COURSE CURRICULUM

The first year of the Classical Studies program at Acadia University is designed to give students a broad, interdisciplinary foundation while introducing them to the rich cultural heritage of the ancient world. In the first semester, students begin with Roman Civilization (CLAS 1123), which explores the history, politics, and cultural achievements of ancient Rome. Alongside this, students take Writing and Reading Critically 1 (ENGL 1413), a course focused on developing strong academic writing and analytical reading skills—essential tools for success in humanities studies. Students also enroll in a language course other than English (LANG xx13), which could include Latin, Greek, or a modern language, supporting their understanding of classical texts and global perspectives. To round out the term, students take an introductory course in the social sciences and another in the sciences, encouraging well-rounded thinking and diverse academic exposure. In the second semester, the focus shifts to Greek Civilization (CLAS 1113), offering insight into ancient Greek society, philosophy, art, and mythology. Students also continue developing their communication skills in Writing and Reading Critically 2 (ENGL 1423) and build on their language study with LANG xx23. As in the first term, they complete the semester with additional courses in the social sciences and sciences. This blend of classical content and complementary disciplines prepares students to think critically about the ancient world and its relevance to today’s global issues. Small class sizes and interactive learning environments help students engage deeply with course material and build strong relationships with peers and professors. By the end of their first year, students are well prepared for more advanced studies in classical literature, archaeology, languages, and history, with a strong set of academic skills that will serve them throughout their university career and beyond.