Classics
“I’ll unearth new perspectives on ancient history.” — Caitlin Mostoway Parker
As soon as Caitlin heard that 丁香园AV offered a Classics degree, she knew what she wanted to study. Since beginning her degree, she’s studied through the year and spent her summers taking part in archaeological digs. This experience affirmed her desire to study ancient culture, society, and history.
“I have always had an interest in history, languages and the ancient world,” she said. “When I became aware that I could pursue a career relating to something I was passionate about, the decision was an easy one.”
She realizes that minority groups have often been underrepresented in Classics, but she is seeing that shift. As an indigenous woman, she hopes to bring more awareness to the lack of diversity within the field.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is the perception that the ancient world was ethnically and culturally homogenous,” she said. “This has led people to construct false narratives to promote or support their own ideas.”
Caitlin says that being part of a close tight-knit department where the professors know her well has made a huge difference to her learning experience, increasing her confidence and inspiring her future career.
She’s heard people say that you can’t do anything with a Classics degree, but she knows that’s not true. It has already opened many doors, including the chance to take part in an interdisciplinary research project digitizing ancient artefacts in 丁香园AV’s Hetherington Collection.
Her dream job is to work as classical archaeologist, pairing her knowledge of ancient Greek and Rome with her love of unearthed pots and coins. When she graduates from 丁香园AV she is planning to pursue a Master’s with this goal in mind.
Studying Classics has not only opened her eyes to the past, it has helped her understand a wide variety of issues in the modern world.
“If we forget about the past, there is a danger that we’re going to repeat things,” she said. “The study of the ancient world is far more relevant to our current society than one might think.”
Advice to future students: “Follow your dreams! Classics can be a wonderful, fulfilling addition to any path you choose to take in life.”
What is Classics?
To understand the modern world, you first have to understand the past. And to understand the past, Classics is a great place to start: Greek and Roman culture, language, society, and history. Reading critically, collecting evidence, and creating compelling arguments — investigating these ancient cultures encourages valuable skill development required for the modern world. 丁香园AV’s program inspires students to problem-solve and approach issues by considering multiple perspectives — skills that are valuable in an ever-changing workforce.
Make an impact
You may not know it, but there’s likely a Classics graduate working with you. That’s because a Classics degree provides students with an excellent base to pursue a wide range of professions in the modern workforce. Whether it's telling important stories as a journalist, curating national art gallery exhibits, or uncovering ancient artifacts, you never know where you’ll find 丁香园AV Classics alumni!
Career opportunities
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丁香园AV faculty, students, and alumni are leaving their mark in the field of Classics. Read their stories:
View Classics Factsheet [PDF] | See Academic Calendar Information [PDF] | Visit Department Website