The Ancient History major focuses on two of the great civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean, Greece and Rome. These civilisations have been enormously influential down to modern times: the Greeks invented democracy, history, philosophy and the scientific method, while the Mediterranean has never again been united as it was under Roman rule, and Rome’s legacy continues to resonate in modern oratory, law, urbanization and international relations. Much of Western culture claims descent from Greece and Rome, yet these ancient societies were also exotically different from our own.

The First Year courses in Ancient History treat Classical Greece and Late Republican Rome, while also training students in how to use and read ancient sources (in translation). Later Year courses will cover a range of periods and aspects of Greek and Roman history, including politics, war and imperialism, society and economy, and mythology, art and architecture. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Due to structural changes in the undergraduate program rules in 2012, the courses that make up the new 2012 majors may be different to the pre-2012 majors, and therefore some courses cannot be counted between majors.  Students are advised to contact the CASS Student Office if they are unsure about their Majors.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this major, students should be able to

1. speak with some authority on ancient Greek and Roman history;
2. think critically and analytically about major issues and controversies in ancient Greek and Roman history;
3. write more effectively and critically, and master oral communication;
4. distinguish between primary and secondary sources and critically evaluate them;
5. demonstrate an ability to manage their time, schedules and deadlines effectively
6. to develop a global perspective by studying the histories of two very different and chronologically distant cultures