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Greek and Roman civilization
Greek and Roman Civilization (group 6 subject) CAO Code: MH101 | CAO Points 2021: 338
For full details of MH101 minimum entry requirements see p. 42.
> Greek and Roman Civilization involves study of the history, literature, art, philosophy and material culture of two of the most influential periods in human history. > As an interdisciplinary subject, Classics spans an immense range of human experience over some 1700 years, from the late Bronze Age through to the “fall” of the
Roman Empire. Greek and Roman civilizations were of foundational importance for medieval, Renaissance and modern Europe, and can claim an almost global impact. > In Maynooth, students are introduced to the complexities and diversity of the ancient
Mediterranean cultures, through many perspectives. Themes explored in individual modules include mythology and the gods; war and heroism; colonies, cities, civilization and “the barbarian”; ideologies of empire; people and elites; women and gender; friendship, sexuality, and norms of beauty; ideas of justice, law, happiness, and the holy. > All material is studied in English translation. No previous knowledge of the subject is required or expected. Options exist for students to take modules in Greek and/or Latin languages as part of the programme in Greek & Roman Civilization.
Course structure
1st year
BA Bachelor of Arts – Greek and Roman Civilization – Double Major or as a Minor
Greek and Roman Civilization and another subject to degree level. > 15 credits of Greek and Roman Civilization > Choose up to 3 other subjects including Critical Skills from the 5 groups available (maximum 1 subject per group – see groups table p. 45) 2nd year and Final year
> Greek and Roman Civilization as a Double Major or as a Minor > Continue with 1 of your 1st year subjects > Optional 10 credit Elective in 2nd year (see p. 13 for details)
Erasmus/Study Abroad option after 2nd year
For MH101 subject groups table go to p. 45
Possible topics
1st year
> In Semester 1, a module on Greek civilization (“Gods and Heroes: From Myth to History”) explores the world of Homer’s Odyssey before turning to the histories of democratic Athens and militaristic Sparta, and the momentous wars against the vast Persian Empire. > The Semester 2 module on Roman civilization (“Culture, Politics and Society in the Roman Republic”) surveys late Republican Rome, from the daily experiences of ordinary people to the manoeuvrings of leaders like Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Octavian— leading up to the revolution of the Roman world, from republic to empire. > Homer, Troy and Early Greece > Greek Tragedy > Thucydides and Greek Historiography > Ovid: Poet of Metamorphosis, Love, Exile > Power and the People in Imperial Rome > Women in Greece and Rome > Love and Friendship in the Ancient World > Greek Law and Political Theory > Alexander the Great and Macedon > Virgil's Aeneid and Roman Epic > Roman Religion > Roman Law and Society > Ireland and the Classics > Independent Essay Project
2nd year Final year
Why choose this subject? > Tradition and influence. Study of Greek and
Roman civilizations goes back to the foundation of Maynooth as a college in 1795. All the “greats” have studied Greece and Rome in some form, including (but not limited to) Karl Marx, W.B.
Yeats, Seamus Heaney, J.K. Rowling, Mark
Zuckerberg, and even Ryan Tubridy!
> The Department enjoys an excellent reputation for both teaching and research. Staff are friendly, and relatively small class sizes allow students to get individual attention and feel at home.
> Interdisciplinary. Few other degrees offer as much, from heroic epic and lyric songs to philosophical systems to imperial politics. An all-round education that complements many other courses, laying the foundation for success in many careers and walks of life.
Options after graduation?
> In our fast-changing world, many employers look for graduates who are flexible, creative, and open-minded, who can handle a variety of material and perspectives, conduct independent research, write and communicate effectively. All these qualities and transferable skills are developed throughout the degree in Greek and Roman Civilization. Its interdisciplinary nature is therefore highly valued as an ideal preparation for careers in education, law, politics, consultancy, journalism, librarianship, publishing, and business.
> Postgraduate study is possible through our two-year MA in
Classics, our one-year MA in Classical Studies or our one-year MA in Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Thought. A PhD programme is available for suitably qualified candidates.
Greek and Roman Civilization is also available in
MH502 LWD: Law & Arts p. 184 “ Many of the skills I apply on a daily basis in my role as a professional services marketing manager – conducting research, analysing reports and putting forward persuasive arguments – were honed in the
Classics Department at Maynooth University. The lecturers were incredibly supportive and I would recommend Classics as a subject to anyone as it offers graduates a world of opportunity.”
eMer, GrAduAte
Contact us
Maynooth University Department of Ancient Classics, Arts Building + 353 1 708 3316
classics@mu.ie www.maynoothuniversity.ie/ancient-classics @MU_Classics @ancient.classics
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