Greek


The study of ancient Greek language and literature offers an opportunity to experience ideas and important texts in their original language.

Overview

The study of ancient Greek language and literature offers an opportunity to experience ideas and important texts in their original language.

Its study develops a basic understanding of the language of classical Athens through courses in grammar and vocabulary of ancient Greek, and readings in Greek literature, prose, and poetry.

Only available as a minor.

At a Glance

Degree options
Minor only

Curriculum

At Mount Allison, both Greek and Latin are introduced to students studying classics, offering a unique opportunity to study ancient texts in their original language.

While the study of classics can be approached either in the original languages or through courses using English translation, those deeply interested in the subject should bear in mind the importance of the languages themselves, and the benefits of a direct experience of the ancients through study of Greek and Latin.

Greek courses include:

  • introductory and intermediate grammar and vocabulary of ancient Greek*
  • readings in Greek literature, prose, and poetry

*No previous knowledge of Greek is required

Greek is available as a minor only.

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

 

J.E.A. Crake Reading Room — includes a complete collection of Loeb Classical texts and the Cambridge Ancient History

Related programs

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Chris Forstall
Associate professor, Classics

» 5Q with Classics Professor Dr. Chris Forstall

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your Mount Allison degree will stand out.

Mount Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With experiential learning and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

Popular career paths for Greek graduates include:

  • archivist
  • foreign affairs specialist
  • communications professional
  • health and social policy researcher
  • immigration officer
  • public policy analyst
  • historian
  • research assistant
  • intelligence officer
  • cultural resource manager

Testimonials

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Learning to read ancient Greek is an experience like no other. One of the best ways to understand ancient cultures is by reading the exact words that they wrote, as there are certain nuances in the language that can be lost when reading an English translation. As well, I found that ancient Greek gave me a slight advantage when studying biology, since there are many scientific terms that come from ancient Greek roots.


Emily
Globe
'21
Honours Classical Studies, minors in Biology and Greek
Bedford, NS
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If you love studying languages, Latin and Greek are some of the best ones. I revel in the ability to pick up an amazing story in its original language and be able to make sense of it all.


Christine
Davidson
'14
Honours Classics, minor in Latin
Lakefield, ON

Extras

J.E.A. Crake Foundation

The Classical Studies program benefits from the support of the J.E.A. Crake Foundation. The foundation funds a number of initiatives for the department, including:

  • Crake Travelling Scholarship for Summer Study in Greece or Italy — awarded to a second or third-year student in Classics
  • Annual Crake Lectures, bringing leading international scholars to Mount Allison
  • A departmental reading room and audio visual resources

Archaeological Field School

The Classics department offers a summer learning program in Italy that gives you the opportunity to learn archeological techniques as part of a research team on a working excavation.

You will learn to assist in the excavation, collection, and recording of artifacts, as well as in the processing and study of the finds.

/current-students/department-classics

Bachelor of Arts

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Arts; however, a minor in Greek can be combined with any degree.

Academic Awards

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Mount A is #2 in student awards


Maclean’s ranks Mount Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 Mount Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

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