Thinking about a degree in History and Classics? Here's some helpful information about our major programs!

Why Acadia History and Classics?

Acadia offers a personalized education and the History, Classics, and Canadian Studies programs all offer you flexibility in your course selection so that you can explore what interests you. One of the first things you will notice when you arrive on campus is that you are a big part of your small classes. That increased level of contact and participation enhances your learning and improves your connection to professors and fellow students inside the classroom and beyond.

Our experienced faculty will encourage you to share your ideas as you gain insight into past events and civilizations that shaped our world and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to address complex issues facing society, and to understand the role Canada plays on the world stage.

History (BA)

At its core, history is the study of past human experience, and insight into the past will give you a better understanding of present-day situations and future possibilities.

Choosing to study history at Acadia will give you the capacity to understand our modern world and the significant global challenges we all face. As you gain important perspectives on the past and insight into the present, you will develop essential analytical and writing skills.

At Acadia, courses are offered in the histories of Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, as well as in some specialized subjects such as war, revolutions, material culture, gender, science, and the environment. A great number of Acadia students major in history, while many others take history courses as electives and for general interest. Graduates use their background in history to pursue careers in a variety of areas including education, law, journalism, business, and government. The honours degree allows you to focus on more specialized research topics and to prepare for further work in history, archival studies, and museum studies.

Classical Studies (BA)

By choosing Classical Studies you will explore the ancient civilizations that fundamentally shaped our world and influenced the way we live and think today.

By choosing Classical Studies at Acadia, you will grow your capacity to understand the modern world and the significant global challenges we all face.

As a student of classics, you will learn about global history while focusing on archaeology, mythology, and the cultural legacy of Greece and Rome. In order to maximize your understanding of this rich historical context, you will develop language skills in Greek and Latin. The Classical Studies program stresses critical writing and reading skills. In fourth year, you will have the opportunity to write an honours thesis based on primary research in an area of your interest.

The study of classics is an exciting journey of intellectual discovery. It will equip you with a solid grounding in the humanities and can be put to good use in many careers and your professional development.

Canadian Studies (BA)

Canadian Studies majors acquire a range of skills from various disciplines in the Humanities and Social Sciences as they develop a sophisticated understanding of Canadian society.

Canadian Studies is a multidisciplinary program designed to introduce you to various perspectives on Canadian society – its history, political and legal systems, languages and cultures, for example. You are pushed to investigate Canada from the perspectives of disciplines in the Humanities (Art, English & Theatre, French, History) and the Social Sciences (Economics, Politics, Sociology). This will deepen your understanding of current social, cultural and political trends in Canada and their historical roots. You will also develop a breadth of research, reading and writing skills that will enable you to make a significant contribution to Canadian society. It is possible for you to earn a major in Canadian studies alone or to combine it with another discipline to receive a double major.