Classics (BA)
Study the languages and cultures of ancient civilizations.
Why choose this program?
Join the camaraderie of Canada's second-largest Classics program. You’ll examine how the fundamental ideas, beliefs, and institutions were formed when Greek and Middle Eastern cultures met thousands of years ago. Modern languages are full of words deriving from Greek and Latin, and classical myths have inspired everything from Shakespearean drama to Disney films. Classics starts you on a journey of discovery that lasts a lifetime!
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.
Program options
Classics at Dalhousie offers the full range of electives and degree programs: minors, majors, and honours for Bachelor degrees. We have specialists in philosophy and religion, in languages and literature, and in history.
The following Classics program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Classics
Bachelor of Arts with Combined Honours in Classics
Bachelor of Arts with Major in Classics
Bachelor of Arts with Double Major in Classics
Several Classics Minors are available including Classical Literature and Ancient History.
What you will learn
Our courses examine the ancient and medieval Mediterranean world in all its complexity, from art and philosophy to the practical challenges of empire and religion.
There are many courses where you can read ancient texts in translation, but a strength of the program is our focus on reading in the original ancient tongues. Instead of reading a textbook about Greek history, you’ll read Herodotus or Thucydides together in the original Greek.
Sample courses may include:
Ancient Greece and Rome
Gods, Heroes, and Monsters: Ancient Mythology I
Intro Latin Part I
Beginnings of Wisdom: Science in the Pre-modern World
Greek Literature in Translation
Paganism
Ancient Art and Architecture from the Pyramids to the Agora
Fall of the Roman Republic
Plato
Jewish Philosophy: Maimonides
Sappho
Reading and Research in Latin Texts
Classics tells the story of the rise and fall of ancient Greek and Roman empires, and of what has indelibly lasted after their imperial military and political forces collapsed.
Careers
We teach critical thinking and train great communicators. From judges to journalists, our graduates are adaptable and have moved into many professions, proving that Classics is not only a great foundation for future academics, but also preparation for life.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in classics, philosophy, and history or professional studies such as law.
