Classical Civilisation, BA (Hons)

The Classical Civilisation degree offers a broad and varied exploration of the society and culture of Greece and Rome, and their importance for us today, as well as an opportunity to focus on particular areas which might interest you. The course includes the option of beginning to learn Greek or Latin language (or continuing, if you have studied the languages already).Year 1You’ll take two interdisciplinary modules that serve to give you grounding in the central periods of Greek and Roman culture:Introduction to the Greek WorldMonuments and Memory in the Age of AugustusYou’ll also take one module that introduces you to ancient philosophy. In previous years, this module has been offered: Early Greek Philosophy.You’ll also take a module that introduces you to the cultural, anthropological and literary implications of translation:Language, Translation and Interpretation.Other first-year optional modules have previously included:Beginners’ Latin and GreekIntermediate Latin and Greek (if you have an A level or equivalent)Lives of ObjectsThe Craft of the Ancient Historian.Year 2You’ll take a module in which you study representative examples of Greek and Roman epic; you’ll be introduced to a wide range of approaches to the study of epic including its role as a device for memorialisation and you’ll also explore the ways in which the genre developed in Greek and Roman antiquity and beyond:Traditions of Epic.If you choose to study Latin or Greek you may continue these courses in your second year. It’s also possible to begin the study of Latin or Greek in your second year.Many of the other modules in the second year are broad surveys, for example of a historical period or a literary genre.Historical offerings have previously included:The Hellenistic WorldCrisis of The Roman RepublicEmperors and Dynasties.Literary, philosophical and cultural topics have previously included:Greek Literature and The Near EastInterpreting Greek Tragedy TodayCreation and CosmologyAncient Political Thought and ActionStoicismDialogues with AntiquityClassical Receptions & Contemporary CulturesTheatre and Spectacle in Ancient Rome*Year 3 (Year 4 if taking a Year Abroad) *You’ll write a Dissertation on a topic at the end of your second year in consultation with an adviser, with who you will meet regularly for guidance throughout Year 3. Most other modules in the third year cover specific topics that arise out of the research interests of our members of staff.Historical modules have previously included:Greeks and PersiansRoman SyriaWriting AlexanderThe Life and Times of CiceroUrbs RomaThe Later Roman EmpireLiterary, philosophical and cultural topics have previously included:The Literature and Language of Ancient BabylonComedy and Tragedy, Laughter and SorrowHellenistic Poetry: Theory and PracticeRoman Law and Latin LiteratureLove and Sex in Ancient PoetryTechnologies of Knowledge in AntiquityKnowledge and Doubt in Hellenistic PhilosophyFor this course, the study of ancient languages is not required, though it is permitted as an option.Study AbroadThis course includes an optional European Studies element, where you may spend the third year of a four-year course studying at a European university (for further details please see our website). We also participate in the University-wide overseas exchange programme, which offers the opportunity to spend your second year studying at one of our partner universities in North America or Australasia.We review course structures and core content every year and will publish finalised core requirements for 2023 entry from September 2022. Please note the list of optional modules available in any year vary depending on available teaching staff. The lists above provide an example of the type of modules which may be offered. For more information on this course, please see our website.