Classics

The course

The most rewarding way to study the ancient world is to learn to make connections between what might appear to be quite different aspects of the study. Our discipline considers a whole culture (or series of cultures), and thus each text, each philosophical idea, each pot and piece of sculpture has a rich social and intellectual context which can be explored in ever-widening circles. In the early stages of their course, therefore, Pembroke classicists are encouraged to investigate the whole range of studies available in the Faculty - literary, philosophical, historical, philological and archaeological - so that they can start to make these connections for themselves. With time it is inevitable that different tastes emerge, and students are encouraged to pursue particular interests in depth rather than follow a very tightly controlled schedule. Thus, for example, literature work may cover any period of Greek and Roman antiquity from Homer to the third century A.D., rather than being concentrated on a few more familiar authors.

On a formal level, students in the first two years have at least two supervisions (i.e. tutorial classes) a week. For one of these they will have written and handed in, in advance, an essay on a literary, philosophical, historical or archaeological topic; the supervision, usually in a group of two, focuses both on the essays but also on the wider issues arising from the topic, so that it will become clear why the topic is important. The other regular weekly supervision is devoted to reading and discussing particular texts which have been nominated in advance; emphasis is placed upon developing the critical instincts and techniques which will unlock the pleasures of ancient texts. There are weekly classes in the first year for Intensive Greek/Latin students (ie. those admitted without A-level Greek/Latin) and in both years for students wishing to pursue Greek and/or Latin Prose Composition (this is optional). There are in addition weekly language support classes for both Greek and Latin at the appropriate level. In the first year, there is a termly 'get- together' of the whole group in College with the Director of Studies to discuss particular topics and issues arising from lectures and supervisions, to air matters of a general, methodological kind, and to monitor how the course is going.

The programme for students reading Part II is much more varied because of the wide range of options available, but students can generally reckon on at least one essay and two supervisions a week.

Pembroke Classics

The Classical community at Pembroke is very strong. It includes University Senior Lecturer, Dr Torsten Meissner (Director of Studies, University Senior Lecturer in Classical Philology and Linguistics), Dr Renaud Gagne (University Lecturer in Greek literature and language), and Professor Michael Reeve, emeritus Kennedy Professor of Latin. At any one time there are several graduate students studying for the M.Phil or PhD degree. The College has a large contingent of Classics students, whose performance in University examinations in recent years has been among the best in Cambridge. Furthermore, individual Pembroke classicists have regularly topped the examination list.

Admissions

Pembroke aims to take four or five undergraduates to read Classics each year, though the numbers vary to mirror the quality of the field.

Classics in the University in general has now moved into a new era; it is now possible to do Classics without Latin or Greek A-level and a special four-year course has been designed for this. Please contact Dr Meissner for individual advice if you have neither Latin nor Greek at A-level. Pembroke welcomes this change and we strongly believe that the necessary structures are firmly in place in Pembroke to give students all the necessary linguistic support. We were among the first colleges to admit students for the new course and are keen to maintain our high and diverse profile. The minimum requirement is normally Latin or Greek GCSE. Candidates without Greek or Latin, or both, at A level, are at no disadvantage. No other A level subjects are stipulated or deemed inappropriate.

The admissions process consists of interviews with Drs Meissner and Gagne, and an Admissions Tutor or other non-expert academic. Beforehand, applicants are asked to submit one essay of their choice written for one of their A-level subjects. For those with Latin at A level, interview applicants will be asked to translate a brief unseen passage of Latin; those without Latin A-level but with Greek A-level will be asked to translate a brief passage of Greek; those without either language will undergo a central assessment process operated by the Faculty.

A few undergraduates reading Classics at Pembroke take a year off after completing school before coming up to university, and the College encourages this, although understanding that it is not always possible or desirable.

Further enquiries should be addressed to Dr Meissner at Pembroke.

See also the University Prospectus entry for Classics.

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