Classics (BA)
Explore the languages, literature, art, and philosophies of ancient Greece and Rome while building skills in research, oral and written communication, and critical thinking.
Why choose this program?
Discover the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome through literature, history, mythology, philosophy, art, and language. You'll explore the ideas and stories that have shaped many cultures for thousands of years while developing skills that apply to a wide range of career paths.
Classics is the study of the ancient Mediterranean world and its lasting influence on modern society. As a student in Classics, you’ll study ancient texts, languages, mythology, history, religion, philosophy, and art while learning how to interpret evidence and apply different perspectives.
Through courses in Greek and Roman culture, you'll examine questions about power, politics, identity, ethics, storytelling, and human experience. You'll develop widely applicable skills in research, writing, analysis, and communication—skills that employers and professional programs value.
Whether you are interested in history, archaeology, law, education, literature, and museums, or simply in how the past shapes the present, Classics provides a strong foundation for further study and a wide range of career paths.
"Classics gives you wings.” – Angus Wilson, Class of '22
Careers
Classics graduates develop research, writing, communication, and analytical skills that prepare them for careers in education, museums, government, law, publishing, and many other fields.
A Classics degree builds skills that are useful wherever people need to understand information, communicate ideas, and analyze complex topics. Graduates pursue careers in education, cultural organizations, public service, publishing, communications, and research.
The program also provides excellent preparation for graduate studies and professional programs, from Classics, History, and Philosophy to law, education, and museum studies.
What you will learn
Study the languages, literature, history, mythology, art, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. You'll develop skills in interpreting texts, analyzing evidence, conducting research, and communicating ideas clearly.
Sample courses
Classical Mythology
Introductory Latin
Ancient Greece and Rome
Roman Legions and the Barbarians
Introductory Greek\Roots of Greek Civilization
Intermediate Latin
Aristotle
Love and Empire in Roman Literature
Ancient Greek Epic in Translation
Intermediate Greek
Dialogues of Plato
Boethius
Advanced Greek
Advanced Latin
Classics students gain hands-on experience working with ancient texts, languages, historical evidence, and cultural materials.
Students can explore specialized topics through upper-year courses, participate in department activities and research opportunities, and pursue language study in Greek and Latin.
Get paid work experience
Dal Arts students can apply for the FASS Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Pilot Program, which offers a one-semester paid work term where you put what you learn in the classroom into practice, build career-ready skills, and gain experience in the workplace.
Learn beyond the classroom
Arts students can take their learning beyond the classroom through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences’ experiential learning program.
Participate in internships, community-based projects, research opportunities and career-focused experiences that help you apply what you learn, explore your interests and prepare for your future.
Customize your degree
Shape your Classics degree around your interests through a major, double major, combined honours, or minor. You can combine Classics with other areas of study across Arts and Social Sciences, connecting the ancient world with subjects such as History, Philosophy, English, Political Science, Archaeology, and Religious Studies.
Explore areas such as ancient languages, literature, history, philosophy, mythology, and classical civilizations while building research, communication, and critical-thinking skills that prepare you for further study and a wide range of careers.
BA Major
BA Double Major
BA Honours
BA Combined Honours
Minor options (see below)
Classics
Ancient History
Classical Literature
Ancient Philosophy
Medieval Philosophy
Ancient History
Classical Literature
Ancient Philosophy
Medieval Philosophy
Greek Language
Latin Language
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many ý programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
