Classical Studies

The study of the languages, history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome has a long tradition at McGill. Classics was among the first disciplines taught at McGill College. It was established in 1834, when James A.B. Ramsey became the first Professor of Classical Literature and History, nine years before the Faculty of Arts opened. Today, Classical Studies integrates Classics and Ancient History under the roof of the History Department. Our students benefit from the resources of closely related disciplines and draw on the academic expertise of scholars from various backgrounds.

Studies in Classical antiquity touch the core of many disciplines in the Humanities. We offer a wide range of courses in Greek and Latin, classical literature, mythology and ancient history. Our classes are strongly inspired by inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinarity. You will also discover that our approaches go beyond the traditional study of the ancient world. For instance, Arts Legacy includes exciting comparisons between ancient Greece and ancient China, active performances and museum trips.

There are many opportunities for you to participate in Classical Studies. You may complete a Minor, Major, Joint Honors, or Honors degree in Classics, or you may choose to complete a History Program with a focus on Ancient History. Graduate studies include an M.A. in Classics or Ancient History, and a Phd in Ancient History. Many Awards and Prizes are available for students who excel in the classroom, and both undergraduates and graduates can join professors on study tours and field projects. Students can also become members of the Classics Students Association and publish their work in the McGill Journal of Classical Studies, aptly titled Hirundo – the Latin for 'swallow', like the martlets found on the McGill coat-of-arms, ever soaring in search of knowledge.