Programme Specification for the 2024/5 academic year
BA (Hons) Classics
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Classics | Programme code | UFA3CTHCTH02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Part Time Full Time |
Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
A degree in Classics will bring together the study of a broad range of Humanities and Social Science topics focused around the Greek and Roman worlds. Central to the interdisciplinary programme will be your advanced training in Greek and Latin language, and the great literatures of the Greek and Roman world, from Homer’s Odyssey to the dialogues of Plato. Mastering the written texts and sources from classical antiquity, from advertising slogans to political speeches, will help to unlock a deeper understanding and appreciation of an ancient world that has fundamentally impacted the society we live in today. Learning to interpret their language, literature and philosophy can unlock new ways of thinking.
You will study the ancient world in relation to modern day issues such as power, sexuality, ethics, migration, identity, magic, food, globalisation and religion. Not only will you emerge as an accomplished researcher and linguist, but will also be confident in analysing, interpreting and challenging traditional theories and concepts.
As with all our classically-based degrees, this programme equips you with a solid foundation of transferable skills including: communication, persuasion, problem-solving, critical analysis and collaborative working. Your time spent studying one or more of the ancient languages may also open doors to roles in other areas such as teaching or linguistics. With 95% of our graduates in employment or further study six months after graduation, you will be well placed to pursue a diverse range of career options. Recent graduates are now working in areas such as banking, teaching, law, publishing and journalism with organisations like the British Armed Forces, Waterstones and Accenture.
Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme will offer you a structured framework of study in which you follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, with sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow an individual pathway of learning.
The programme further aims to:
- Provide you with a stimulating and supportive environment that is informed by research.
- Offer a structured framework of study which ensures that within the timespan of the programme you follow a balanced and complementary range of modules, whilst allowing sufficient choice to ensure that you are able to follow individual pathways of learning.
- Enable you to develop a command of Ancient Greek and Latin languages relevant to an understanding and appreciation of the literature, history and cultures of Greece and Rome.
- Foster your understanding of Greek and Roman cultures, with a focus on:
- their literature and thought;
- critical engagement with these cultures;
- the issues involved in studying other cultures;
- the similarities and differences between ancient cultures and our own.
- Enable you to develop a range of critical approaches to ancient literature, and a broad knowledge of Greek and Roman literary texts.
- Provide a range of academic and personal skills which will prepare students from varied educational backgrounds for employment or further study, which will foster mental agility and adaptability, and which will enable you to deploy your knowledge, abilities and skills in their entirety, displaying balance and judgement in a variety of circumstances.
4. Programme Structure
5. Programme Modules
For further information on which level Classical Languages and Texts module you should take, please see our Classics Language Ladder and Studying Ancient Languages guide.
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in any stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
a - You must select one 30-credit or two 15-credit Classical Language and Texts: Latin modules and one 30-credit or two 15-credit Classical Language and Texts: Greek modules at the appropriate level. If you select CLA1025 Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A), you must also select CLA1026 Classical Language and Texts Greek I (B); if you select CLA1027 Classical Language and Texts Latin I (A), you must also select CLA1028 Classical Language and Texts Latin I (B).
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classics Stage 1 Classical Language and Texts 2024-5 [See note a above] | |||
| CLA1027 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (A) | 15 | Yes |
| CLA1028 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (B) | 15 | Yes |
| CLA1252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | Yes |
| CLA1254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | Yes |
| CLA1025 | Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A) | 15 | Yes |
| CLA1026 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek I (B) | 15 | Yes |
| CLA1202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | Yes |
| CLA1204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient History and Classical Studies Stage 1 Option Modules 2024-5 | |||
| CLA1029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 | No |
| CLA1354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 | No |
| CLA1031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 | No |
| CLA1405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 | No |
| CLA1516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 | No |
| CLA1301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence) - Tyranny | 15 | No |
| CLA1030 | Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 | No |
Stage 2
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory Modules
b - You must select one 30-credit Classical Language and Texts: Latin module and one 30-credit Classical Language and Texts: Greek module at the appropriate level.
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Studies Stage 2 Option Modules 2024-5 | |||
| CLA2029 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Hellenistic-Roman Syria | 15 | No |
| CLA2354 | Ancient Sources (Material Evidence): Brave New Rome of Augustus | 15 | No |
| CLA2031 | Text and Context: Women in Homer | 15 | No |
| CLA2405 | Text and Context: Roman Laughter | 15 | No |
| CLA2516 | Ancient World (Written Evidence): Persuasion in Ancient Greece | 15 | No |
| CLA2301 | Ancient Sources (Written Evidence): Tyranny | 15 | No |
| CLA2030 | Ancient World: Racecraft | 15 | No |
Stage 3
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
c - You must select one 30-credit Classical Language and Texts: Latin module and one 30-credit Classical Language and Texts: Greek module at the appropriate level.
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classics Final Stage Classical Language and Texts 2024-5 [See note c above] | |||
| CLA3252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | No |
| CLA3254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | No |
| CLA3206 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 | No |
| CLA3251 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic | 30 | No |
| CLA3202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | No |
| CLA3204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 | No |
| CLA3205 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 | No |
| CLA3059 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient History & Classical Studies Final Stage option modules 2024-5 | |||
| CLA3251 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin V: Epic | 30 | No |
| CLA3059 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek V: Imperial Greek Prose | 30 | No |
| CLA3252 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin II | 30 | No |
| CLA3254 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin III | 30 | No |
| CLA3206 | Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV | 30 | No |
| CLA3202 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek II | 30 | No |
| CLA3204 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek III | 30 | No |
| CLA3205 | Classical Language and Texts: Greek IV | 30 | No |
| CLA3263 | Being and Not-Being in Greek Philosophy: from Parmenides to Aristotle | 15 | No |
| CLA3113 | Art in Greek Society | 15 | No |
| CLA3273 | Polybios and the Challenge of Change | 15 | No |
| CLA3126 | Critical Classics and the Contemporary World | 15 | No |
| CLA3276 | Courage in the Ancient World | 15 | No |
| CLA3275 | Women Writing Classics | 15 | No |
| CLA3056 | Ovid and the Erotic Passions | 15 | No |
| CLA3114 | Art in Roman Society | 15 | No |
| CLA3277 | Lost Works and Fragments | 15 | No |
| CLA3264 | Ancient Science and Society | 15 | No |
| HUM3004 | Transforming the Tablet: Digital Approaches to Ancient Text and Artefact | 15 | No |
| CLA3267 | Dialogues with the Past: Creative Interpretative Project | 15 | No |
| CLA3279 | Knowledge, Wealth and Power in the Ancient World | 30 | No |
| CLA3125 | Reading and Writing Greek Literature in the Hellenistic World | 30 | No |
| CLA3007 | The Crisis of the Athenian Polis | 30 | No |
| CLA3274 | The Persians in a Near Eastern Context | 30 | No |
| CLA3033 | Magic, Witchcraft and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds | 30 | No |
| CLA3008 | The Age of Cicero | 30 | No |
| CLA3042 | Ancient Literary Criticism | 30 | No |
| CLA3124 | Receptions of the Classical Body | 30 | No |
| THE3229 | Syriac Christianity: Monks, Monasteries and Mimre | 30 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of Greek and Latin languages such as to enable you to translate passages of Greek and Latin at sight. Describe and demonstrate principles and methods of translation (3.3 A6). | (Numbers in brackets refer to the QAA Benchmark Statement for Classics and Ancient History) IOLs 1-2 are key skills for the programme and are developed in language modules (at the appropriate level) throughout the programme culminating in the final stage modules. ILOs 2-4 are developed in all levels by means of lectures, discussion in seminars and study-groups, researching and writing essays, gobbet answers, and oral presentations. In stages 1 and 2 a broad range of ancient literature is taught, while modules offered in the final stage focus in more detail on specific genres. Literary critical skills are fostered in all levels. ILOs 4-5 form the basis of all Classics modules in all levels. However, more sophisticated analysis and understanding is expected in the final stage. These skills are developed in stages 1 and 2 by means of lectures, discussion in seminars, researching and writing essays, gobbet answers and oral presentations. In the final stage, however, these skills are reinforced by placing greater emphasis on seminars; on oral presentations (often formally assessed); and essay-writing (longer essays are expected in the final stage). | The assessment of ILOs 2-5 is made through a combination of examinations (including essays and gobbet passages for comment); term-time essays and, in many final stage modules, the assessment of oral presentations. Assessment of ILO 1 is made through examination and (in some modules) through continuous assessment tests, both of which assess grammar and translation skills. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
6. Apply sophisticated linguistic and interpretative skills so as to read, analyse and discuss Greek and Latin texts. | These ILOs are developed throughout the programme by means of language classes, lectures, discussion in seminars and study-groups, the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in seminars, preparation of passages for comment/translation and the writing of essays. In the second and final stages you are expected to prepare longer and more sophisticated seminar presentations, and, in the final stage, to write longer essays in order further to develop these skills. Also in the final stage seminars are normally 2 hours in length and form the primary teaching and learning medium, with a focus on developing, in the context of their particular subjects, the more complex analytical skills listed opposite. ILO 13 is developed through feedback on written work (normally delivered one-to-one, as well as in written form in the final stage). | The assessment of ILOs 6-12 is made through a combination of examinations (including seen and unseen translation, grammatical analysis, essays questions and gobbet passages for comment in both translation and the original); term-time essays, translations into and out of Greek/Latin and, in many final stage modules, the assessment of oral presentations. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
14. Present an argument orally in a clear, organised and effective manner (3.4 B10). | ILOs 14 and 18-19 are developed through the preparation and delivery of oral presentations in most modules in all levels, and through the oral discussion of challenging material in all modules in the programme. ILO 16 is developed through participation in study groups with other students in most modules in the programme. It is also developed through meetings with personal tutors, one-to-one tutorials giving feedback on written work and through discussion in seminars. ILOs 15 and 19 are developed through examinations in all levels and through written assignments in all levels. ILO 17 is an essential part of the successful completion of the programme but is encouraged through preparation for written and oral assignments, and through general preparation for seminars and language classes. ILO 17 may be further developed in the final stage through the optional dissertation module. ILOs 20-21 are developed through compulsory ELE assignments and through the requirement that all written work is word-processed. | ILOs 14, 16 and 18-19 are assessed through the summative assessment of oral presentations in the final stage (10 or 20%). This assessment may also include a formative peer evaluation element. ILOs 15 and 19 are assessed through examinations and written work in all levels and in all modules. ILO 20 is assessed through the successful completion of coursework assignments. ILO 21 is assessed through the assessment of written coursework. |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Progression Rules
To progress to the second and final stages, you must pass the relevant non-condonable Classical Language and Texts modules in Stage 1 and Stage 2 respectively, otherwise you will be required to transfer to the BA Greek and Roman Studies programme.
Classification
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
In addition to the centrally provided services detailed in section 9, the Department of Classics and Ancient History provides:
- Team Skills Development Programme
- Student Handbooks and module guides (available in print and on the department websites)
- ELE based learning support materials and activities (Hercules)
- Access to teaching staff – times when staff are available are posted on office doors and contact email addresses provided in student handbooks
- Student representation at department meetings and Faculty Teaching Committee
- Student progress review and reporting via reserved agenda items at department meetings
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
10. Admissions Criteria
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Classics
19. UCAS Code
Q800
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Classics and ancient history (including Byzantine Studies and Modern Greek)
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/06/2006 |
Date of last revision | 17/05/2023 |
|---|
