BA in Classical Studies with English

UCAS code: Q8Q3

Summary of programme aims

This multi-disciplinary course aims to provide a thorough degree level education in Classical Studies and English. The syllabus aims to familiarise students with the literature, art, philosophy and history of Greek and Roman cultures and their reception and use in modern culture, whilst extending students' knowledge of a variety of kinds of English texts, and perspectives on different methods of critical analysis. The course also provides for the development of the specific interests of students through independent study and specifically the dissertation. Students will expand the range, depth and sophistication of their knowledge of Classical Studies and English through the structured progression of Parts 1,2, and 3 of the course.

Course content

The course is divided into 3 Parts (years). You must take 120 credits in each Part.

Part 1 in Classical Studies introduces students to the study of Graeco-Roman culture, with a particular emphasis upon the development of the study of primary sources and source criticism. In English, students engage with fundamental debates about the study of literature through close analysis of selected texts from different periods.

In Parts 2 and 3 students must normally take 80 credits in Classical Studies and 40 credits in the School of English each year. The English strand of the course offers increased breadth of coverage, focusing on a variety of individual periods, topics and/or generic traditions, while Classical Studies develops students' knowledge of ancient literature and an awareness of the role of the classics in the shaping of modern Western culture. Career Management Skills provides 5 credits at part 2.

For a full description of this degree course with the required compulsory and optional modules, please download the programme specification . You are advised to read the programme specification for the current year.

http://www.info.reading.ac.uk/progspecs/prog-index.asp

Career prospects

Graduates from this joint degree course have found that their course has been a good basis for careers in management, administration, the civil service, commerce, law, publishing, librarianship and teaching. As such, they are eagerly sought after by employers, with career prospects being extended to museums and galleries. They are given specific vocational training and orientation through a second year Career Management Scheme run by the School in conjunction with the Careers Advisory Service. Graduates have also gone on to postgraduate courses within the field of the Classics, History and related fields at Reading and elsewhere.

Opportunities for study abroad

Through the department of Classics, two students in year 2 can study for the Fall Semester at the University of Calgary's Department of Greek and Roman Studies. Applications to take part in the exchange need to be made in the Spring term of Year 1. The Department also has an ERASMUS link with the University of Crete. Students are encouraged to study also at the British School in Athens and the British School in Rome.