Is learning languages one of your passions? Do you want to understand the Greeks and Romans in their own words? Are you keen to gain a better understanding of modern languages, including English and French, from their foundations in Ancient Greek and Latin? Is greater proficiency in Ancient Greek and Latin something you want to achieve for personal satisfaction? Do you want to be able to study Biblical or Medieval texts in their original Greek or Latin? Are you looking to meet the language requirements for admission to a graduate program in Classics and Archaeology? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the Certificates in Ancient Greek and Latin Language are for you!
Learners enrolling in the Introductory Certificate in Ancient Greek and Latin Language complete three (3.00) credits of instruction in Ancient Language and related subjects. Two (2.00) of those credits must be drawn from the introductory and/or intermediate sequences in Ancient Greek and Classical Latin. The remaining 1.00 credit is obtained by combining the 0.5 credit course CLAS 1P94 (focusing on Greek and Latin etymology) with any 0.5 credit course housed in the Department of Classics and Archaeology. Alternatively, learners can opt to obtain the remaining 0.5 credit by taking Koine Greek or Classical Hebrew offered by Concordia Lutheran Seminary, or any modern language offered through Brock’s Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.
Classes in introductory (100-level) and intermediate (200-level) Ancient Greek and Latin meet for four hours of instruction each week in a combination of lectures and seminars. Lectures are normally devoted to learning the fundamentals of grammar and acquiring core vocabulary. Seminars provide opportunities to apply that knowledge by reading a variety of Ancient Greek and Classical Latin texts through lightly adapted passages and original works by well-known authors such as Homer, Plato, Cicero, and Catullus. In the Winter term of the 200-level courses, learners focus primarily on reading authors in their original words and complete these courses having read a modest amount of unadapted Ancient Greek or Classical Latin. Assessment in both the introductory and intermediate courses is generally based on formal testing through quizzes and tests; grammar and translation assignments; and participation in reading seminars. Classes tend to be small which enables a high level of interaction among learners and with the instructor, and encourages camaraderie and rapport.
Upon completion of the Introductory Certificate, you should be able to read simple texts in Ancient Greek or Latin (e.g., municipal or funerary inscriptions) and are qualified to enroll in more advanced university-level Greek and Latin language classes
The Enhanced Certificate in Ancient Greek and Latin builds on a learner’s foundations in Ancient Greek and/or Latin through the completion of intermediate and/or advanced-level language study. This three-credit certificate can be achieved through completion of two credits at the 200-level or above in Ancient Greek and/or Latin, plus an additional credit at the 290-level or above drawn from Department of Classics and Archaeology courses in ancient language, history, art, or archaeology; Koine Greek or Classical Hebrew offered by Concordia Lutheran Seminary; or modern language courses in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. In the Fall term of the intermediate sequence, learners begin with a brief review of grammar before being introduced to more complex grammar to develop deeper reading proficiency. In the Winter term, learners concentrate on applying their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary through sustained reading of unadapted passages from Ancient Greek or Latin texts such as the Cyclops episode from Homer’s Odyssey or Book 1 of the Iliad, selected poems of Catullus, or part of a book of Vergil’s Aeneid. Advanced-level Ancient Greek and Latin courses focus on a particular author or genre through reading a substantial amount of a specific work or selections from several works or authors. Additionally, learners engage in more advanced methods of study and analysis such as learning to read Greek and Latin poetry aloud in meter. These courses also introduce learners to relevant critical scholarship on texts so their value as works of literature and historical documents can be appreciated further. Advanced Greek courses frequently focus on Homer, Euripides, Herodotus, and Plato, while advanced Latin courses often focus on Caesar, Cicero, Ovid, and works by Latin biographers.
Assessment for the intermediate sequence is generally based on a combination of tests, grammar assignments, and class participation. In advanced-level language courses, considerable emphasis is usually placed on active participation in reading and analyzing passages of Greek or Latin, as well as assessing works of modern scholarship. Means of assessment often concentrate less on formal testing and more on preparation and engagement in class through translation and analysis of texts, as well as assignments that demonstrate ability to analyze the ancient languages and integrate modern scholarship such as producing commentary on a passage of text or writing a research essay.
Learners who complete the Enhanced Certificate will be well-positioned for entry into a Classics or related graduate program that has ancient language requirements, or to continue their studies of the ancient languages at post-graduate levels.
All language instructors in the Department of Classics and Archaeology hold a PhD and have extensive teaching experience in Latin and/or Greek, in addition to an interest in language pedagogy. Instructors are passionate about the study of the ancient languages and Greco-Roman culture and history. The Department includes award-winning professors who have been recognized at Brock and beyond for their teaching. In addition, the Department offers free tutoring by senior-year majors to all learners enrolled in Ancient Greek and Latin courses, as well as mentoring and guidance in all areas of study and university life. The Department also regularly provides extra-curricular opportunities for learners to enhance their classroom learning including workshops on topics such as ancient inscriptions or archaeological illustration; research talks by university faculty and visiting scholars; a public lecture series through affiliation with the Archaeological Institute of America; and a monthly gathering called the Mensa Latina led by instructors in the Department for enthusiasts of the Latin language and Roman culture.
Program Information
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN STUDYING ANCIENT GREEK AND LATIN AT BROCK
- Comprehend Latin and Ancient Greek
- Compose simple Latin and Greek sentences with proper tense
- Understand the relationship of Latin and Greek to modern languages
GREEK AND LATIN CERTIFICATE FOR:
- University Graduates wanting language credits for Masters Program application
- Mature learners who want to refresh their knowledge
- New learners who want to learn ancient languages and acquire language skills
- Anyone interested in studying Biblical or Medieval texts in original language
OUTCOMES:
- More qualified for admission to related graduate programs
- Better communication skills
- Further developed critical thinking skills
- Foundations for further learning of multiple modern languages
Ancient language courses at Brock are taught by engaging instructors who have a passion for teaching languages and care deeply about learner success. Several have won awards for their teaching! Class sizes are small and all components are taught by the instructors who are actively engaged in research which enhances classroom learning. The Department offers a rich selection of extra-curricular opportunities such as workshops on ancient inscriptions and archaeological illustration, plus a student club devoted to interests in Classics and Archaeology.
All courses in the ancient languages are taught by instructors who hold a PhD in Classics and have extensive experience teaching Ancient Greek and Latin. Several are award winners and all focus on language pedagogy. Learners can also take advantage of departmental research talks, workshops, peer-mentoring and study supports that provide opportunities for learners to meet scholars not only from Brock but beyond. In addition, the Department is affiliated with the Archaeological Institute of America which holds a public lecture series hosted at Brock that offers further opportunities for engagement. Workshops held in the department have been led by retired Brock professors and alumni who have professional expertise in their areas of interest.
Introductory Certificate in Ancient Greek and Latin Language
One credit from:
| Course Code | Course Description |
| LATI 1F00 | |
| LATI 2P01 | |
| LATI 2P02 |
One credit from:
| Course Code | Course Description |
| GREE 1F00 | |
| GREE 2P01 | |
| GREE 2P02 |
One credit from CLAS 1P94 and 0.5 CLAS credit numbered 1(alpha)90 or above, one Koine Greek credit, one Classical Hebrew credit, one language credit from the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Enhanced Certificate in Ancient Greek and Latin Language
Two GREE and/or LATI credits numbered 2-00 or above
AND
One credit from the following:
- CLAS, GREE, LATI 2-90 or above
- One Koine Greek credit
- One Classical Hebrew credit
- One language credit from the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures
- The Introductory Certificate has no prerequisites. The Enhanced Certificaterequires completion of a full (1.00) credit in either Introductory Greek (GREE 1F00) or Latin (LATI 1F00).
TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS
- A laptop or desktop computer with internet access and access to word processing software.
September Start
Please check the timetables for course availability.
| Intake | Cost |
| September 2022 | $6,089 |
| January 2022 | $6,089 |
| May 2023 | $6,089 |
The above cost is approximate. Please see undergraduate tuition rates
This program may have additional costs such as materials, supplies, textbook and ancillary fees.
Program Details
Type: Certificate (Credit)
Format: Full-time or part-time
Delivery: In person
Duration: 8 months full-time
Frequency: Various