DEPARTMENT of HUMANITIES
Classics MINOR
Explore the connections between the ancient Mediterranean world and modern life. Learn about some of history’s greatest thinkers, storytellers and cultural influencers.
In a classics minor, you discover that the ancient world is far more relevant to the modern world than one might think. Reading works in the original Greek and Latin languages reveals ideas, texts and principles that are thousands of years old, but that provide a foundation for a number of contemporary fields including business, history, philosophy, social sciences, law, medicine and romance languages. You don’t just access one of the oldest literary traditions in human history; you also see how life was lived in the ancient Mediterranean world.
Many classics students go on to take advanced degrees in business, law and medicine. Others find classics an end in itself, pursuing specialized work in the field as teachers, researchers, field archaeologists, librarians or curators. It is a discipline that offers enrichment and enjoyment long after your degree is completed.
What to expect
In your first year of study, you focus on ancient Greece and Rome. You learn where information about ancient cultures comes from and how classic scholars use it. Courses at the 200 level build on foundational knowledge, but still aim for a broad, sweeping and inclusive picture of the ancient Mediterranean world, informed by a deeper engagement with ancient texts, material evidence and modern scholarship.
By your third year, a concentration on specific topics invites you to engage in a closer examination of ancient evidence and the most recent research. You participate in research projects that focus on the interests you’ve developed in previous years. By the end of your studies, you have a broad understanding of the history and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world and the ability to concentrate your analytical skills on specific problems. You can collect research materials, analyze them and present your findings in articulate and persuasive prose. Most importantly, you demonstrate that you have acquired transferable skills in analysis and communication, along with the capacity to think about contemporary problems with a deepened understanding and enhanced perspective.
Program of Study
This minor is open to students in the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science. Courses for your minor are only one component of the degree requirements you need to graduate. To see all courses required for the minor, check the program of study in the academic calendar.
Requirements can change from year to year. You will follow the program of study outlined in MacEwan University's Academic Calendar for the year you declare your major/minor or the year you are accepted into an Honours program.
Study of the Latin language is an important part of classics and provides a foundation for the study of ancient Roman civilization. Before you enrol in a Latin course, please consult course placement guidelines.
Academic advisors in the Faculty of Arts and Science have prepared resources to help you understand how your major/minor fits within overall degree coursework. Consult the academic planning information to choose and enrol in courses and complete the major/minor declaration process.