WHAT IS CLASSICS?

The study of civilisations, with a particular focus on those of the ancient Mediterranean, from
a multi-disciplinary perspective: history, archaeology, art, anthropology, mythology, religion,
philosophy, politics, gender, sexuality and, above all, literature. We also offer degree
courses in the languages of these cultures: Ancient Greek and Latin.

WHAT FIRST YEAR COURSES ARE ON OFFER?

Classics 101 (History, Literature) in the first semester and Classics 102 (Mythology,
Philosophy) in the second semester. NO LANGUAGE ACQUISITION IS REQUIRED FOR
CLASSICS. Latin 101 and 102 (you start from scratch), Greek 101 and 102 (ditto). THESE
COURSES CAN BE TAKEN SEPARATELY.

WHERE AND WHEN ARE THESE COURSES OFFERED?

In the first semester all lectures and tutorials will be posted online on RUConnected. There
will be 3 lectures per week (posted Monday – Wednesday) and a tutorial exercise. There will
also be a Q&A session with the module lecturer online every Friday. When face-to-face
classes resume, the lecture venue for Classics 101 and 102 is Eden Grove Red. Latin and
Greek classes, and Classics tutorials, take place in the Classics Museum and the Seminar
Room (F3 and F4 in the School of Languages building).

CAN I MAJOR IN ANY OF THE CLASSICS COURSES?

Yes, Classics, Latin and Greek are all 3-year majors. You can also begin Classics in your
second year and take it as a 2-year major.

CAN I CONTINUE STUDYING CLASSICS AT A POSTGRADUATE LEVEL?

Yes, we offer Honours, Masters and Doctoral programmes in all three subjects.

WILL THERE BE TUTORIALS?

Yes, there are weekly tutorials in all three. You will be assigned to a tutorial group/tutor in the
first week and tuts will begin in the second. In the first semester, while classes are online,
tutorial groups will meet each Friday as a WhatsApp group. Your assigned tutor will mark
your coursework and provide any guidance you need.

WHO ARE MY LECTURERS?

The permanent teaching staff are Peta Fox (p.fox@ru.ac.za), Daniel Malamis (d.malamis@ru.ac.za), and Obert Mlambo (obert.mlambo@ru.ac.za). Lecturers can be contacted by email for any Classics related questions.

WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF CLASSICS?

Classics will encourage your critical thinking and develop your writing skills. You will gain
knowledge of the ancient past and an understanding of its broadest patterns. You will read
some of the greatest literature ever produced and develop an appreciation of ancient art and
literature.

Last Modified: Thu, 29 May 2025 10:49:57 SAST