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Language skills
required, minimum level of B2
Programme length
One year.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
Overview

  • Are you interested in the cultures of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire?
  • Do you want to get a better understanding of the literature, history, religion and philosophy of this period?
  • Do you want to study two subjects?
  • Do you want a minor that will complement a major in history, comparative literature, philosophy, Icelandic, linguistics or religious studies?

Classical studies is taught as a minor as part of a BA degree. A BA programme generally takes three years to complete. A minor is the equivalent of one year of study (60 ECTS) alongside a major (120 ECTS) in another subject. The programme can be completed in a single academic year or spread across more than one year.

It is made up of courses in different subjects at the School of Humanities: literature, philosophy, history and classical languages.

Classical studies is about exploring the cultures of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. The main focus is on their history, literature, philosophy and languages. Classical studies is a combination of history, literary studies, philosophy and linguistics.

Course topics include:

  • Latin (both Classical and Medieval Latin)
  • Ancient Greek (from Homer to the 1st Century AD)
  • Ancient philosophy
  • Ancient history and historiography
  • Ancient literature (Greek and Roman)
  • Mythology and religion

Objectives

The programme provides students with a general knowledge and understanding of Roman and/or Ancient Greek language, history, philosophy and culture, their unique position and impact on European history and culture.

Programme structure

The programme in classical studies is an interdisciplinary introduction to the foundations of Western civilisation. Students are introduced to the two languages, Ancient Greek and Latin, which are the key to understanding classical culture and its legacy. Knowledge of these languages enables students to independently explore the discipline.

Other courses provide a general insight into the main aspects of the culture, but none require an in-depth knowledge of classical languages since they are taught at several different departments. Students will acquire knowledge of the foundations of all humanities subjects.

About classical studies

Classical studies cover a long period of history, at least thirteen centuries. The discipline spans the period from the 8th century BC, when the Greek states were emerging and Homer's epics were written, up until the fall of the Roman Empire in around 500 AD.

But classical studies is not just about the classical period itself; students also explore the legacy of classical culture, how it was understood and kept alive: in the classical languages themselves, literature or philosophy, in the medieval period in the West or the East, and in the modern age.

Icelandic matriculation examination (stúdentspróf) or equivalent qualification. Further information can be found in article 18, regulation on admission requirements for undergraduate study no. 331/2022.

The minor in Classical Studies is an interdisciplinary introduction to the foundations of Western civilisation. Students will require a certain level of knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek; the courses Ancient Greek I and Latin I are mandatory. Elective courses provide a general insight into the primary aspects of the culture, though none of them require an in-depth knowledge of ancient languages, and are taken from different subjects, e.g. philosophy, history and literature, as well as Greek and Latin.

Programme structure

Check below to see how the programme is structured.

This programme does not offer specialisations.

Year unspecified | Fall
Latin I: Beginner's Course (KLM101G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description

This course is a beginner’s course in Latin. No prior knowledge of Latin is assumed at the outset. It introduces the basics of Latin grammar and syntax. Chosen passages will be read in Latin, translated and thoroughly analysed. Teaching consists of 24 lectures on particular aspects of the Latin language and assigned readings.

This course is taught in Icelandic but students can get permission of the instructor to complete assignments and exams in English.

Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified
  • Fall
  • KLM101G
    Latin I: Beginner's Course
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course is a beginner’s course in Latin. No prior knowledge of Latin is assumed at the outset. It introduces the basics of Latin grammar and syntax. Chosen passages will be read in Latin, translated and thoroughly analysed. Teaching consists of 24 lectures on particular aspects of the Latin language and assigned readings.

    This course is taught in Icelandic but students can get permission of the instructor to complete assignments and exams in English.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM102G
    Ancient Greek I: Beginner's Course
    Mandatory (required) course
    10
    A mandatory (required) course for the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course is a beginner’s course in Ancient Greek. It introduces the basics of grammar and syntax of the Attic dialect. No prior knowledge of Greek is assumed at the outset. Reading knowledge of Ancient Greek will be prioritized and chosen passages will be read in Greek, translated and thoroughly analysed. Teaching consists of both lectures on particular aspects of the Greek language and assigned readings. It is essential that students read the assigned materials before each lecture.

    This course is taught in Icelandic but students can get permission of the instructor to complete assignments and exams in English.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM306G
    Roman epic poetry
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Epískur kveðskapur er meðal glæsilegustu minnisvarða klassískrar fornaldar. Í þessu námskeiði kynnast nemendur epískum kveðskap Rómverja í þýðingu. Tekin verða fyrir verk tveggja höfunda: Eneasarkviða Virgils og Þebukviða Statiusar.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • SAG359G
    Medieval Queenship in Northern Europe
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course Medieval Queenship in Northern Europe explores the political, cultural, and religious influence of queens from the early medieval period to the reign of Margarethe I and the Kalmar Union. Although queens often operated in male-dominated systems, their roles in diplomacy, patronage, and governance were critical to the shaping of medieval Northern European societies. This course investigates the ways queens used gender and genealogy to consolidate power, and how their influence extended through religious patronage and cultural leadership. Using a thematic approach, students will examine key figures, analyze primary sources, and engage with historical debates. The course findings underscore the complexity of queenship and its long-term impact on medieval state-building and European politics and make use of both micro- and macro-historical approaches. This contributes to students' understanding of gender dynamics, political structures, and the cultural landscapes of Northern Europe during the Middle Ages.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • GFR104G
    Introduction to the Old Testament
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    A Survey of the History of Israelin Old Testament times . The Faith of thr OT depicted in tems of historical development,but also in relation to the social,politacal and religius situation in the comtemporary peoples and cultures of the Anicent Near East. The origin and the main characteristiscs of the individual books of the OT discussed. The afterlife of some OT texts also discussed.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    KLM303G
    Homer
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course introduces Homer’s epics in translation and in the original Homeric Greek. Their historical background will be discussed as well as the contents of the epics, the metre and poetics.

    Students may work on supervised independent studies (5 or 10 ECTS) based on the text in the original language in connection to the course.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • ABF112G
    Medieval Literature
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course provides an overview of the main literary works in Europe during the Middle Ages. The course covers material ranging from Germanic heroic poetry to the works of the best known authors of the late Middle Ages, such as Chaucer and Dante. The main focus of the course will be to establish an overview of the various genres and literary trends of the period, while closer readings of the works will provide insight into their cultural, ideological and narratological context. Teaching will be in the form of lectures and discussions in class.

    Prerequisites
  • GFR212G
    The Greek of the New Testament
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with a basis on which to read and interpret the texts of the New Testament independently. The main elements of the grammatical structure of ancient Greek will be studied and text examples from the New Testament and other early Christian texts will be read for that purpose. Special emphasis will be put on the knowledge and use of ancient Greek within the fields of theology and religious studies.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • HSP104G
    Ancient Philosophy
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    A survey of ancient philosophy, based upon a close reading of primary texts from the works of the Presocratics, Plato and Aristotle, and their Hellenistic successors. The primary aim is to offer an overview of the development of ancient philosophy. A secondary aim is to offer an insight into the importance of the history of philosophy for philosophy, and deepen the students' competence in reading philosophical works from the ancient world. At the completion of the course, the students should be acquainted with the main periods and individual thinkers of ancient philosophy, their views and arguments. They should be able to give an account of these views, support it with references to the primary sources, and compare the views of different philosophers. Further, they should have gained an insight into the importance of the history of philosophy for philosophy and the historical origins of classical philosophical problems.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • SAG115G
    Death and Rebirth - Introduction to Late Medieval Europe - World History I
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Introductory course on the history of late medieval Europe. Taught in Icelandic; please see full course description in Icelandic

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
    Course taught first half of the semester
  • KLM103G
    Intruduction to Classical Studies
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course is an introduction to Classical Studies. It will deal with the history of the discipline as well as its subject matter and methods: Students will be introduced to classical philology and the various branches of Classical Studies, such as the history, literature, and philosophy of classical antiquity. The course will, moreover, address issues concerning the use of sources, methodology, and conventions in Classics. Students will be introduced to major resources. Knowledge of the classical languages is not required.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM104G
    Greek and Roman Mythology and Religion
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Adultery and murder, cannibalism and incest, fate, responsibility, man and divinity: the subject matter of this course is Greek and Roman mythology and religion. We shall acquaint ourselves with the variety classical myths by reading from primary sources in translation. Knowledge of the classical languages is not assumed. We will discuss the nature of classical myths, their purpose, and connection to Greek and Roman religion, philosophy, literature and arts, historiography and politics. Modern interpretative frameworks will also be considered.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    KLM307G
    Ancient Philosophical Texts
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course studies select philosophical texts. This time we will read the Laws Plato. The Laws are Plato’s longest dialogue as well as his last. It discusses political philosophy albeit in a different spirit from that of Plato’s older dialogue the Republic. In this course we will shed light on the political philosophy contained in the Laws and seek to place it in a wider Platonic context.

    Knowledge of Greek and Latin is not required, but students of Classics may choose to work on a supervised independent study project (5 ECTS or 10 ECTS) centered on an original text in connection to the course. The supervised independent study projects which are available to students with reading knowledge of Ancient Greek and Latin are intended to strengthen their proficiency in Ancient Greek and/or Latin and train them in the reading of original texts.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    KLM107G
    Greek Tragedy
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Obstinance, pride and treachery can have disastrous consequences, nevermind matricide, patricide and incest. Sometimes it almost seems like fate is in charge and fate can be very ironic. All of this is quite familiar from Greek tragedy.

    This course introduces the student to Greek tragedy as a genre. Students will read a number of Greek tragedies in (Icelandic) translation and will become familiar with both the form and content of Greek tragedies. Various aspects of the genre will be discussed, including interactions of mortals and immortals in Greek tragedy, fate and responsibility, gender issues, Greek self-identity and respresentation of the foreign.

    Knowledge of Ancient Greek is not required, but students who are able to read Greek will be asked to submit a translation assignment.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • SAG101G
    Making History
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course introduces students to some of the basic skills that they will use in the study of history. The special character of history and its relationship with other fields of study will be discussed. The students will be introduced to the sources and methods used in historical research and the writing and presenting of historical work. - Students must register for the course in the beginning of their history study (first or second semester, depending on whether they start in January or September).

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Spring 2
  • GFR211G
    The History of Early Christianity
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course contains a discussion of the beginnings of Early Christianity as well as of its historical and ideological background. Special emphasis will be given to the roots of Christianity in early Judaism. Attention will also be paid to the ideological roots of Christianity in Hellenistic thought. Early Christian literature will be discussed with emphasis on a historical approach to the sources. Included is a general discussion of the nature and form of writings of this sort. In this way, a basis will be laid for a qualified interpretation of and research into Early Christian literature.

    Distance learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM405G
    Greek authors of the 1st and 2nd centuries
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course focuses on Ancient Greek texts from the first and second centuries. The period includes diverse writers and genres, e.g. Plutarch, Lucian of Samosata, Pausanias, Appian, Arrian, Marcus Aurelius, and the authors of the Ancient Greek novel, as well as New Testament Greek and other religious texts.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM218G
    Neo-Latin
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course focuses on Neo-Latin texts, i.e. from the time of the Renaissance onwards. During antiquity Latin was a living language of a certain linguistic community, but as it eventually developed into the Romance languages it ceased to exist as a native language. It nevertheless endured as a second language and as such was both spoken and written for centuries. In fact, a majority of existing Latin texts postdates antiquity. In this course we will read select texts from the 15th to the 18th century.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    KLM216G
    The World of Rome: History and Society
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course introduces students to Roman social history. The period from 201 BCE to 180 CE will be emphasized. The main points of Roman history will be briefly discussed, as well as Roman institutions, the Roman social fabric,family life and gender roles, slavery, education, culture, religion, entertainment and daily life. In addition to secondary reading material, some ancient sources will be read in translation (English or Icelandic). No knowledge of Latin is assumed or required.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • ÍSL206G
    Medieval literature
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course focuses on the various ways in which medieval texts can be studied, referring to both medieval or modern literary theory. The characteristics of medieval textual culture will be discussed, as well as medieval attitudes to fact and fiction, entertainment and edification. Texts representing all of the most important genres of Icelandic medieval literature will be read.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    KLM203G
    Medieval Latin
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    In this course we will read selections from medieval literature broadly conceived (from the end og the 4th century to the beginning of the 16th century): poetry and historiography, philosophy and theology. Texts will be analysed grammatically and discussed materially as needed.

    The course will be taught in Icelandic, but students whose native language is not Icelandic may complete assignments and exams in English.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM219G
    Comedy
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Comedy was a popular genre of literature in atntiquity, both in Ancient Greece and in Ancient Rome. They are, moreover, important sources of knowledge about antiquity, for both use of language and various aspects og culture and society. We will discuss features of ancient comedy and read select comedies in translation and to some extent in the original languages.

    Students may work on supervised independent studies (5 or 10 ECTS) based on the text in the original language in connection to the course.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM405G
    Greek authors of the 1st and 2nd centuries
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course focuses on Ancient Greek texts from the first and second centuries. The period includes diverse writers and genres, e.g. Plutarch, Lucian of Samosata, Pausanias, Appian, Arrian, Marcus Aurelius, and the authors of the Ancient Greek novel, as well as New Testament Greek and other religious texts.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM201G
    Latin II: A Selection of Latin Texts
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course is a continuation of LAT101G Latin I. Students will read a selection of Latin texts by various authors.

    This course is taught in Icelandic but students can get permission of the instructor to complete assignments and exams in English.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM202G
    Ancient Greek II
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The course is a continuation of KLM102G Ancient Greek I. The first part of the course resumes coverage of grammar and syntax of Ancient Greek (Attic) where Ancient Greek I left off. During the second half of the course, students will read a selection of Ancient Greek texts by different authors from various periods.

    Students can get permission of the instructor to complete assignments and exams in English.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • FOR204G
    Prehistory
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Prehistory deals with the cultural history of humankind from the persepctive of material culture, from the first tools of around 2,5 million years ago up to the end of the Iron Age (c. 0-800 AD), i.e. the period for which there are no written sources. This course will cover the basic aspects of prehistory, including chronology and definitions of prehistoric society. In addition, the course will look at different aspects of prehistoric social life such as subsistence patterns, burial customs, craft and technology, trade and livelihood. Emphasis will be placed on human evolution in a global context and on later prehistoric Europe (c. 10.000 BC-800 AD). By the end of the course, the students will be expected to have collated a glossary of terms for prehistoric archaeology and understand the main outlines of prehistoric chronology and European prehistory.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • ABF221G
    The Bible as Literature
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    We will read a selection from the Pentateuch and other ancient Hebrew texts, along with most of the New Testament. For comparison we will have ancient Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek and Latin works. The Bible is read as ancient literature and world literature, and there will be a focus on the reception of these texts through the ages, the importance of translations for the reception, and various literary theories related to the Bible, for instance about textual and interpretive societies.

    Prerequisites
  • HSP202G
    Ethics
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course provides an overview of three principal moral theories: Aristotle's virtue ethics as presented in his Nichomachean Ethics, Kant's deontoloical ethics as presented in his Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals and John Stuart Mill's rule ethics as presented in his Utilitarianism.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • KLM105G
    History of Ideas in the Classical World
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    This course will focus on several select themes in the history of ideas in antiquity, including love and friendship, freedom and servitude, happiness, the divine, justice and society, death and the afterlife. Ideas of both Greeks and Romans from the archaic to the classical period will be discussed. Texts will include ancient literature in translation. Knowledge of the classical languages is not required.

    Prerequisites
  • AMV205G
    History of Linguistics
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    The major aspects of the history of linguistics traced from the antiquity through the middle ages till the beginning of the 19th Century. The Old Icelandic grammatical treatises. The major aspects of the history of linguistics in the 19th and 20th century. Emphasis is placed on the theories and discoveries that have been most influential in the development of ideas and methods in linguistics.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • Not taught this semester
    KLM203G
    Medieval Latin
    Elective course
    5
    Free elective course within the programme
    5 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    In this course we will read selections from medieval literature broadly conceived (from the end og the 4th century to the beginning of the 16th century): poetry and historiography, philosophy and theology. Texts will be analysed grammatically and discussed materially as needed.

    The course will be taught in Icelandic, but students whose native language is not Icelandic may complete assignments and exams in English.

    Face-to-face learning
    Prerequisites
  • SAG271G
    The History of Rome
    Elective course
    10
    Free elective course within the programme
    10 ECTS, credits
    Course Description

    Introductory course on the history of Rome. Taught in Icelandic; please see full course description in Icelandic.

    Prerequisites
Additional information

The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.

Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.

Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.

An education in Greek, Latin and classical studies (or classics) can lead to a wide range of career opportunities.

The study of classics or classical languages provides students with training in a unique blend of skills in different academic fields: languages and linguistics, history and literature.

Due to the diversity of the subject, students learn to think both analytically and holistically. They also gain language skills and an understanding of the nature of different sources, how to approach sources critically and close read a variety of texts. The programme offers a humanities education par excellence.

Classical studies at the University of Iceland aligns with the fundamental role of a university: to develop students intellectually and train them in critical thinking, precision and good working practices.

An education in this area can open up opportunities in:

  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Journalism
  • Writing
  • Publishing
  • Tourism
  • Politics

This list is not exhaustive.

  • The student organisation for Greek and Latin students is called Carpe Diem and was established in 1976.
  • Carpe Diem has organised an annual gala for students and teaching staff and runs a chat group on Facebook for former and current students as well as teaching staff.
  • Carpe Diem appoints representatives to take part in an annual consultation on course offerings.

More about the UI student's social life

Students' comments
Sólveig Hrönn Hilmarsdóttir
One of the things that attracted me to studying the classical languages, Latin and Greek, is how varied the studies are. In my studies in Iceland, and as an exchange student at Glasgow University I have taken courses on all aspects concerning antiquity, Latin, Greek, linguistics, literature, history, philosophy, and art. The degree thus provides a good foundation in a broad field, and in many ways, I think classical languages is the most interdisciplinary programme offered at the University of Iceland. The teachers are very enthusiastic about their field and always ready to assist students and talk to them.
Portrait photo of Trausti Örn Einarsson
Studying classics offered deep insights into ancient Greek and Roman culture, language, philosophy, and literature. I highly recommend it to anyone fascinated by these influential civilisations and their impact on the modern world.
Kristrún Ósk Óskarsdóttir
Since I can remember, I have had a great interest in Ancient Greece and Rome. In my studies of classical languages, Latin and Greek, I have gained a deeper understanding of the language and culture of these civilizations. The programme is diverse, covering the languages and the rich cultural heritage of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The teachers are highly knowledgeable in their field and always ready to assist students. I believe that anyone interested in classical antiquity and its influences on the present should be able to find something suitable among the many courses available.
Portrait photo of Hörður Brynjar Halldórsson
I chose classical languages to read original philosophical texts. My interest in ancient cultures and languages grew, as did my fascination with Icelandic. The programme is both challenging and enjoyable, with supportive teachers. I highly recommend it.
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