The Department of Classics
Queen's UniversityFAQs
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What is Classical Studies/Classics?
- It is the study of Greek and Roman Civilization understood through archaeology, history, literature, drama, mythology, philosophy, science and the ancient languages of Greek and Latin.
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What kind of degree can I get in Classics at Queen's?
- Undergraduate programs include a minor concentration (B.A.), a major (B.A.Hons.), or a medial concentration (B.A.Hons.). We also offer a graduate program in which you can obtain a Master's degree (M.A.). A doctoral studies program is being considered and may produce a Ph.D. program in the near future.
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How many credits do I need for my minor, major, medial?
- BA minor = 15.0 credits, 5.0 of these in Classics, and 2.0 of the 5.0 at the 200 level or above.
- BA major - 19 credits, 10.0 of these in Classics, and 3.0 of the 10.0 at the 200 level or above plus 4.0 at the 300 level or above.
- BA medial - 19 credits, 7.0 of which must be in Classics (7.0 in the other discipline of your choice), and 2.0 of the 7.0 in Classics must be at the 200 level or above plus 2.0 at the 300 level or above.
- *Please see information on degree types and combinations in the Arts and Science Calendar under Degree Programs at a Glance. You may also find information on cross-credits (courses in other departments that may be counted toward your concentration program) at the beginning of the Classics section of the Arts and Science calendar. For information concerning Letters of Permission (LOP's) please see an advisor in the Faculty of Arts and Science Student Services Division (LOP's review the possibility of a student taking courses at another (host) university for transfer of credit toward a degree at your home university), or visit an advisor in the IPO (International Programs Office).
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Must I take a "cluster" of courses or course combinations as requirements for my degree?
- No, the movement through and selection of courses for your Classics degree are dependent on a prerequisite system. As long as you have the correct prerequisite(s), are at the appropriate level (e.g. 2nd or 3rd year), and are a concentrator (doing a program in Classics) you will be permitted to take the courses you wish leading to degree completion. This means, though, that it is important that you do first year courses early in your program, and each level courses in their corresponding year - to take 3rd year courses requires that you have completed certain courses at the 1st or 2nd year level; specific courses cannot be done concurrently; and, lower year courses cannot always be done in your final years.
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What do I need to request a program/concentration in Classics?
- You simply need to be going into your second year (have completed 5 credits), and should access QCARD to request your concentration starting April 20th through May 8th. (See flyer with this handout and check the Registration website at http://www.queensu.ca/artsci.)
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Do I have to take Latin or Greek for my degree?
- No, you do not have to take the languages to obtain an undergraduate degree (BA/BAH). However, if you plan to do graduate work (MA/PhD) in Classics, then the languages are necessary. We suggest that you start at least one language early in your program so that you can fit in the required levels should you choose to go to graduate school.
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What do I need if I want to go on to do graduate work in Classics?
- Acceptance into Queen's Classics graduate program and many other Universities' Classics graduate schools, requires that you have an honours degree (BAH) in Classical Studies, have a minimum average of B+ (78%), and have completed three years of one, and two years of the other of the ancient languages (Greek and Latin).
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Can I go on an archaeological dig?
- Yes. The Department offers two of its own archaeological excavations, one in Jordan and one in Italy (CLST 408 and CLST 409 - Archaeological Fieldwork Practicum I and II), and other international opportunities are available (excavations, language schools, and studies in both Greece and Italy). You may find information on archaeological digs at our website (classics@queensu.ca) by checking CLST 408 and CLST 409, and other dig and study opportunities at our website in the section entitled Archaeological Fieldwork Opportunities Bulletins (AFOB). You should also check out information at the International Programs Office (IPO) located in Mac-Corry Hall, or by dropping by the department and speaking with our Undergraduate Chair or an Academic Advisor. (CLST 129 is recommended as the primary prerequisite for all archaeological excavations. Please see the specific prerequisites for CLST 408 and CLST 409 listed in the Arts and Science calendar.)
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What is an honours application?
- It is a form you must fill out at the end of your third year if you are enrolled in a BAH to check on your eligibility to enter the final year of your program. You can pick up the application in your home department (Classics = Room 505 Watson Hall). The departmental requirement is that a student normally have an average of at least 70 per cent in a minimum of 4.0 previous CLST, LATN or GREK credits at the 200 level or above, including all courses taken at the 300 level or above. Essentially we are checking to make sure that at a minimum you have 14 credits, an average of 70% , and that you are in a position to register in courses in the following year that will fulfill the requirements for your degree.
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Does Classics offer Spring or Summer courses?
- Yes, we normally offer 2 courses each intersession. This year we will offer CLST 207* (.5) The Ancient Near East (Spring term CDS online), and CLST 203* (.5) Myth and Religion (Spring term on-campus). Please look at the Continuing Distance Studies brochure available online now and the Arts and Science Continuing Distance Studies website for registration information (brochures also available at the academic advising session).
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What can I do with my Classics degree after graduation?
- Studying Classics can lead to a wider appreciation of human values and achievements, and a more objective understanding of ourselves and our times. It will hone your logical, intellectual, linguistic and writing skills which are so important to the business world where a Classics degree is weighed the same as other Humanities degrees (English, History, Sociology...). Your BA or BAH will count as the post-secondary education that most employment opportunities now require.
- Our undergraduates have gone on to a variety of occupations and been accepted in graduate programs nationally and internationally. You may choose to continue with your academic career in a number of the following programs or choose occupations in areas such as Museum Work, Publishing, Law, Library Information Sciences, Education, Art Conservation, Archaeology, MA Studies at RMC, Private School Latin Teachers, Civil Service, Policing Services, Ministerial Work, Administration and the Finance Sectors. Please chat with us anytime about some of our most recent graduate program acceptances or job placements.