1. Study
2. Undergraduate
3. Courses
4. Greek and Roman Civilisation

About This Course

Fact File

• Title

  Arts

• Code

  Subject available through multiple programmes

• Subject Title

  Greek & Roman Civilisation

• College

  Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences

• Qualifications

  BA (Hons)

• Fees

  See Fees and Costs for full details.

• Entry Requirements

  See Requirements for full details.

Course Outline

Year 1 Module

• GR1001 Greek and Roman Civilisation (15 credits)

This course covers the history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, from Rome's foundation, c. 753BC, until the eclipse of Greek and Roman culture in the East, c. AD750. This includes the study of mythology, literature (poetry, prose, drama), art, architecture, and military and political history. No knowledge of the ancient languages is required, but you will also be given the opportunity to learn some Greek or Latin if you wish to do so.

Year 2

You choose from a variety of modules according to availability and interest. The topics will include:

• Greek Epic Literature
• The Rise of Christianity
• Roman Imperial History AD14-68
• Greek Mythology
• Roman Epic Literature.

Year 3

You choose from a variety of modules according to availability and interest. The topics will include:

• Alexander the Great
• The Christian Gospels
• Ireland and the Roman World
• Spectacle in the Roman World.

See the College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on the modules.

Course Practicalities

All modules in Years 2 and 3 are 5-credit modules of 24 lectures each. There are no tutorials in any year.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment.

Year 1 is assessed by a class test at the end of each semester, as well as a three-hour examination at the end of the year. Assessment varies from module to module in Years 2 and 3, but usually includes a 1.5-hour examination at the end of the year.

Who teaches this course

The modules are taught by Dr. David Woods, a specialist in the military and political history of the Roman Imperial and Late Antique periods, Dr. Catherine Ware, a specialist in the literature of the Roman Imperial and Late Antique periods, Dr. Crystal Addey, a specialist in Greco-Roman religion and philosophy of the Roman Imperial and Late Antique periods, Sean Murphy, and John Newman.

Why Choose This Course

Key facts

• A knowledge of Greek & Roman Civilisation is essential for an understanding of the history and culture of Europe, even today
• The classes are small after the first year, and permit far more personal attention and discussion than is possible in larger disciplines
• The Department of Classics at UCC has a particular strength in the study of Roman history and numismatics (the study of coins)
• The Boole Library in UCC has one of the best classical collections in Ireland and provides a marvellous resource for both undergraduates and postgraduates
• A unique emphasis is placed on the importance of numismatics (study or collection of currency including coins) as well as the literary evidence in most of the historical lectures. 

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Study abroad

If you are studying through the BA International, you will spend Year 3 studying at one of our partner universities abroad. We currently have links with universities in: Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden Mexico, and the USA .

Work placement

If you study through the BA or the BA International, you will have the opportunity to avail of a work placement in Year 2. You can find out more here.

Skills and Careers Information

The detailed analysis of often contradictory ancient sources, accompanied by a study of the often equally contradictory modern interpretations of the same, will train you in the critical analysis of arguments and evidence in order to encourage rigorous critical and independent thought.

Requirements

Refer to CK101 and CK108.

Fees and Costs

Refer to CK101 and CK108.

How Do I Apply

Refer to CK101 and CK108. Students choose Arts subjects when registering for first year.