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Classics and English

Students should also enjoy the challenge of learning foreign languages and how to appreciate literature in them; and want to investigate the ways in which English literary culture draws inspiration from the great works and genres of the Classical tradition. Classics and English is far more than half a degree in Classics and half a degree in English: each year involves several courses which develop skills in the study of reception, allusion, genre, and intertextuality which unite the two sides of the course.

Typically, students in their first year take courses in commentary (the detailed analysis and discussion of particular texts) and their Classical language, alongside two courses taught by the English tutors on literature in the period 1500-1660. In the second and third years, students select from a range of options, including three ‘bridge papers’, which are jointly taught by the Classics and English tutors, and look at the development and creative reinterpretation of classical genres such as Epic, Tragedy, Comedy, and Satire, or the reception of classical literature in modern poetry. As well as providing a thorough grounding in the major genres of ancient and English literature, we encourage students to pursue their own particular interests.

Oriel College has a strong tradition of Classics and English. Our tutors for both subjects are themselves very committed to the degree. Professor Bruno Currie, Fellow and Tutor in Classics, who teaches the Classics side of the bridge papers and many of the Greek and Latin literature options, is a specialist on ancient Greek epic and lyric poetry. Dr Kathryn Murphy, who teaches the English side of the bridge papers and the period 1500-1800, is particularly interested in the reception of ancient philosophy and literature in the Renaissance in her own research.

There are a variety of paths students can take to this degree, depending on whether they already have one or both of the classical languages. Those with no experience of the language are expected to take a four-year degree, with the first year devoted to picking up at least one of the languages. Those who arrive with A-Level Latin or Greek, or an equivalent qualification, can take a three-year degree. Most students specialize in one language or the other, and it is not necessary to have both.

Admission Criteria

All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT). Candidates will also be asked to submit two pieces of written work in English. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information can be found on the Classics Faculty website.

Departments

Faculty of Classics

Faculty of English

Teaching Staff

Organising Tutor
Dr Kathryn Murphy

Fellow & Tutor in English Literature

Organising Tutor
Professor Bruno Currie

Mason Monro Fellow in Classics | Professor of Greek Literature

Dr Luca Castagnoli

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Clarendon Fellow in Ancient Greek Philosophy | Tutor in Philosophy & Classics

Dr Bethany Dubow

College Lecturer in English

Dr Tristan Franklinos

College Lecturer in Classics | Dean of Degrees

Dr Nicholas Gaskill

Fellow & Tutor in American Literature

Dr Amanda Holton

College Lecturer in English Literature

Miss Charis Jo

Graduate Teaching & Research Scholar in Classics

Mrs Juliane Kerkhecker

Grocyn Lecturer | Fellow & Tutor in Classics | Senior Dean | Steward of the Common Room

Dr Ayoush Lazikani

College Lecturer in English

Mr Jonathan Perris

Graduate Teaching and Research Scholar in English, 1700-1850 | DPhil Candidate in English

OTHER COURSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Classical Archaeology and Ancient History

Number of places 6 for Literae Humaniores (Classics), Classics, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. Admission Criteria Applicants should usually have AAA at A-Level (or equivalent).

Classics (Literae Humaniores)

Number of places 6 for Literae Humaniores (Classics), Classics, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. There are additionally 1 place for Classics and English and 1 (usually) for Classics and Modern Languages. Admission Criteria All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT). Candidates will also be asked to submit two pieces of written work in English. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information can be found on the Classics Faculty website.

Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

Number of places 6 for Literae Humaniores (Classics), Classics, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. Admission Criteria All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT) and the OLAT. Written work is also required. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information about admission requirements for the course can be found on the University website.

Classics and Modern Languages

Number of places Usually 1 Admission Criteria All candidates must take the Classics Admissions Test (CAT) and the Modern Languages Admissions Test (MLAT). Written work is also required. The standard offer is AAA at A Level or equivalent. More information about admission requirements for the course can be found on the University website.

English and Modern Languages

Admission Criteria All candidates are required to sit a test or tests in November (find out more on the University website). Conditional offers are usually AAA at A-level (or equivalent), with A grades required for any language to be studied (except ab initio languages). Candidates have two interviews in the college. As part of the process, candidates are given a short text to read and then discuss with interviewers; they are also expected to discuss their recent reading, both in and out of school.

English Language and Literature

Number of places 5 or 6 (including joint schools) Admission Criteria One piece of recent written work is required. There is no written test at interview, but all applicants will be expected to have taken the ELAT. Candidates have two interviews in the college. As part of the process, candidates are given a short text to read and then discuss with interviewers; they are also expected to discuss their recent reading, both in and out of school.

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