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Classics Program

 

What is Classics?

 

Classics is the study of the civilisation of ancient Greece and Rome. At the ANU it is offered in three streams, the two languages, Ancient Greek and Latin, and a non-language stream, Classics. While there is no language requirement for the last, there is the option of including some language courses in the major. Relevant courses in the History, Archaeology and Art History Programs are normally included in this major, for which a recommended first-year sequence might be HIST1019 Rome: Republic to Empire followed by ANCH1013 5th Century Athens.

Ancient Greek and Latin are introduced in a semester course CLAS1001 (or CLAS2001) Traditional Grammar, after which students may proceed in either or both languages or other Classics courses. Those with previous study in either language may enter courses at a more advanced level.

The three streams are available to students for degrees and diplomas through to PhD level.

The Classics staff and Classics Students’ Centre are located on the ground floor of the A.D. Hope Building. Contact: Classics@anu.edu.au

Classics is multi-disciplinary, providing a perspective on the modern as well as the ancient world. It offers critical and analytical approaches to literature, history, language and material culture. Source analysis, research and documentation, oral and writing skills are developed in a context which includes working in small groups.

Classics graduates are employed in a great variety of areas, for example as university teachers and administrators, theatre producers, museum curators, company secretaries, teachers, members of the clergy, journalists, and human rights advocates. Others come to Classics later because of a long-standing interest in the ancient world.