Course summary

This inter-departmental study programme looks at the comparative study of global literature, with particular attention to the literature and cultures of the classical world. You will research key areas of the topics, and study them from different viewpoints – you will have the opportunity to compare different approaches as well as literary genres, themes and contexts. The Classical Studies and Comparative Literature BA degree is a three-year study programme that comprises of modules totalling 360 credits. Each year, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. Your first year of study will consist of modules covering conceptions, methods and theoretical foundations of Comparative Literature; providing you with a rounded introduction to the subject; developing your analytical skills and introducing you to advanced historical theory and methodology. You will cover a range of Greek and Latin language modules at a level appropriate to your prior knowledge. In the second and third years, you will study further required and optional modules, giving you the freedom to develop a study pathway that reflects your interests. You will also have the opportunity to study abroad in the second semester of the second year or for the whole of your second year. In your final year, you are required to complete a 10,000-word dissertation on an approved subject of your choice and emphasising selfdirected research. The optional modules you will also study will reflect the current research and expertise of staff in the department, providing you with the opportunity to study specialist subjects in-depth. Teaching style We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the programme. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. You will be assigned a personal tutor who will provide support and guidance for your studies Assessment The primary methods of assessment for this course are coursework, assessed essays, written examinations and individual and group presentations. Location The majority of learning for this degree takes place at the King’s College London Strand Campus. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select. Greek Play The King’s Greek Play has been an annual tradition since 1953 and it is the only production in the country to be performed every year in the original Greek. Students (with all levels of Greek) participate in the direction, production and performance of the play, bringing to the stage playwrights from Aeschylus to Aristophanes. Rumble Fund In 2013 the Department of Classics created the Rumble Fund following a generous donation by a former student. This fund is used each year to pay for a group of students to visit classical lands as part of their degree programme. Classics Society Students run the Classics Society, which publishes the Satyrica newsletter and organizes regular lectures, theatre outings, themed parties, private tours around museums, nights out and trips abroad – in recent years, group expeditions have been made to Italy and Turkey. Iris Project The department also promotes teaching Latin in disadvantaged primary schools through the Iris Project; this offers students a highly unusual experience that is both enriching and will impress future employers. Study abroad You also have the opportunity to study abroad for either the second semester of the second year or for the whole of the second year. Partner institutions currently include: University of Auckland University of Melbourne University of Toronto (Full year only) University of California University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Up to five places exclusively available for Classics students) University of Sydney