.

Professional opportunities

• Archeology
• Museum and archival work
• Publishing
• Journalism and the media
• Library and information sciences
• Education

Notes

Students who Major in Classics have the flexibility and transferable research, writing and critical skills to take up careers in many different fields, either directly or after further study.

Admission requirements & prerequisites

Direct entry option

Direct entry is not an option for this program. Please review the Advanced entry option section for more information.

Advanced entry option

24 credit hours in U1 (or approved bachelors program)

This entry option is open to students who have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours of university level study. Specific program requirements will vary; details of these requirements are available on each program’s application page.

High school prerequisites

High school prerequisites: None

Many programs will require or recommend specific high school courses over and above their admission requirements. These high school prerequisites are not always required to enter the program, but they must be completed to enrol in certain university courses within it. If a student does not have a particular prerequisite when they enter the program, they may complete an equivalent upgrading course at university that will satisfy the prerequisite requirement.

More details on admission requirements, application dates and how to apply is available on the Faculty of Arts apply for admission page.

What is unique about this program at the U of M?

Despite the small size, the Department of Classics has a range of expertise and activity that is more characteristic of its larger counterparts. The Department has a Greek archaeologist and a Roman archaeologists among its members. Other members of the Department conduct research and publish substantially in Greek and Roman language and literature, history, religion, mythology, philosophy, as well as Greek manuscripts and papyri.

Important links

Faculty of Arts
Department of Classics 
Faculty of Graduate Studies