Ancient and Medieval History

Bachelor of Arts 

(Faculty of Arts)

In Ancient and Medieval History, you’ll focus on the political, economic and social development of the Mediterranean world and western Europe from the 4th century BCE to the 15th century CE. Pour through texts covering the rise and fall of the glorious Roman Empire, and read about the exploits of Roman emperors throughout the ages – the good and the more notorious ones (like Caligula). See how the social, political, economic, intellectual and legal legacies of the Roman Empire continued to have a significant impact on the Middle Ages. You’ll also examine how early modern Europe was formed and how monastic traditions, the early Christian church, and the economic, political and social climates of the time helped to shape the world we know today.

Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) program offers you access to small classes and direct contact with instructors. You’ll have an individualized learning experience and a greater opportunity for participation. Some of courses are also available online.

The Honours program and Co-op are availble for Ancient and Medieval History students.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission applicants are required to present appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.

Application/Document Deadlines

Why take this program?

Past loves
The Ancient and Medieval History degree allows students to combine interests in History, and Greek and Roman Studies, in a single comprehensive program. For those who want to explore the earlier parts of human history, this program is a terrific way to study the first half of Western civilization up to the Renaissance.

Ancient history and future prospects
An education in ancient and medieval history does not prepare you for a specific job, but allows you to pursue a wide range of careers by giving you a strong foundation of transferable skills that many employers look for in today’s highly competitive job market. Some graduates go on to post-graduate studies in law and medicine, while others find success in the engineering and business fields. Whatever your career plans, this degree gives you a broad perspective on events and problems, and develops your capacity for flexible and lateral thinking to meet challenges in a variety of work environments.

The guided tour
You can be your own tour guide whenever you visit Western Europe or the Mediterranean! An Ancient and Medieval History degree helps you develop a greater appreciation for the cultural and social nuances of this historically rich and complex region of the world, and enables you to better understand how societies and their internal structures can evolve over time.

What will I study in my first year?

It is strongly recommended that as a first-year ANME student you complete both History 201 and Greek and Roman Studies 205. These courses provide an historical overview and will help you to develop a solid understanding on which to build in your senior years.

As a student of the Humanities, you are encouraged to explore a variety of option courses in your first year that will complement your studies in Ancient and Medieval History. Many students take courses in second languages (Greek and Latin are available and would complement your degree), and are encouraged to take courses from the faculties of Communication and Culture, Fine Arts, Science or Social Sciences. For example, you may wish to explore an interest in Film Studies or Sociology. You could also take a Computer Science course to gain computer skills that employers love seeing on students’ résumés.

What will I study in later years?

As a senior student, you will have the opportunity to take more tailored courses that cover a variety of topics including the Roman Empire, Alexander the Great, early Greece, and magic, science and religion in European history.

What can I do with this degree?

The great thing about studying a field in Humanities is that you’ll graduate with a number of marketable skills including:

• Analytical thinking and reading
• Oral and written communication skills
• Editing and revision abilities
• Planning and organization skills
• A wide vocabulary and grammatical knowledge

Graduates from the Ancient and Medieval History program have a number of career options available to them in a variety of industries. Here is what some U of C grads have done with their Ancient and Medieval History degree:

• Academic Researcher
• Advertising Copy-Writer
• Cryptologist (someone who codes or decodes hidden information)
• Fundraiser
• Legal Assistant / Lawyer
• Museum Staff
• Public Relations Consultant
• Student Placement Officer
• Technical Writer
• Translator