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Classical Studies is concerned primarily with the cultures of Greece and Rome and their contributions to Western civilization. It is unique among modern academic disciplines in the breadth of its approach to its subject. In an age when undue specialization threatens the student in so many areas of learning, Classics is a field in which the specialist must be simultaneously linguist, literary critic, anthropologist, sociologist, and historian, not only of politics, but also of religion and art.

The cultures of Greece and Rome are fascinating and important in themselves, but seen in the context of their legacy the very special value that we attach to them comes to light. For many elements of our own culture -- its language and literature, its social and political patterns, and its ideals -- are deeply rooted in the experience and achievement of Greece and Rome.

The Department of Classics at Mount Allison offers the opportunity to study these ancient cultures through courses in history, mythology, art, archaeology, language, and literature. The history and literature of Greece and Rome can be approached Either in the original languages or through courses using English translation. The study of ancient literature in translation makes it possible to gain an acquaintance with the thought and literary art of antiquity without studying Greek and Latin. But those deeply interested in the subject should bear in mind the importance of the languages themselves; the direct experience of the ancients through study of Greek and Latin, in order to be fruitful, should begin as early as possible in the university career.

Further information on courses, facilities, and special activities is available in the Curriculum Handbook issued annually by the Department of Classics.

The Humanities 1600-series of three credit courses offered by the participating disciplines of Classics, History, Philosophy and Religious Studies are designed to acquaint beginning students with the varieties of non-fictional literature treated by this group of departments, to introduce the methodologies typical of these disciplines, to familiarize students with the approaches taken as well as the sorts of themes pursued and questions raised in treating this literature. The 1600-series three credit courses are designed to be similar in format and requirements; two three credit courses drawn from this series may be used to satisfy the introductory requirements of the co-operating Departments, as noted in their respective Calendar entries.

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