Classical Studies (W62)

The worlds of ancient Greece and Rome were extraordinarily rich and diverse. This course explores the literature, language, art and archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean world. The topics you'll cover include the Homeric epics, Athenian tragedy and its reception in the modern world, Roman poetry and politics, and the archaeology of Pompeii and Roman Britain. You’ll develop your skills of writing essays and analysing ancient sources as diverse as poems, inscriptions, graffiti, coins, mosaics and paintings. You'll be introduced to the core principles of Latin and explore a range of Latin texts in translation from literary, cultural, and historical angles.

Key features of the course

• Explores themes such as Greek drama and Roman archaeology through primary sources and scholarly criticism

• Offers valuable perspectives on the origins and development of ancient Greek and Roman societies, and their cultural legacy

• Equips you with skills in reading and analysing Latin

• Builds a solid foundation for further study

Course Modules

This classical studies diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

In Stage 1, you'll encounter a variety of different times and places and engage with some fascinating people, places, art works, ideas and stories. This broad foundation allows you to gain skills that are common across arts and humanities subjects and to understand how Classical Studies fits in and interacts with the wider world, inside and outside of academic study. It will also help you to develop the confident, open, critical approach you need to tackle more specialist Classical Studies modules at Stage 2.

In Stage 2, you’ll deepen your understanding of the literature, history, art and material culture of the Greek and Roman worlds, and learn the essentials of Classical Latin while exploring Latin literature from the time of the emperor Augustus.