Overview
Classics is unique among modern academic disciplines in the breadth of its approach to its subject — it is a field in which you must be simultaneously linguist, literary critic, anthropologist, sociologist, and historian of politics, religion and art.
At a Glance
Curriculum
Why study classics at Mount Allison?
Classics offers the unique opportunity to gain a new perspective on our language, literature, culture, and political structure by examining their roots in ancient Greece and Rome.
These classical civilizations provided the cultural foundations of the Western world, as well as the basis of many other elements of our modern life.
The history and literature of Greece and Rome can be approached either in the original languages or through courses using English translation.
Classical Studies is available as:
- BA major (60 credits)
- BA honours (72 credits)
- Minor in any degree (24 credits)
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Program highlights
J.E.A. Crake Foundation
The Classical Studies program benefits from the support of the J.E.A. Crake Foundation. The foundation funds a number of initiatives for the department, including:
- Crake Travelling Scholarship for Summer Study in Greece or Italy — awarded to a second or third-year student in Classics
- Annual Crake Lectures, bringing leading international scholars to Mount Allison
- A departmental reading room and audio visual resources
Archaeological Field School
The Classics department offers a summer learning program in Italy that gives you the opportunity to learn archeological techniques as part of a research team on a working excavation.
You will learn to assist in the excavation, collection, and recording of artifacts, as well as in the processing and study of the finds.
Classics offers the opportunity to study ancient cultures through courses in history, mythology, art, archaeology, language, and literature.
Introductory courses focus on:
- classical civilization
- mythology
- archaeology
Upper year studies specialize in topics like:
- Greek democracy
- Roman emperors
- health and medicine
- Greek and Roman drama, poetry, and art
You also have the opportunity to study classical languages — and even minor in: ancient Greek and Latin.
CLAS 1631 — Greece and Rome: the Foundations of Western Civilization
This course surveys the political and social history of ancient Greece and Rome with a focus on the themes of Law, Politics, War, and Society. It pays particular attention to Athens in the fifth and fourth centuries B.C.E. and to Rome under Caesar Augustus.
CLAS 1651 — Classical Mythology: Gods, Goddesses, and the Creation of Order
This course introduces the gods and goddesses of classical myth in the literature, art, and religion of ancient Greece and Rome. It examines cosmogonies and divine myths in order to shed light on the views held by the Greeks and Romans about the nature of the relationship between mortal and immortal.
CLAS 2411 — Hero's Quest: Greek and Roman Epic Poetry
This course presents the canonical works of the Greek and Roman Epic traditions: the Trojan war and the rage of Achilles, the wanderings of Odysseus, Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece, and Aeneas' search for a Roman homeland. Students read the original authors in English translation: Homer, Virgil, and Apollonius of Rhodes. The course also introduces key analytical skills necessary for research in the humanities, with a special focus on critical close reading, effective argumentation, and citation of primary sources.
CLAS 2521 — The Archaeology of Daily Life in the Greek and Roman World
An examination of the evidence used by archaeologists to recreate the social history of ancient Greece and Rome. The course will consider how archaeology can shed light on such topics as the lives of men, women, and children; the home; government; the economy; the army; and entertainment.
CLAS 3051 — Health and Medicine in the Ancient World
Employing both material and literary evidence, this course surveys the conditions of life and common ailments and treatments of the inhabitants of the Greek and Roman world from ca. 1000 B.C.E. to ca. 500 C.E.. It also examines the origins of Western medicine in Greek and Roman science, alongside its alternatives, such as magic.
CLAS 3211 — Greek and Roman Comedy
A study of Greek and Roman comic drama (in translation) as represented by the work of Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, and Terence.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Bruce Robertson
Professor, Classics
» Mount Allison partnering with US, German universities on Open Greek and Latin Project
What can I do with a classics degree?
Through experiential learning opportunities, faculty-supervised research, and close mentorship, students develop practical skills and critical thinking abilities valued by employers and graduate programs.
Recognized by Maclean's as Canada's top undergraduate university, Mount Allison's strong academic reputation helps graduates stand out as they pursue diverse career paths.
Many go on to top graduate and professional programs in archaeology, education, and law, while others move directly into careers in libraries, archives, and beyond.
Popular career paths for Classics Studies graduates include:
- heritage researcher/interpreter
- curator/museum education
- teacher
- librarian
- archivist
- cultural resource manager
- archaeologist
- tour organizer/guide
- conference/event planner
- tourism development officer
- exhibit designer/marketer
- conservation officer
- historic buildings inspector
What is it like to study at Mount Allison?
The Department of Classical Studies is a tight-knit community where you will have small class sizes and get to know your professor very well! The department also has many travel opportunities to conduct hands-on experience in the field.
I really appreciated the Classics department's expertise, kindness, and opportunities for student growth. I deeply valued the opportunities to travel and learn.
/current-students/department-classics
What are my admission requirements?
What other programs are related to classical studies?
Museum and Curatorial Studies
Museum and Curatorial Studies provides a wider understanding of the cultural production of museums and their communities.
Art History
Art History examines a broad range of visual, cultural, and critical studies providing valuable insight into history, philosophy, and the humanities in general.
History
History fosters knowledge and understanding of the institutions, ideas, groups, and individuals which have shaped the political, social, and cultural world of humankind.