Courses - Faculty of Arts
Classical Studies and Ancient History
Stage I
Ancient Egyptian History
A broad overview of ancient Egyptian society and history. It encompasses the approximately 2000 years between the early period of formation of the state of Egypt and the end of the New Kingdom. A focus on political history forms the framework for discussions of the art, literature, and religion of the period.
Restriction: ANCHIST 100
Ancient Greek History
An introduction to Greek history and civilisation from the Bronze Age to the death of Alexander the Great utilising both archaeological evidence and literary sources.
Restriction: ANCHIST 102
Roman History
An introduction to the civilisation and history of Ancient Rome, with particular reference to the Republic and Early Empire.
Restriction: ANCHIST 103
The World of Cleopatra
Explores the history and cultures of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome using Cleopatra VII as the anchor. It uses ancient evidence, from the newest archaeological discoveries to the works of classical literature and analyses the legacy and reception of Cleopatra.
Restriction: ANCHIST 110
Classical Mythology
A study of ancient mythology – its gods, heroes and monsters – through the works of major writers and artists from Greece and either Rome or Egypt.
Restriction: CLASSICS 110, 110G
Stage II
Greek and Roman Epic Poetry
Examines several epics in translation to explore what made ancient Greek and Roman epics distinctive and how they fit within the wider history of epic poetry around the world. Topics will include oral composition and performance, themes and styles of different epics, and the roles that epics played in culture, mythology, and religion.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCIENT 300, CLASSICS 210, 310
Egyptian Language 1A
A study of the Egyptian language, hieroglyphic writing and selected documents up to Dynasty 18.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies or Classical Studies and Ancient History and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCHIST 210
Ancient Greek Language 1
An introduction to the study and use of the Ancient Greek language.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies or Classical Studies and Ancient History and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCIENT 221, 311, 321, GREEK 100-310
Special Topic: Ancient Barbarians and Others
Examines the history of the idea of the barbarian in the ancient world, case-studies of late Roman barbarian kingdoms such as the Vandals and Goths, and modern receptions of ancient ideas about barbarians and barbarity from the nineteenth century to the present.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCIENT 314, HISTORY 254, 354
Special Topic: Hellenistic Society
Examines the Hellenistic Period from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra VII as an era of cultural contact and exchange. Considers the narrative of this dynamic period. Develops understanding of the intersection of Greek, Egyptian, Achaemenid, Near Eastern, and Roman traditions in the vast regions ruled by Alexander’s successors through the lenses of structures, places, ideas, and anxieties.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCIENT 315
Sex and Power in Greece and Rome
Many Greek and Roman literary works and historical sources deal with sex and power. This course will explore a range of ancient literary representations of women, men, femininity, masculinity, sexual practices and sexual prejudices. Students will study how ancient authors were influenced by the socio-political context and the constraints of different literary genres. All texts will be read in translation.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History, Gender Studies, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCIENT 316, CLASSICS 216, 316
Special Topic
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCIENT 317
Egyptian Language 1B
Further study of the Egyptian language, hieroglyphic writing and selected documents up to Dynasty 18.
Prerequisite: ANCHIST 210 or ANCIENT 210
Restriction: ANCHIST 220
Ancient Greek Language 2
Builds on skills and approaches to the Ancient Greek language developed in ANCIENT 211.
Prerequisite: ANCIENT 211 or GREEK 100
Restriction: ANCIENT 311, 321, GREEK 100-310
Ancient Egyptian Art: Icon and Narrative
A chronological study of the art and architecture of ancient Egypt, from the predynastic period to the end of the New Kingdom, examining trends and styles in all forms of ancient art in Egypt.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History or Art History, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCHIST 251, 351, ANCIENT 351
Egyptian Religion
A study of ancient Egyptian religion from the Early Dynastic period through to the end of the Late Period. The course will examine religious practice as well as religious thought, and will consider the patterns of belief throughout the ancient period of Egypt's history.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCHIST 252, 352, ANCIENT 352
Early Egypt
Covers the earliest periods of Egypt's development from the prehistoric period to the end of the Old Kingdom. This course focuses on the lead-up to state formation and the great Pyramid Age that followed.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCHIST 253, 353, ANCIENT 353
Early Rome
A study of the earliest development of ancient Rome using written sources but with special emphasis on archaeological evidence.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCHIST 254, 354, ANCIENT 354
The Later Roman Empire
A study of the Roman empire between the third and sixth centuries CE. Topics covered include the social, economic and political crises of the period, encounters and struggles between Romans and barbarians, the conflict between Paganism and Christianity, and the emergence of the barbarian kingdoms in the West and the Byzantine empire in the East.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCHIST 255, 355, ANCIENT 355
The Ancient World at War
Provides an in-depth analysis of the role of the military in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The physical evidence of warfare as well as chronological development of warfare within each society will be discussed. An additional theme will be the interweaving of the social and cultural impact of warfare and the army upon these civilisations.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCHIST 256, 356, ANCIENT 356
Roman Revolutions
Covers the history, politics, society and culture of Rome during the late Republic and early Imperial periods. Topics include the army, religion, family, sexuality, literature, art and the life of the provinces, set against the dramatic breakdown of old systems of government and their replacement with a new model of rule.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCHIST 203, 213, 260, 360, ANCIENT 360
Art and Society in Ancient Rome
A study of the art and architecture of the ancient Romans. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the visual arts as vehicles for the expression of social values and political and imperial ideas.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History, Art History, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCIENT 380, CLASSICS 280, 380
Classical Tragedy
Tragedy as a concept, a means of interpreting events, and a literary genre, is central to the ancient Greeks' way of constructing their world. Through a close reading of a selection of ancient dramas, this course will explore the nature and interpretation of tragedy with particular reference to Aristotle's Poetics .
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage I in Ancient History, Classical Studies, Classical Studies and Ancient History, Drama, or GREEK 101 or LATIN 101, and 30 points passed
Restriction: ANCIENT 385, CLASSICS 285, 385
Stage III
Greek and Roman Epic Poetry
Examines several epics in translation to explore what made ancient Greek and Roman epics distinctive and how they fit within the wider history of epic poetry around the world. Topics will include oral composition and performance, themes and styles of different epics, and the roles that epics played in culture, mythology, and religion.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin
Restriction: ANCIENT 200, CLASSICS 210, 310
Directed Study
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin
Egyptian Language 2A
This course carries on from ANCIENT 220, with reading extended historical, narrative, and religious texts.
Prerequisite: ANCHIST 220 or ANCIENT 220
Restriction: ANCHIST 310, 340
Ancient Greek Language: Intermediate
The analysis and description of Ancient Greek grammar, practice in the translation of Ancient Greek to and from English, vocabulary acquisition.
Prerequisite: ANCIENT 221 or GREEK 101
Restriction: ANCIENT 321, GREEK 200-310
Special Topic: Ancient Barbarians and Others
Examines the history of the idea of the barbarian in the ancient world, case-studies of late Roman barbarian kingdoms such as the Vandals and Goths, and modern receptions of ancient ideas about barbarians and barbarity from the nineteenth century to the present.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Classical Studies, Ancient History or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin
Restriction: ANCIENT 214, HISTORY 254, 354
Special Topic: Hellenistic Society
Examines the Hellenistic Period from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra VII as an era of cultural contact and exchange. Considers the narrative of this dynamic period. Develops understanding of the intersection of Greek, Egyptian, Achaemenid, Near Eastern, and Roman traditions in the vast regions ruled by Alexander’s successors through the lenses of structures, places, ideas, and anxieties.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Classical Studies, Ancient History or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin
Restriction: ANCIENT 215
Sex and Power in Greece and Rome
Many Greek and Roman literary works and historical sources deal with sex and power. This course will explore a range of ancient literary representations of women, men, femininity, masculinity, sexual practices and sexual prejudices. Students will study how ancient authors were influenced by the socio-political context and the constraints of different literary genres. All texts will be read in translation.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Classical Studies, Ancient History, Classical Studies and Ancient History, Gender Studies, Greek, or Latin
Restriction: ANCIENT 216, CLASSICS 216, 316
Special Topic
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin
Restriction: ANCIENT 217
Ancient Greek Literary Texts
Detailed study of prescribed texts with reference to their language and meaning, and critical appreciation of their literary, historical and/or philosophical qualities.
Prerequisite: ANCIENT 311 or GREEK 200
Ancient Egyptian Art: Icon and Narrative
A chronological study of the art and architecture of ancient Egypt, from the predynastic period to the end of the New Kingdom, examining trends and styles in all forms of ancient art in Egypt.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Art History or Greek
Restriction: ANCHIST 251, 351, ANCIENT 251
Egyptian Religion
A study of ancient Egyptian religion from the Early Dynastic period through to the end of the Late Period. The course will examine religious practice as well as religious thought, and will consider the patterns of belief throughout the ancient period of Egypt's history.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History
Restriction: ANCHIST 252, 352, ANCIENT 252
Early Egypt
Covers the earliest periods of Egypt's development from the prehistoric period to the end of the Old Kingdom. This course focuses on the lead-up to state formation and the great Pyramid Age that followed.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History
Restriction: ANCHIST 253, 353, ANCIENT 253
Early Rome
A study of the earliest development of ancient Rome, using written sources but with special emphasis on archaeological evidence.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Latin
Restriction: ANCHIST 254, 354, ANCIENT 254
The Later Roman Empire
A study of the Roman Empire between the third and sixth centuries CE. Topics covered include the social, economic and political crises of the period, encounters and struggles between Romans and barbarians, the conflict between Paganism and Christianity, and the emergence of the barbarian kingdoms in the West and the Byzantine empire in the East.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek or Latin
Restriction: ANCHIST 255, 355, ANCIENT 255
The Ancient World at War
Provides an in-depth analysis of the role of the military in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The physical evidence of warfare as well as chronological development of warfare within each society will be discussed. An additional theme will be the interweaving of the social and cultural impact of warfare and the army upon these civilisations.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History
Restriction: ANCHIST 256, 356, ANCIENT 256
Roman Revolutions
Covers the history, politics, society and culture of Rome during the late Republic and early Imperial periods. Topics include the army, religion, family, sexuality, literature, art and the life of the provinces, set against the dramatic breakdown of old systems of government and their replacement with a new model of rule.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Latin
Restriction: ANCHIST 260, 303, 313, 360, ANCIENT 260
Study Abroad (Rome)
Study abroad on archaeological sites in the Roman Empire.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and approval of Academic Head or nominee
Restriction: ANCHIST 377, CLASSICS 377
Study Abroad (Greece)
Study abroad on archaeological sites in Greece.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and approval of Academic Head or nominee
Restriction: ANCHIST 378, CLASSICS 378
Study Abroad (Egypt)
Study abroad on archaeological sites in Egypt.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Ancient History, Classical Studies, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, and approval of Academic Head or nominee
Restriction: ANCHIST 379
Art and Society in Ancient Rome
A study of the art and architecture of the ancient Romans. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the visual arts as vehicles for the expression of social values and political and imperial ideas.
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Classical Studies, Ancient History, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Latin or Art History
Restriction: ANCIENT 280, CLASSICS 280, 380
Classical Tragedy
Tragedy as a concept, a means of interpreting events, and a literary genre, is central to the ancient Greeks' way of constructing their world. Through a close reading of a selection of ancient dramas, this course will explore the nature and interpretation of tragedy with particular reference to Aristotle's Poetics .
Prerequisite: 15 points at Stage II in Classical Studies, Ancient History, or Classical Studies and Ancient History, or 30 points at Stage II in Greek, Latin or Drama
Restriction: ANCIENT 285, CLASSICS 285, 385
Postgraduate 700 Level Courses
Directed Study in Ancient Culture
Directed reading and individual study on a topic approved by the Graduate Adviser.
Prerequisite: Approval of Academic Head or nominee
Restriction: ANCHIST 719
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 719 A and B, or ANCIENT 719
Directed Study in Ancient Culture
Directed reading and individual study on a topic approved by the Academic Head or nominee.
Restriction: ANCHIST 727
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 727 A and B, or ANCIENT 727
Directed Study in Ancient Culture
Directed reading and individual study on a topic approved by the Academic Head or nominee.
Restriction: ANCHIST 728
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 728 A and B, or ANCIENT 728
Egyptian Language (Higher)
Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation.
Prerequisite: ANCHIST 220 or ANCIENT 220 or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee
Restriction: ANCHIST 729
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 729 A and B, or ANCIENT 729
Greek Language (Higher)
Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation.
Prerequisite: ANCIENT 221 or GREEK 101, or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee
Restriction: ANCHIST 739, GREEK 200-310
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 739 A and B, or ANCIENT 739
Latin Language (Higher)
Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation.
Prerequisite: LATIN 101 or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee
Restriction: ANCHIST 741, LATIN 200-310
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 741 A and B, or ANCIENT 741
Greek Language (Higher II)
Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation. The course will involve graduate level engagement with the content of the text, applying appropriate research techniques, and an intermediate level of incoming language competency.
Prerequisite: ANCIENT 311 or GREEK 200, or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 742 A and B, or ANCIENT 742
Latin Language (Higher II)
Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation. The course will involve graduate level engagement with the content of the text, applying appropriate research techniques, and an intermediate level of incoming language competency.
Prerequisite: LATIN 200 or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 743 A and B, or ANCIENT 743
Greek Language (Higher III)
Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation. The course will involve graduate level engagement with the content of the text, applying appropriate research techniques, and an advanced level of incoming language competency.
Prerequisite: 30 points from ANCIENT 321, GREEK 201-205, or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 744 A and B, or ANCIENT 744
Latin Language (Higher III)
Passages in the original language will be set for translation, study and interpretation. The course will involve graduate level engagement with the content of the text, applying appropriate research techniques, and an advanced level of incoming language competency.
Prerequisite: 30 points from LATIN 201-205 or placement test and approval of Academic Head or nominee
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 745 A and B, or ANCIENT 745
Themes and Issues in Ancient Culture
A study of themes and issues in ancient culture.
Restriction: ANCHIST 749
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 749 A and B
Sources and Approaches for the Ancient World
A study of the evidence for the ancient world, as well as how to apply it.
Restriction: ANCHIST 750
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 750 A and B
Ancient Societies in the Mediterranean World
A study of the societies which developed around the ancient Mediterranean.
Restriction: ANCHIST 751
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 751 A and B
Research Essays in Ancient Culture
Guided individual study leading to essays in ancient culture.
Prerequisite: Approval of Academic Head or nominee
Restriction: ANCHIST 756
Dissertation - Level 9
Restriction: ANCHIST 792
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 792 A and B, or ANCIENT 792
Thesis - Level 9
Restriction: ANCHIST 793
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 794 A and B
Thesis - Level 9
Restriction: ANCHIST 796
To complete this course students must enrol in ANCIENT 796 A and B