Classical Studies and Classics

Are you fascinated by the language, the literature, the political teachings, and the rich history and epic lives of philosophers like Plato or Aristotle? Do you want to explore and understand the social and cultural endowment passed on from Classical times to today’s society and peoples? Offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, the Classical Studies and Classics major will allow you to follow one of two streams: studies of the Greek and Latin languages (Classics) or social issues dealing with the culture and the history of ancient Greece and Rome (Classical Studies). You will study works that have shaped how humans have thought and reasoned for centuries and works that are the fundamentals of some of the most basics Western beliefs, from law and religion to politics and mythology.

Career Options in Classical Studies and Classics

Below is a sample list of some future choices to explore following studies in Classical Studies and Classics. This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Classical Studies and Classics degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Classical Studies and Classics than others.

Archivist
Author
Archeologist
Art Dealer
Community Educator
Cultural Consultant
Diplomat
Editor
Ethics Board Director
Event Planner
Fundraising Coordinator
Government Agency Worker
Historian
Indigenous Issues Consultant
Journalist
Lawyer
Legislative Aide
Librarian

Linguist
Magazine Writer
Media Correspondent
Mediator
Museum Curator
Non-Profit Organization Director
Public Relations Representative
Public Policy Researcher
Publisher
Political Advisor/Consultant
Professor
Psychologist
Researcher
Social Service Worker
Speech Writer
Teacher
Translator
Writer

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Classical Studies and Classics Degree

A background in Classical Studies and Classics ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges. Here are just a few of the skills a Classical Studies and Classics degree can help you develop:

Core Classical Studies and Classics Skills

Familiarity with some of humanity’s greatest philosophical works and the pillars of Western philosophy and intellectual tradition.
Strong ability to organize your thoughts intelligently and coherently in written statements and formal opinion pieces.
Ability to express your ideas through rational argument and oral debate.

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands;
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument;
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas;
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work.

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project’s intended and successful end result;
The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds;
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task;
The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems.

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field. The following is a selection of organizations related to the field of Classical Studies and Classics that you may want to visit as you research career options for Classical Studies and Classics graduates.