Course summary

Social Anthropology and Classical Literature and Civilisation are two complementary subjects that can be studied alongside each other at undergraduate degree level. Social Anthropology is the study of humans, past and present. You will embrace the diversity of Greek and Roman culture, drawing together literature, drama, myth, religion, history, philosophy and art in Classical Literature and Civilisation. On the Social Anthropology side of your undergraduate degree course, you will develop a distinctive set of skills and attributes. You will learn how to search for, select from and evaluate sources of information, weigh up arguments, and present your findings effectively. As an anthropologist however, you will also become sensitive to the assumptions and beliefs that underlie behaviour in a range of social and cultural contexts, and this will give you a critical edge. In your Classical Literature and Civilisation studies, you will have the opportunity to study the classical civilisations of Greece and Rome, and also the cultures of Egypt, Ancient Western Asia and the Byzantine Empire. You will work with the plays, poems and speeches that have come down to us from antiquity, and study the monument, religion and mythology that make up classical civilisation. Why study this course? Taught by the very best – You will study alongside some of the finest minds at university. Times Higher Education ranked the Department of African Studies and Anthropology 2nd in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise (based on Grade Point Average). Our Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology was ranked in the Top 10. Exceptional learning resources – You will have access to a range of learning resources including environmental and material culture teaching collections at the University of Birmingham; the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum; the Eton Myers Collection and the Danford Collection of African art and artefacts. Immerse yourself in an ancient language – Take advantage of learning another languages and dive deeper into literatures that will shape your knowledge of the Classics. The Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology provides a diverse range of opportunities to enrich your student experience. For example, students have been involved in the Classics in the Community project, working with teachers on developing new ways of telling ancient stories. Top 15 for Anthropology in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023 Top 15 for Anthropology in the Complete University Guide 2023 Top 10 for Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology in the Guardian University Guide 2023