Why do Honours?
The Honours degree in Classics is an advanced course that enables you to develop higher-level skills and knowledge in the discipline. It is a highly rewarding, intensive academic experience in which you have the chance to work one-on-one with a supervisor and to study alongside other keen and talented students. For many, the Honours degree is the first step towards further postgraduate study in New Zealand or overseas, where a good Honours degree is a requirement.
The Honours degree also develops advanced analytical and communicative skills that are highly valued by employers. And, since the Honours degree is only open to those with exceptional academic achievement, it allows you to stand out from the crowd in a competitive employment market. Recent Classics Honours students have launched careers in curatorship and teaching, while others have won prestigious scholarships to study at major universities in the USA (Princeton, University of Texas at Austin) and UK (Cambridge, St Andrews).
Research essays (CLAS480) and dissertations (CLAS490)
At the Honours level you have the opportunity to tailor your study to suit your own interests, in particular with the dissertation or research essay. Students choose their topics in consultation with a supervisor from the Classics Programme. You work closely with your supervisor throughout the year, meeting to discuss your ideas and research as they progress. At the end of the fourth year you will have written a 5,000-word research essay or a 15,000-word dissertation on the subject of your choice. As well as allowing you to develop the problem-solving and analytical research skills that are so highly valued by employers, this work is excellent preparation for Masters and Doctoral level study in Classics.
Possible subjects
Students choose their topics in consultation with a supervisor from the Classics Programme. In recent years Honours students have investigated (among other subjects) Greek myth (the origins of Artemis), Greek archaeology (the Great Altar of Pergamon), Roman history (the Fall of Nero), Roman religion (Cicero and the Augurate), Greek art (departure scenes on Attic vases), Alexander the Great (his conquests and character) and Roman social history (the lives of upper-class women in Rome).
Learn about the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) on the main Otago website
Requirements for Honours
Honours in Classics
Students wishing to pursue Honours in Classics must have graduated with a BA degree in the subject, including 72 300-level CLAS, GREK or LATN points with an average grade of B+ or higher (or approval from the Head of Programme).
Honours students are required to take 120 points comprising CLAS490 (60 points) and another three 400-level Classics, Greek, or Latin papers. Or, for honours students taking CLAS480 (20 points), five 400-level Classics, Greek, or Latin papers will be required. One 300-level paper may be substituted for one 400-level paper. Any 400-level ARTH paper, 400-level ENGL paper, or 400-level HIST paper may be substituted for one 400-level CLAS paper. The Honours year must be completed full-time.
Students aiming to pursue Honours at fourth year will be well advised to take CLAS331: Research Methods in Classics. This course is designed to cultivate the research skills needed to write the dissertation that forms a substantial component of the Honours year.
Learn about the Major Subject Requirements for BA (Hons) Classics
Double and Combined Honours
Many students wish to complete Honours in two different subjects. Double Honours involves completing a full Honours year in both subjects (and so usually runs to two years in all). Combined Honours involves splitting a single Honours year between two subjecs.
Please discuss your plans with the Postgraduate Coordinator in the Classics Programme before selecting your options for the Honours year.
Honours papers offered
Visit the Papers page for descriptions of the 400-level Classics papers
Admission
Students entering 400-level Honours Classics need to have a grade average of B+ over 72 points at 300-level. Students should have completed at least 360 points (the requirements for the BA).
Any student with the entry level requirement for Honours who wishes to pursue fourth year study part-time can enrol for a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts.
Applying for Honours
In order to enter the Honours programme you need to apply for admission.
BA Honours information on the application process
Applications should be submitted by 10 December, but late applications will be considered.Enquiries and more information
For information about the Honours year, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Diplomas for Graduates, contact:
Dr Sean McConnell
Head of Programme
Email sean.mcconnell@otago.ac.nz