Classical and Early Christian Studies

Bachelor of Arts 

(Faculty of Arts)

Are you interested in learning more about the roots and development of Christianity? Does the idea of studying both history and religion interest you? Then consider studying Classical and Early Christian Studies.

The Classical and Early Christian Studies (CECS) program combines the disciplines of Greek and Roman Studies, and Religious Studies, in its focus on the first eight centuries of Christianity. You'll explore the origins of Christianity and its Judaic background, the influence of both Judaic and Greco-Roman culture on its development, the political context in which Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, and the development of the Christian church and its doctrines during this period. The language component is a central feature of the Classical and Early Christian Studies Honours program. You will take challenging and rewarding courses learning Greek, Latin and Hebrew in order to study early Jewish, Christian, Greek and Roman texts in their original languages.

As CECS is only available as an Honours program, it’s also the perfect gateway for graduate studies.

Co-op is also available for Classical and Early Christian Studies students. The Co-operative Education version of the program will give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in up to four paid work terms of three months each. For details, see our Co-op website

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?

More than one interest
The Classical and Early Christian Studies program is an excellent way to pursue interests in both Religious Studies and Greek and Roman Studies. You will have a wonderful opportunity to examine the complex beginnings of one of the world’s most influential religions, while exploring the rich and dynamic history of the Greco-Roman Empire.

A matter of focus
If you are seeking a specialized Religious Studies education, the CECS degree is a focused and specific program examining the first eight centuries of Christianity. Those interested in the historical beginnings of Christianity will be rewarded by the program’s comprehensive approach involving the study of languages used in that period, socio-political structures, and cultural contexts for Christianity’s emergence and growth in the world. The program also offers you insight into modern Christianity by highlighting the historical circumstances of Christianity’s development and evolution over time.

The final word
As a graduate of the CECS program, you are able to read and translate ancient Greek, Latin and Hebrew texts and writings of early prophets, philosophers and theologians. You can rely on your direct readings of the original texts instead of resorting to modern translations.

What will I study in my first year?

Your first year in Classical and Early Christian Studies begin by taking a series of courses that will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of the two disciplines. This degree emphasizes the importance of languages in the study of both Christian and the Greco-Roman Empire. As such, it is strongly recommended that you begin fulfilling the language requirements of the program in your first year.

You are encouraged to explore a variety of option courses in your first year that will compliment your studies in Classical and Early Christian Studies. Many students in the program will begin to fulfill their language requirements, and are encouraged to take courses from the faculties of Communication and Culture, Fine Arts, Science or Social Sciences. For example, you may choose to explore your interests in Astronomy or take a course in Archeology that relates to your program. You could also take a Computer Science course to gain computer skills that employers love seeing on student’s résumés.

What will I study in later years?

As a senior student you will continue your language studies while completing courses that explore a wide range of topics. Some examples are: Greek, Romans and Other Cultures; Roman Antiquity and the Hebrew Bible.

You will also 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?

Not many students will be able to say they can communicate in Greek, Latin and Hebrew! 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
• Conceptual analysis
• Oral and written communication skills
• Editing and revision abilities
• Planning and organization skills
• A wide vocabulary and grammatical knowledge

Graduates from the Classical and Early Christian Studies 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 Classical and Early Christian Studies degree:

• Academic Researcher
• Intelligence Officer
• Legal Assistant / Lawyer
• Museum Staff
• Public Relations Consultant
• Religious Educator
• Social Worker
• Student Placement Officer
• Technical Writer
• Translator

Additional information

Department of Religious Studies