Classical Literature and Philosophy

A Joint Honours degree allows you to study the same core topics as students on each Single Honours course, but you’ll take fewer options and discovery modules so you can fit in both subjects. You’ll also undertake a major research project in either subject in your final year.

Classical Literature

In your first year you’ll study core modules that introduce you to ancient Greek and Roman literature, as well as starting to develop the skills required to analyse them. You’ll develop those skills by exploring in-depth Homer’s Iliad and/or Virgil’s Aeneid, and choosing from optional modules on e.g. Classics in 20th and 21st century literature, or Roman or Athenian Comedy. By the time you reach your final year, you’ll have highly developed research and critical skills and will continue to build your diverse literary portfolio. You’ll also have the chance to begin or continue with Latin or Ancient Greek throughout.

Philosophy

Core modules in your first year will introduce you to topics such as ethics and logic and teach you to construct arguments. This will lay the foundation for the next two years, where you’ll continue to take a broad approach to philosophy by choosing modules from areas such as logic and language, philosophy of science, mind and knowledge or history of philosophy. By your final year you will also have highly developed research and analytical skills.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• After Troy: Homecoming in Greek Epic and Tragedy 20 credits
• Latin Literature: Republic and Empire 20 credits
• IT for LCS Students 5 credits
• How to Think Clearly and Argue Well 20 credits

Optional modules

• Ancient languages - various levels

Year 2

Compulsory modules

You will study either Virgil's Aeneid or Homer's Iliad

• Evidence and Enquiry in Classics 20 credits
• Virgil's Aeneid
• Homer's Iliad

Optional modules

• Traversing Time: The Voyage of Argo 20 credits
• Herodotus and the Beginning of History 20 credits
• Pompeii - Past, Present and Future 20 credits
• Ancient languages - various levels

Year 3

Compulsory modules

• Final year project

Optional modules

• Classics in 20th-21st Century Literature 20 credits
• The City in the Roman World 20 credits
• Ancient languages - various levels

For more information on typical modules, read Classical Literature and Philosophy BA in the course catalogue

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our tutors are experts in their fields, and their teaching is informed by their own cutting-edge research.

We use a range of teaching methods to help you benefit from their expertise, including lectures, seminars, tutorials or occasionally workshops. However, independent study is also central to this degree, since it allows you to develop your skills in research and analysis. You will be able to apply your skills and knowledge in a Final Year Research Project on a topic of your own choice.

Assessment

We also use different types of assessment. Usually we use a mixture of exams and essays, but you may also be assessed on oral presentations or group work in some modules. Support will be on hand throughout your time at Leeds – for example, you’ll be able to attend extra classes on exam technique, structuring an essay and public speaking if you need them.