CLASSICS DEGREES
Honours in Classical Studies consists of 60 credits and a requirement of at least 70% in Classical Studies courses; a minimum of 24 credits in Latin and Greek; a minimum of two third-year courses; an Honours thesis (6 credits- CLA 400a and 401b).
Major in Classical Studies consists of 42 credits; 24 credits are required for a minor. Majors must take a minimum of two third year courses.
Minor in Classical Languages consists of 24 credits in at least two of Hebrew, Greek or Latin, with at least 12 credits in one classical language.
Minor in Classical Art and Archaeology consists of 24 credits: CLA 120 and 240; CLA 110, 205, 206, 207, 208; CLA 365 or 366.
For complete details, view the Classical Studies section of the academic calendar.
ART AND ARCHITECTURE
The Art and Architecture classes in the Bishop's University Classics Department offer a wide array of opportunities to study the various periods and types of art in the Ancient Mediterranean. A dynamic overview of techniques, themes and styles, the classes cater to varying degrees of student interest. History, religion and politics are explored through the study of art and architecture.
GREEK ART AND ARCHITECTURE
A most exciting and interesting course, Greek Art and Architecture begins with Minoan, Mycenaean and Cycladic art and moves right on through to the Hellenistic movement. Covering art, architecture, sculpture, jewelry and painting, the course offers insight to both the beginner and the experienced scholar. An important overview of both popular and lesser-known works, the class offers an unbeatable introduction to Greek art, culture and religion.
ROMAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE I & II
This enormously popular class runs for two semesters and covers Roman art from its early Etruscan roots to the Late Empire. Not restricted to the confines of the city of Rome, the course covers the far-flung reaches of the ancient Empire at its peak. Hundreds of slides accompany the study and create a clear picture for the students, even those who have never seen it firsthand. A dynamic combination of history, politics, religion and art brings a valuable understanding of the Roman world.
EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE ART
This class is full of rich, beautiful images from the late Roman and Byzantine Empires. Focusing almost entirely on sacred art and architecture, especially cathedral and basilica form and decoration, the wide array of slides and in-depth discussions provide lasting insight into the world of the early Christians. Valuable for both its artistic and religious lessons, this course is one that cannot be beat! The Art and Architecture courses are popular throughout many departments and usually draw a great number of students from all over campus. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn about the treasures of ancient civilization from professors who have witnessed the splendour firsthand.
ARCHAEOLOGY
TOPICS IN CLASSICAL ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY
This course is a specialized seminar class, which may be taken more than once, as topics change each year. Topics per semester may include Roman Provincial Art and Archaeology, The Aegean Bronze Age, Greek Vase Painting, Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Art, and the Archaeology of Periclean Athens. Students are expected to present two to three seminar presentations on a topic of their choice. As the class is generally very small, students have the opportunity to participate fully in class discussions and interact with the professor and fellow students. Welcome to the wonderful world of Bishop's University Archaeology. The Classical Studies Department offers a variety of archaeology classes that supply students with background in archaeology's history, basic archaeological techniques, practical theory and hands on methodology. Archaeology classes are great favourites for Classics Majors, Minors, and enthusiasts.
INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
A survey course in the history of classical archaeology, the class guides students through the work of antiquarians through to modern-day archaeologists. Special emphasis is placed on the exploration of present day archaeological sites and the students' interpretations of the finds and methods of the sites. Students also have the opportunity to use computer simulation programs to implement their acquired knowledge.
SIGNS OF THE PAST: ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATIONS
Emphasis in this class is placed on the techniques and methodology of archaeology, including stratigraphy, air photography, surveying and dating methods. The class concludes with a final project in which students organise and administer a theoretical dig. Labs are included in the course and include hands-on dendrochronology, pottery reconstruction, artifact recovery and site planning and mapping. Topics for discussion include the preservation of sites, ethical questions and problems related to archaeological sites.
TOPICS IN CLASSICAL ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY
This course is a specialized seminar class, which may be taken more than once, as topics change each year. Topics per semester may include Roman Provincial Art and Archaeology, The Aegean Bronze Age, Greek Vase Painting, Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Art, and the Archaeology of Periclean Athens. Students are expected to present two to three seminar presentations on a topic of their choice. As the class is generally very small, students have the opportunity to participate fully in class discussions and interact with the professor and fellow students.
HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Bishop's University Classical Studies Department offers a variety of courses in the culture and history of both Greece and Rome. Anyone with an interest in Greek or Roman culture is advised to enrol in CLA 105, an Introduction to Greek and Roman Civilization. This course offers a survey of the history, literature, art and architecture of the Classical World.
For a more refined area of study, CLA 128, The City in the Ancient World, offers a study of the dynamics of the ancient city, concentrating on town planning and urban architecture.
Also available are two pairs of history courses that focus directly on Greek or Roman history. The Greek history series takes the student through the early history of Greece up until Alexander the Great. The Roman counterpart explores the rise and fall of the Republic and the Empire periods of this great civilization.
Sex and Gender in the Ancient World offers insight into the relationship between men and women in ancient times from early history until the rise of Christianity. For upper-year students, a 300 level seminar course, The Goddess: History, Myth and Cult is available.
LANGUAGES, LITERATURE AND MYTHOLOGY
Greek and Latin
The study of the ancient languages of the classical world provides profound first-hand knowledge from contemporary authors. The first year courses in Greek and Latin are designed for students without any knowledge of the languages, and by means of ancient authors, students learn the grammar and usage of the language. The level of knowledge increases with each course as the grammatical and literary base is expanded. Upper level courses which include direct translations of the original works from ancient authors such as Caesar, Virgil and Homer will be offered dependent on the need and interest of students. These language courses are beneficial to any degree in Classical Studies or Classical Languages, as well as for learning the basis for the modern Romantic and Greek languages.
Classical Hebrew
Courses in Classical Hebrew are religion courses that are counted towards a minor in Classical Languages, and supplement Greek and Latin in providing an overview of the literature of the ancient world. Taught by members of the Religion department, Classical Hebrew provides a fascinating look at the writing of the early Christians which differs entirely from modern languages. Students with an aptitude for languages will enjoy learning the art of reading from right to left and translating passages from the Old Testament of the Bible.
Classical Mythology I and II
One of the most well known aspects of the Classical world, mythology has been the interest of many for countless years. By studying the Greek and Roman sources of Homer, Euripides, Ovid, et al. in translation, students will be immersed in the traditions of the mythological worlds of Greece and Rome. The myths of the great heroes, i.e. Odysseus and Heracles, as well as the hierarchy of Greek and Roman gods, are discussed by means of these literary sources. The Classical Mythology I and II courses are designed for and available to anyone with an interest in mythology, both Classics majors and students from other disciplines.
Greek Tragedy I and II
Similar to the mythology courses, the Greek tragedy courses study the literary sources of ancient Greek in translation. Focussing on the three greatest Greek tragedians, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, students will read a wide variety of plays in the ancient tradition. The classics covered include the famous Oedipus Tyrannos (or Oedipus Rex) of Sophocles and the Oresteian trilogy of Aeschylus. The development of the Greek theatre, myth and culture will also be discussed. Interesting students from both the Classics and Drama departments, the classes encourage student interpretations of these great masterpieces.
Other Courses in Literature and Mythology
From time to time, the Bishop's University Classical Studies Department also offers third year courses in Greek and Roman Drama and Epic Poetry. Though offered intermittently, these courses are very popular with Classics students and focus on specific works and their relationships within the vast sources of classical literature. Each course is unique and students will enjoy lectures and projects individual to the subject matter. Often designed as seminar courses, the classes are limited in number and encourage independent thinking and participation by students.
