The Department of Classics

Queen's offers a four-year BAHons. degree and a three-year BA degree. Within these degrees, the Classics Department offers three different undergraduate programs: Classical Studies, Greek, and Latin. Within these programs we offer three types of concentration plans: Major, Medial and Minor. We also offer a graduate program in which you can obtain a Master's degree (M.A.) in Classics.

How many units do I need for my Major, Medial, Minor in Classics?

BA major - 114 units, 60 units of these in Classics, and 18 units of the 60 units at the 200 level or above plus 24 units at the 300 level or above.

BA medial - 114 units, 42 units of which must be in Classics. 12 units of the 42 units in Classics must be at the 200 level or above, and 12 units at the 300 level or above.

BA minor = 90 Units, 30 units of these in Classics, and 12 units of the 30 units at the 200 level or above.

For requirements on concentrations in Greek and Latin, see the Classics Degree Programs page.

For information on degree types and combinations, see the Arts and Science Calendar under Degree Programs.

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 valued 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.

Can I combine a Classical Studies (CLST) plan with a Latin (LATN) or Greek (GREK) plan?

Absolutely, and in fact, depending on how far along you are in your Classics plan, you may already be well on your way to meeting the requirements of a Classics Major and Greek/Latin Minor or vice versa. Given the necessity of meeting all plan requirements it is highly recommended that you review your plan with an Academic Advisor or our Undergraduate Chair.

What are CLST_Subs (Classical Studies Substitutions)?

CLST_Subs are "Classical Studies Substitutions." These are courses that can be taken from other departments which can count towards the requirements of a CLST Plan. Be aware that each department sets the priorities for its own courses and Classics concentrators will not have any priority access. Check the Substitutions and Cross-Credits page for the most current list of CLST_Subs.

How do I obtain a Letter of Permission?,

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).

What advice can you give me for planning my courses for my degree in Classical Studies, Greek or Latin?

The movement through and selection of courses for your Classics degree are dependent on a prerequisite system. You can enroll in a course if the course is not full and if you have the correct prerequisite(s), which may include specific courses taken, a specific grade in previous courses, and a required Arts and Science year level. Prerequisites for a course cannot be taken concurrently with that course.

Not all Classics courses are offered every year.

It is best to take first year courses early in your program.

As long as you meet the prerequisites, it is possible to take upper year courses in your second year.

If I do not have the prerequisites for a course and I believe I have a good reason to have the prerequisites waived, who should I contact?

The instructor of the course is the only one available to waive prerequisites.

How do I request a program/concentration in Classics?

Arts and Science sets specific dates in May during which second year students (Level 2 students) can apply for entry into a plan and during which upper year students can apply to change plans. For automatic acceptance into one of our Classics plans, you need to have completed at least 24.0 units at Queen’s, and have met the GPA thresholds listed below.

For admission to a four-year Classical Studies Plan (i.e. CLST Major, Minor (Arts), Medial, and Specialization):
A minimum cumulative GPA of 1.9

For admission to a three-year Classical Studies degree (i.e. CLST General (Arts)):
A minimum cumulative GPA of 0.7

For admission to all Greek Plans (i.e. GREK Major, Minor, General (Arts), and Medial)
A minimum cumulative GPA of 1.9

For admission to all Latin Plans (i.e. LATN Major, Minor, General (Arts), and Medial)
A minimum cumulative GPA of 1.9

Do I have to take Latin or Greek for my degree?

No, you do not have to study the ancient languages to obtain an undergraduate degree (BA/BAH) in Classics. 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 undergraduate program so that you can fit in more advanced levels should you decide to go to graduate school.

What are the academic requirements 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, a minimum average of B+ (78%/3.30 GPA), and three years of one, and two years of the other of the ancient languages (Greek and Latin).

Can I go on an archaeological dig?

Yes. Please see the International Opportunities page for more information.

Does Classics offer Spring or Summer courses?

Yes, we normally offer 1 if not 2 courses each intersession. Please look at the Continuing Distance Studies website for available courses and registration information.

The Bader International Study Centre at Herstmonceux Castle also offers a field school in British Archaeology (CLST 206) during the summer term which can count as 6.0 units towards a Classics plan.

Classics courses are sometimes offered through the Queen's-Blyth study-abroad programs. Please check their website for current offerings.

Must I register for courses during my assigned appointment time in July?

Yes. Classics courses are in high demand and fill up quickly. Enrollment restrictions prioritize pre-determined numbers of both Classics concentrators and non-concentrators during the assigned appointment times in mid-July. All enrollment restrictions are dropped during the Open Enrollment Periods in late July to early August, and September. Please check the Registrar's website for exact dates.

The course I wish to take is full. Is there a waiting list?

No. Neither the department nor the instructor maintains a waiting list. Students wishing to get into a full course should monitor the course's availability on SOLUS. Free spaces will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

I have other questions that are not answered here. Who should I contact?

If none of the above FAQ's address your question, feel free to contact us at classics.undergrad@queensu.ca. Be sure to include your full name and student number in your email.

Kingston, Ontario, Canada. K7L 3N6. 613.533.2000

Queen's University - Utility Bar

The Department of Classics

FAQs