Classics and Ancient History
Department of Classics and Ancient History
General Office:
Carleton Hall, Room 209
Mailing Address:
Department of Classics & Ancient History
University of New Brunswick,
P.O. Box 4400, Fredericton N.B.,
Canada, E3B 5A3
Phone:
(506) 453-4673
Fax:
(506) 447-3072
Email:
classics@unb.ca
Website:
http://www.unbf.ca/arts/CLAS
Faculty
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Kerr, William G., BA (Tor), BA (Oxon), MA, PhD (Prin), Assoc Prof - 1987
Murray, James S., BA, MA (UNB), PhD (Pitt.), Prof & Dean - 1984
Papaioannou, Maria, BA (Thessalonike), MA, PhD (UBC), Assoc - 2005
General Information
The Department of Classics and Ancient History offers courses in three disciplines: Latin [LAT],
Greek [GRK] and Classics [CLAS]. The designation LAT orGRK indicates a course in which
students are taught [in English] how to read and write Classical Latin or Ancient Greek. The
designation CLAS indicates a course in which students are introduced to the social, political and
cultural life of the Greeks and/or Romans through reading the ancient, medieval and modern
authors in English translation. Certain Classics courses also have the cross-listing CLAS/ ARCH,
marking those courses thought not only those courses - as integral parts of UNB's Archaeology
program. In addition to courses in ancient civilization (and as an extension of the classical
tradition) the department also offers courses in Byzantine studies [CLAS] and in Modern Greek
studies [GRKM, CLAS]. The designation GRKM indicates a course in which students are taught
(in English) how to read, write and speak the language of modern day Greece. The Department
also offers students, in cooperation with other departments at UNB, the opportunity to take
courses with UNB professors in the Mediterranean, either as part of UNB’s Intersession
program of overseas study or by spending an academic term in Athens (details below).
Courses in Latin or Greek
Students without previous experience in classical languages are encouraged to begin the study
of Latin with LAT 1103 and of Greek with GRK 1203 . These courses assume no knowledge of
the language and are taught in English. Introductory language courses are designated 1000 or
2000-level, intermediate courses 3000-level, and advanced 4000-level.
Courses in Modern Greek
The department offers introductory and intermediate level courses in the Modern Greek
language through The Centre for Hellenic Studies at UNBF. For GRKM 1003 no prior knowledge
of the language is required.
Courses in Classics
Students are encouraged to begin the study of Classical Civilization by enrolling in two of the
Introductory courses: CLAS 1323 , 1403 , 1413 or 1503 . Advanced offerings in Classics include
courses in history, archaeology, art history, mythology, philosophy and literature. The
Department does not advise students to attempt advanced Classics courses in the first year of
this program.
All 3000 or 4000 level CLAS courses in Classical History or the History of Modern Greece may be
counted for advanced credit in the Department of History up to a maximum of 12 ch; students
should consult the History section of the calendar for a list of these courses.
Courses in Archaeology
Students interested in UNB's interdepartmental program in Archaeology are advised that the
cross-listed introductory course CLAS 1323 / ARCH 1323 , and also CLAS 2333 / ARCH 2333 , are
requirements for that program. For more details see the Archaeology program description in
this calendar.
Programs of Study
The Department of Classics and Ancient History offers students two programs for the study of
Classical Antiquity: CLASSICS AND CLASSICAL STUDIES. Students should be aware of the
difference between these two options.
Classics
The key to the study of Greece and Rome is a critical knowledge of the works of ancient authors
in their original languages. The study of Latin and Greek has always been a fundamental
element in the Western tradition. It continues to be a necessary component in the education of
anyone seriously contemplating advanced professional standing, or even graduate work, in any
area of Classics. Therefore, students intending to pursue the study of ancient Greece or Rome
beyond the Baccalaureate level are directed to the program in Classics, which includes the
study of both Latin and Greek, and are strongly advised to commence their language study at
the earliest possible stage of the degree. Latin and Greek also form the basis of legal and
scientific vocabulary and are therefore important for those wishing to pursue a career in law,
medicine, health sciences and sciences in general. Those interested in pursuing graduate work
in Greek or Greek archaeology should also consider taking Modern Greek.
Classical Studies
The written and manufactured remains of the Classical cultures of Greece and Rome provide a
rich heritage for our modern western culture. One finds in the work of classical authors and
artisans the first thorough treatment of a number of current political, social and personal
issues. Moreover, since a number of modern academic disciplines trace their ancestry to the
Classical Mediterranean, students investigating such diverse fields as English literature,
philosophy, sociology and European history will find in the study of Greece and Rome a useful
complement to their primary discipline. Therefore, students who do not intend to pursue
Classics beyond the Baccalaureate degree, but who do wish to continue their study of ancient
Greece and Rome as an adjunct to another field, or who are intending to enter professional
training (such as law or journalism or education) for which a general humanities Baccalaureate
degree would be appropriate preparation are directed to the program in Classical Studies.
Note: Students who begin in the program of Classical Studies may enter the program of Classics
on the basis of a language study program approved by the Department.
Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies:
Courses in Byzantine ( CLAS 3043 , CLAS 3083 , CLAS 3323 , CLAS 3683 ) and Modern Greek
Studies ( CLAS 3463 , CLAS 3473 ) offer the opportunity for students to trace the continuation
and evolution of the classical tradition into modern times and its dissemination into western
and eastern cultures. Courses in Modern Greek can count toward a Major or a Minor in Classics
or Classical Studies.
Archaeology
The Department's courses in Archaeology, Classical Art and Topography are part of UNB's
Archaeology Interdepartmental Program, a full Honours program with opportunities in both Old
World and New World Archaeology. For more details see the Archaeology Program listing in
this calendar.
Honours, Majors and Minors
Honours
Students may apply to the Department for admission to Honours Programs in either Classics or
Classical Studies after completing 60 ch of university study. Admission to an Honours program
normally requires the completion of at least 12 ch of courses taught in the Department of
Classics and Ancient History, including at least 6 ch of a Classical language for those students
choosing the CLASSICS option. Students considering the Classics option should begin their
language training as early as possible in the program.
Honours in Classics
Students reading for an Honours degree in Classics must successfully complete 66 ch of courses
as follows:
a. Latin and Greek - at least 9 ch of advanced language courses, with a minimum grade of C in
each course. With the permission of the Department, additional courses of advanced language
study above 9 ch may be counted among the required Classics courses. [Students must
complete 12 ch at the introductory and intermediate levels in each of the classical languages.]
b. Classics - at least 27 ch of advanced Classics courses, with a minimum grade of C in each
course. [Students must complete 6 ch of Classics courses at the introductory or intermediate
level.]
[Students fulfilling the requirements for Joint Honours in Classics may reduce the required
number of advanced language ch by 3 and the number of advanced Classics courses by 9 for a
total of 24 ch of advanced courses, with a minimum grade of C in each course.]
Honours in Classical Studies
Students reading for an Honours degree in Classical Studies must successfully complete 60 ch of
courses as follows:
a. Latin and Greek - Students must complete at least 12 ch of introductory and/or intermediate
language courses. With the permission of the Department, courses of advanced language study
may be counted among the required Classics courses below.
b. Classics - 36 ch of advanced Classics courses with a minimum grade of C in each course.
[Students must complete at least 12 ch at the introductory and/or intermediate level in
Classics.]
[Students fulfilling the requirements for Joint Honours in Classical Studies may reduce the
number of advanced Classics courses by 12 ch, for a total of 24 ch of advanced courses with a
minimum grade of C in each course. A total of 6 ch of language courses is required for Joint
Honours in Classical Studies.]
Majors
Students may enter a Major program in either Classics or Classical Studies after completing 60
ch of university study, which must include at least 6 ch of courses in Classics, Latin or Greek at
the introductory level.
Major in Classics
Students in a Major program in Classics are required to complete 54 ch of courses in Latin,
Greek and Classics as follows:
a. Latin and Greek - at least 3 ch of advanced level Greek or Latin courses, with a minimum
grade of C in each course. [Students must complete at least 6 ch at the introductory level in the
other classical language.]
b. Classics - at least 27 ch of advanced Classics courses, courses with a minimum grade of C in
each course. [Students must complete at least 6 ch at the introductory level in Classics.]
[Students fulfilling the requirements for Classics as part of a Double Major may reduce the
number of advanced Classics courses by 6 ch, for a total of 24 ch of advanced courses.]
Major in Classical Studies
Students in a Major program in Classical Studies are required to complete 42 ch of courses in
Classics as follows:
a. Latin and Greek - Though there is no language requirement in this program, the Department
encourages each student to attempt the study of the classical languages.
b. Classics - at least 30 ch of advanced Classics courses, with a minimum grade of C in each
course. [Students must complete at least 12 ch of courses at the introductory and/or
intermediate level in Classics.]
[Students fulfilling the requirements for Classical Studies as part of a Double Major may reduce
the number of advanced Classics courses by 6 ch, for a total of 24 ch.]
Minors
Students may minor in Classics by completing 24 ch of courses offered by the Department of
Classics and Ancient History, including at least 12 ch of a classical language and 12 ch of
advanced courses in Latin, Greek or Classics.
Students may minor in Classical Studies by completing 24 ch of courses offered by the
Department of Classics and Ancient History, including at least 6 ch at the introductory level, and
at least 12 ch of advanced courses in Latin, Greek or Classics.
Minor in Ancient Philosophy
Students may minor in Ancient Philosophy by completing 24ch of courses offered by the
Department of Classics & Ancient History and the Department of Philosophy. For Philosophy
(PHIL) departmental course descriptions, please consult that department’s calendar listing.
Students are required to complete 24 ch as follows:
a. 6ch of introductory philosophy: PHIL 1101, PHIL 1301.
b. 6ch of ancient language: GRK 1203/1213 or LAT 1103/1113 or any other 6ch of Greek and/or
Latin.
c. 6ch of advanced philosophy (PHIL) courses, including at least one of PHIL 3301, PHIL 3302,
PHIL 3305, PHIL 3306, PHIL 3311.
d. 6ch of advanced classics (CLAS) courses, including at least one of CS 3703, CLAS 3723, and
CLAS 3733.
UNB TERM IN ATHENS
The Department of Classics & Ancient History, in cooperation with other departments in the
Faculty of Arts at UNBF, offers students an opportunity to spend a term in Athens studying UNB
courses offered by UNB professors. Each student participant enrols in an integrated 15ch
program which combines classroom work in state-of-the-art teaching facilities with field trips,
cultural experiences, extended travel to other areas of Greece, and a cruise visiting several
Aegean islands.
The program includes:
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3 credit hours of language study: GRKM 1003: Modern Greek I - An introduction to
language skills which will enable students to gain a basic ability to speak, read and write the
language of modern Greece. [Prerequisite: none]
6 credit hours of classical archaeology and art history: CLAS 3603: The Art and
Architecture of Greece I - A survey of outstanding examples of the art and architecture of
Greece at important archaeological sites and in major museums in Greece. [Prerequisite:
successful completion of 30ch of university courses]; CLAS 3605: Ancient Athens — A
practical workshop introducing students to the ancient city’s Greek and Roman remains
which are found at archaeological sites and museums in and around Athens. [Prerequisite:
successful completion of 30ch of university courses]
6 credit hours in the discipline of the collaborating department: The collaborating
department will vary from year to year. Students are encouraged to enquire concerning
departmental plans in future years.
Courses will be conducted both in the classroom and "on-site", and will include standard UNB
reading and writing assignments and final examinations. Note that travel costs are not included
in the tuition for these courses.
Credit Course from Cognate Disciplines
The Department of Classics and Ancient History will accept for Classics credit courses in ancient
philosophy [PHIL 3301, PHIL 3302], and archaeological methods and practice [ANTH 3342,
ANTH 3352, ANTH 3353] to a maximum of 12 ch.