Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Arts
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Western civilisation evolved largely from the interplay between three 'classical' cultures - Greek, Roman and Semitic. The Department of Classics and Archaeology is unique in the Faculty in offering a wide range of study options on all three of these ancient Mediterranean and Western Asian cultures.
The Department's areas of study cover literature, art, archaeology, history, philosophy, mythology and religion. They do not presuppose language study or prior study at school. The Department also offers a number of languages - Latin, Ancient Greek, Classical Hebrew, Akkadian, Syriac, Aramaic - all available at beginners and more advanced levels.
Some students who have majored in the Department do obvious things: they become professional archaeologists - in museums, teaching, archaeological units, heritage parks, or working for either national or local government - or teachers of languages or civilisation courses. But most go on to seemingly unrelated careers - yet ones that build on the broad skills they have acquired with us. Such careers include business, industry and administration. This is due to the fact that graduates are literate, critically astute and adaptable, and in a changing world these are supremely marketable qualities.
The Department's offerings are listed in this Handbook under four headings: Ancient Greek, Archaeology, Classical Studies and Latin.
The Classical Studies program includes a wide variety of subjects in the literature, languages, history, art, archaeology, philosophy and mythology of Greco-Roman antiquity. It is possible to complete a three-year sequence in Classical Studies without language study. However Latin and Ancient Greek subjects are also available, on a single-semester and also a sustained basis, both for students with prior experience and for those wishing to begin language study at the University.
There are no specific prerequisites for entry to Classics subjects offered in the Department.
First Year: Students may undertake up to four semesters of Classical Studies subjects: students wishing to take a language may study 1 or 2 semesters of either Ancient Greek and/or Latin (at an appropriate level) and/or 1 or 2 semesters of non-language subjects.
The major in Classical Studies requires the completion of at least five subjects at second or third-year level, totalling 83.3 points, drawn from Classical Studies, Archaeology, Ancient Greek and Latin.
Students may take up to ten subjects over second and third year (16.7 points), but they are also free to enrol in individual subjects (16.7 points each). The Department recognises that the interdisciplinary character of its offerings typically makes other Departments' first or second-year subjects an appropriate preparation for its non-language subjects. Students who are concentrating on other disciplines often take one or two subjects with the Department, so it is the Department's policy to avoid narrow prerequisites, and to welcome into later-year subjects students who may not have studied with the Department previously but who have completed subjects in other Departments. If in doubt about the relevance of their preparation, students should consult the Department.
Students intending to do Honours should plan their course carefully in order to ensure that they meet subject prerequisites. Language study is required for the Honours degree in Classical Studies, and all the Department's languages are offered at beginners and more advanced levels. It is strongly recommended that those who intend to do Honours begin language study by second year, although committed students who have not begun language study until third year can qualify for Honours.
The prerequisite for entry to Combined Honours in Classical Studies is completion of all requirements for the BA, with five single-semester subjects in Classical Studies and Archaeology taken at second or third year level with an H2A result or better in at least one of these subjects and an overall average grade of H2B or better. Students must normally have completed at least two semesters (and preferably four or more) of either Latin or Ancient Greek in the course of the BA. A student, who, however, does not meet the language prerequisite, may combine Classical Studies with another Combined Honours School of the Faculty (but not with Archaeology). For those who do meet the language prerequisites, Combined Honours in Classical Studies may be taken in conjunction with any other Combined Honours School in the Faculty, as well as, of course, Archaeology. Combined Honours coursework is 33.3 points composed of any two of the following: Honours Seminar in Classics and Archaeology 1; Honours Seminar in Classics and Archaeology 2; Honours Latin A; Honours Latin B; Honours Ancient Greek A; Honours Ancient Greek B.
The prerequisite for entry to Pure Honours in Classical Studies is the same as for Combined Honours, except that students must have completed at least two semesters of either Ancient Greek or Latin in the course of the BA. Pure Honours coursework is 66.6 points composed of any four of the following: Honours Seminar in Classics and Archaeology 1; Honours Seminar in Classics and Archaeology 2; Honours Latin A; Honours Latin B; Honours Ancient Greek A; Honours Ancient Greek B.
A degree in Classical Studies can lead to further Post Graduate studies.
For Further Information, please contact:
The Department of Classics and Archaeology
The University of Melbourne
Telephone: (03) 9344 4066/5518
Classical Studies : Next:Communication Skills | Prev:Cinema Studies | Search | Help
Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Arts
Status: Official 1996 Date created: Oct 10 1995 Last modified: Oct 10 1995 Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Maintained by: Faculty of Arts
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.