About Us

Department of Classics

Classics is the study of the Greek and Roman worlds as we know them through art and archaeology, history, languages (Greek and Latin), literature, and mythology. To study the classics is to enter an exciting, interdisciplanary program. We place strong emphasis on experiencing the Greek and Roman worlds by promoting active travel to the Mediterranean, either for study tours (for course credit) or by participating in archaeological excavations. These courses are taught by Brock Classics professors who travel with the students.

We offer an Archaeological Practicum – well regarded in the discipline – that runs every even-numbered year (2008, 2010, 2012 and so on). Study Tours in Mediterranean Lands run every odd-numbered year (2007, 2009, 2011 and so on). Bursaries and scholarships (such as the Trine Varcoe memorial Award) enable students to participate in Brock Classics courses abroad. The Archaeological Institute of America (Niagara Peninsula Society) is housed in the department and is very active, bringing eight speakers to the University each academic year for free, public lectures. It also hosts social events where local members, visiting speakers, faculty, and students interact.

Classics at Brock is more than a degree – it is also a community. Student involvement in the department is strong and highly valued. The Brock University Archaeological Society (BUAS) is a student-run organization for all students of Classics. Each year, BUAS hosts two symposia (conferences): a symposium in the fall in which they present their own work, and one in the spring featuring scholars from across North America. These symposia are characterized by the quality of the programs and their liveliness, but especially by the tradition of being entirely planned, organized and staffed by the student members. The 22nd Annual BUAS Scholarly Symposium will be on the theme of "Pride and Prejudice: City and Country Perspectives in the Ancient World." Students also organize and administer an outreach program dedicated to introducing primary and secondary students to the field of archaeology as well as various social events.

Each May, the Department also hosts the Ontario Student Classics Conference (OSCC), a competitive gathering of over 500 Ontario high school students and teachers devoted to promoting the study of Classics. Events include chariot races, contests in Latin and Greek, and numerous artistic displays including sculptures, models, and mosaics. Brock University has been named the permanent host institution for the OSCC for 2003-2012.

We hope to see you in our classes or at any of our many events over the course of the year!