Classics, BA (Hons)

The Classics degree is language-focused, although how much language is studied and at what level depends upon you. The course is designed to be equally suitable for students who have A-levels (or equivalent) in Greek and/or Latin and for students with no experience in one or both languages. We offer modules in both Latin and Greek, in prose and verse, at every level, from complete beginner to very advanced, and you’ll be able to take modules which are appropriate to your level of language experience and (at Advanced and Higher levels) your particular interests in the subject.Year 1You’ll take two interdisciplinary modules that will give you grounding in the central periods of Greek and Roman culture:Introduction to the Greek WorldMonuments and Memory in the Age of Augustus.You’ll also take courses in Greek and/or Latin language, at the appropriate level.Other first-year optional modules have previously included:Lives of ObjectsEarly Greek PhilosophyThe Craft of the Ancient HistorianLanguage, Translation and Interpretation.Year 2You’ll take a module to 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 explore the ways in which the genre developed in Greek and Roman antiquity and beyond: Traditions of Epic.Study of Latin and/or Greek continues in the 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 DynastiesLiterary, 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 and Contemporary CulturesTheatre and Spectacle in Ancient RomeYear 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a Year Abroad)You’ll write a Dissertation on a topic chosen at the end of your second year in consultation with an adviser, with who you’ll meet regularly for guidance throughout Year 3. Your study of Latin and/or Greek will proceed to the next level, with the texts becoming more difficult or fragmentary. Most other modules in the third year cover specific topics that arise out of the research interests of the members of staff.Historical modules have previously included:Greeks and PersiansRoman SyriaWriting AlexanderThe Life and Times of CiceroUrbs Roma The Later Roman Empire.Literary, 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 PhilosophyStudy 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). Students interested in studying abroad apply to transfer to the European Studies course after their first year of study. 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.