BA Philosophy and Classical Studies

Program Overview

The BA Philosophy and Classical Studies at the University of Reading combines exploration of fundamental ideas in philosophy and immersive study of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. With small class sizes and dedicated attention, students develop critical thinking, logical analysis, and argument evaluation skills highly valued in various professional fields. The program offers opportunities for placements, study abroad, and a diverse range of optional modules to tailor the learning experience to individual interests.

Program Outline

Philosophy and Classical Studies at the University of Reading will equip you with the ability to think logically, to evaluate arguments critically, and to challenge your own ideas and those of other people. In Philosophy, you will learn about the central philosophical principles, concepts, problems, texts and figures, from leading experts whose research strengths lie especially in moral philosophy and the philosophy of the mind and language. Small class sizes in both our Department of Philosophy and Department of Classics ensure that students receive dedicated individual attention. In Classical Studies, you will learn about the literature, history and culture of ancient civilisations. Through the study of translated texts you can discover how the ancient world has influenced modern literature and culture. You will explore themes of poetry, tragedy and love in classical literature, art, and performance. You can also enhance your knowledge of the ancient world through Latin and Greek language modules or gain an understanding of the period through different media, for example through drama and films from Ben-Hur to Gladiator. In the Department of Classics, 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4 , 3 and 2 submissions – Classics). Modules such as Ancient Philosophy will give you a chance to combine what you have learned in Philosophy and in Classical Studies, as you learn about the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle.

Outline:

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
• Reason and Argument
• Great Works in Philosophy
• Texts, Readers, and Writers
• Ancient Song
• Optional modules:
• Radical Philosophy
• Global Justice
• Roman History: the rise and fall of the Republic
• Latin 1-3
• Ancient Greek 1-3
• Philosophical Skills for Life

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
• Ethical Argument
• Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy
• Ancient Epic
• Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander
• Optional modules:
• My Mother's Sin and Other Stories
• Greek Sculpture and Architecture
• Curatorship and Collections Management
• Latin 2-4
• Ancient Greek 2-4
• Careers for Classicists and Ancient Historians with Placement
• Careers for Classicists and Ancient Historians
• Ancient Drama
• Roman History: From Republic to Empire
• Museum Learning and Engagement
• Meaning and the Mind
• Global Philosophies

Year 3

• Compulsory modules:
• Dissertation in Classics
• Independent Learning Module
• Dissertation in Philosophy
• Independent Project in Classics
• Optional modules:
• Philosophy of Language: Animals, Babies, Colours, and Language Death
• Free Will and Responsibility
• Latin 3-6
• Ancient Greek 3-6
• 'Race' and Ethnicity in the Ancient Greek and Roman Worlds
• From Classroom to Courtroom
• Early Chinese Philosophy
• Current Moral Philosophy
• Fairness
• Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
• Society and State in Ancient Greece
• The Scandal of Film
• Hume and Wittgenstein
• Speech Attacks: Bullshit, Lies, Propaganda
• Paradoxes
• Metaphysics

Teaching:

Small class sizes in both our Department of Philosophy and Department of Classics ensure that students receive dedicated individual attention.

Careers:

Philosophy and Classical Studies will equip you with a range of transferable skills in clear thinking, logical analysis and the critical assessment of argument. Such skills are greatly valued in a variety of professional careers such as law, politics, management and marketing. Overall, 93% of graduates from the Department of Classics are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation [1]. Our recent graduates have gone on to a wide variety of careers, including work in accountancy and banking, government and the civil service, law, heritage and museums, teaching, publishing, public sector management, libraries and archives, and media research and production. Recent employers include GCHQ, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the University of Oxford, the British Museum, the NHS, the Environment Agency, and Sotheby's. Around one in four of our students continue their studies, including conversion courses, and teacher training.

Other:

• You can undertake a placement at any point in your degree and work in a company or charity relevant to your final year studies.
• Other students have chosen to study abroad for one term in their second or final year.
Partner institutions include universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan or Australia.

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students:
£9,250
• New international students:
£22,350