Overview
Its study develops a basic understanding of the language of classical Athens through courses in grammar and vocabulary of ancient Greek, and readings in Greek literature, prose, and poetry.
Only available as a minor.
At a Glance
Curriculum
At Mount Allison, both Greek and Latin are introduced to students studying classics, offering a unique opportunity to study ancient texts in their original language.
While the study of classics can be approached either in the original languages or through courses using English translation, those deeply interested in the subject should bear in mind the importance of the languages themselves, and the benefits of a direct experience of the ancients through study of Greek and Latin.
Greek courses include:
- introductory and intermediate grammar and vocabulary of ancient Greek*
- readings in Greek literature, prose, and poetry
*No previous knowledge of Greek is required
Greek is available as a minor only.
Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?
Related programs
GREK 1001 — Introductory Ancient Greek I
This course introduces the grammar and vocabulary of ancient Greek for students with no previous knowledge of the language. Through grammatical exercises, composition, and the reading of prescribed texts, it develops a basic understanding of the language of classical Athens. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Tutorial 1 Hour)
GREK 2001 — Intermediate Greek
This course introduces students to the reading of unadapted passages from ancient authors. While the emphasis is on developing a fluency in reading Greek, it also reviews basic Greek grammar and presents some more advanced grammar and syntax.
GREK 2101 — Introductory Readings in Greek Literature
A reading of selected works by Greek authors. This course will acquaint the student with some of the forms of ancient prose and poetry.
GREK 3001 — Readings in Greek Prose
The translation and study of the work of one or more Greek prose authors.
GREK 4950 — Independent Study in Greek
This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study.
Find a full list of courses in our Academic Calendar — Classics.
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Chris Forstall
Associate professor, Classics
Careers
Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.
Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.
With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.
Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.
Popular career paths for Greek graduates include:
- archivist
- foreign affairs specialist
- communications professional
- health and social policy researcher
- immigration officer
- public policy analyst
- historian
- research assistant
- intelligence officer
- cultural resource manager
Testimonials
Learning to read ancient Greek is an experience like no other. One of the best ways to understand ancient cultures is by reading the exact words that they wrote, as there are certain nuances in the language that can be lost when reading an English translation. As well, I found that ancient Greek gave me a slight advantage when studying biology, since there are many scientific terms that come from ancient Greek roots.
If you love studying languages, Latin and Greek are some of the best ones. I revel in the ability to pick up an amazing story in its original language and be able to make sense of it all.
Extras
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.
/current-students/department-classics
Admission Requirements
Academic Awards
Mount A is #2 in student awards
Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.