Student testimonials

‌‌Testimonials from Classics students

A selection of comments from second- and final-year students in 2018–19.

Q: Why did you choose to do Classics?

• ‘Interest in mythology and language history’ (Alex)
• ‘I’ve always had an interest in the history of Greece and Rome, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Classics department not only covers this, but delves into language, art, architecture and literature.’ (John)
• ‘The course covers a wide range of topics across great time depth, not just Greece and Rome, but diverse places from Mesopotamia to Ireland.’ (Michelle)

Q: What you do think distinguishes Classics from other subjects?

• ‘The professors are more approachable, the subject is extremely varied and there are many choices and directions to pursue within it, and there is a lot of communication between the department and other departments, as well as extracurricular lectures and events.’ (Alex)
• ‘It tackles more then one field, there is a certain amount of archaeology in the form of Greek pottery and architecture, you learn about ancient thought and literature through the study of tragedies and ancient epic and there is a good amount of following the development and spread of language, which I was shocked to find how much I enjoyed learning about.’ (Eamonn)
• ‘Classics is an incredibly diverse subject, encompassing art history, architecture, languages, philosophy, ancient literature, ancient imagination, and much more besides. […] Studying Classics, one quickly comes to realise that what most concerned the ancients (love, justice, politics, identity, virtue, the divine, etc.) are all abiding concerns which might best be described as trans-historical.’ (James)
• ‘The multidisciplinary nature of the subject allows you to cover a lot of material in three years which not only gives a very broad perspective of the field, it’s also like doing several subjects in one. I found this kept things fresh and exciting.’ (John)

Q: What is/are you favourite aspect(s) of the course?

• ‘The open-ended nature of many of the assignments and studies, the connections between languages courses, and the open and encouraged communication between students and professors, and students with other students.’ (Alex)
• ‘It was a great joy to attend lectures and tutorials where we were guided by great specialists, passionate researchers, and talented pedagogues. The enthusiasm of these scholars appeared to be contagious, and contributed immensely to our general studies and independent researches.’ (Alina)
• ‘I really enjoyed the language and linguistics aspect of the course, which is what I thought I’d enjoy the least! Learning Latin has changed the way I look at all modern languages, and it’s something I find myself using a lot since I’ve finished the degree.’ (John)
• ‘My favourite topics dealt with not only culture in the classical world, but how they influence Irish culture. This really captured my imagination and sparked a real interest in this field.’ (John)

Q: What do you feel you have gained from your study of Classics?

• ‘A stronger ability to research (i.e. finding sources both digital and physical), the ability to focus my interests and thoughts when working on open projects, and a clearer view of what I want to do moving forward with my studies and career.’ (Alex)
• ‘I have gained several life skills from studying Classics. Critical thinking would probably be the first that jumps to mind, the ability to read a section of a manuscript written in the first century A.D. and really understand what the person and subsequent translators had as part of their agenda in writing these things down was a major advantage which has helped massively in my other subjects and in my day to day life.’ (Eamonn)
• ‘I have become better at both critical and creative thinking. I can read with greater focus and more easily comprehend complex ideas. I am also far better at making a coherent and compelling written argument. As a creative writer, my time studying Classics has resulted in me being able to apply an increased depth to narratives.’ (James)
• ‘I came away with a much greater understanding of Latin in particular and languages in general. My knowledge of the English language and its structures has increased greatly since my time with the Classics department.’ (John)
• ‘Classics has complemented my study of history very well: having the opportunity to study similar processes happening in different eras is very useful.’ (Michelle)

Q: What would you say if you were recommending Classics to another student?

• ‘The course is fantastic, the staff are always super helpful and approachable and you will never feel like you are bothering them with questions. It’s a really satisfying course and anyone with a modicum of interest in the ancient world should really consider taking this course, you would not regret it.’ (Eamonn)