Classical Civilization

Degree: Honours Bachelor of Arts
Program Options: Major, Minor

Classical Civilization or Classics is the study of the cultures of the Ancient Mediterranean, and in particular the cultures of the Greek and Roman worlds. The study of literatures, classical languages, art, philosophy, political thought, and history, as well as its receptions in later periods, offers an ideal insight into the development of many societies of the modern world, providing an indispensable access to many Humanities subjects.

Beyond being a corner stone for the Humanities, the ancient Mediterranean world can in itself offer students the opportunity for a deep engagement with cross-cultural exchange, social structures, global markets and geopolitics in a well-attested, ancient world. Doing Classics in the Department of Historical Studies means studying fascinating material in its historical contexts, and asking broader social and political questions that can give an insight into the challenges of our current society. Additionally, it provides training in core skills, such as close reading, analytical thinking, and the formulation of strong arguments. All of this makes learning about the ancient world not only fun, but also offers a crucial foundation for the study of any other subject, and for any professional career.

The program provides a broad survey of Greek and Roman culture not only for students with a commitment to intensive study in this area but also for students in other programs seeking a further grounding for their particular interests (whether literary, historical, philosophical, or linguistic).

Visit our Programs page for more information on Historical Studies undergraduate programs at the University of Toronto Mississauga.

Program Learning Outcomes

Identify significant historical events and periods, cultural developments, literary genres, and material culture from the Greek and Roman worlds;
Recognize the diversity and breadth of evidence from the Classical world;
Distinguish interdisciplinary methodologies in approaching Classical and Mediterranean area studies;
Distinguish how historical authority is constructed, preserved, and interpreted;
Have the opportunity to examine the ancient languages of the Greek and Roman worlds;
Classify and interpret primary and secondary sources on the Mediterranean world;
Apply fundamental and innovative approaches to analyze evidence in a variety of forms (textual, numerical/quantitative, and material);
Engage with material from the ancient Mediterranean world – verbally and in writing – in collaborative environments to frame arguments and confront new issues;
Create coherent, persuasive arguments in writing to support their findings and analyses;
Demonstrate the ability to participate in current issues in Classical studies through collaborations with peers;
Apply and connect different scales of analysis in confronting evidence from the Classical and ancient Mediterranean world;
Cultivate empathy and tolerance in interacting with ancient Mediterranean and contemporary questions through a capstone experiential learning project;
Communicate the value of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds to wider audiences.

Career Information

The skills and experience you acquire while studying a Historical Studies program at UTM will be benefit in any career you might enter. Graduates of a Historical Studies program bring a unique set of valuable skills to many diverse career areas. Visit the Careers page for more information on career areas for graduates of our Classical Civilizations program.