Degree Maps : Faculty Humanities and Social Sciences : Memorial University

2024 - 2025

CLASSICS

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As the oldest academic discipline with traditions stretching back into antiquity itself, classics is the study of 2000 years of history in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations - from the Minoans and the Mycenaeans in the Bronze Age to St Augustine in Late Antiquity. It is one of the most holistic and multidisciplinary of modern academic fields. Students in classics study Greek and Roman societies in all their aspects including language, literature, history, philosophy, science and technology. It also covers the material culture of ancient society – the art, the houses, the fortifications, the temples, even the cooking pots. Modern western culture grows from these ancient roots, and knowledge of classical antiquity provides students with a broad cultural vocabulary, which helps them to understand western literature, laws and cultural institutions.

See the "My Degree Tracker" link above, for a suggested pattern of course sequencing for this major.

	Year One	Year Two	Year Three	Year Four and Beyond
STUDIES	To earn a Bachelor of Arts you must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours including the following degree components: core requirements, major or honours program, minor or second major, and electives. Work towards the completion of the BA's core requirements. Record your progress in the degree tracker. Ideally you should declare your major program by the end of the winter semester. Before you do, meet with an HSS academic advisor to review your intended degree requirements. Students who are not declared in an HSS major program (by the last day of exams for the winter semester) will not be eligible for the HSS Dean's List or HSS scholarships.	Finalize the BA core requirements (CRW, LS, and QR). Declare your second required program (minor or second major). Consult Undergraduate Program Directors and the Calendar, including the general undergraduate academic regulations and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences regulations. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. Why not consider: applying for admission to an honours program or Co-op (if available). supplementing your degree with a certificate or diploma. Request an official degree audit when you complete 60 credit hours of course work.	Cross-check your degree advice with the University Calendar regulations, contact your department for information about honours program regulations/requirements. Check your Departmental web page for ongoing research. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. If interested in pursuing a Masters program, discuss this with your department. Request an official degree audit when you complete 90 credit hours of course work.	Ensure all BA core requirements have been fulfilled. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. When completing your final courses you must apply to graduate as per the steps to graduate web page. Make sure you apply before the deadlines posted on this web page. If you plan to attend convocation, keep an eye on the Convocation FAQ web page for information on registering for convocation (requesting tickets, booking academic dress, etc.).
STUDY TIPS	Begin your degree workplan with the Academic Advising Centre Be an active student; carefully examine your course syllabus, attend class, participate, ask questions, and visit instructors during office hours Improve your writing skills, avoid plagiarism, and maintain academic integrity with the help of the Writing Centre in SN 2053 Study tips, individual, and group counselling are available at the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre Seek support for disabilities, illness, mental health, and injuries through Accessibility Services The Academic Success Centre is a resources hub created to help students succeed Explore the study tips for years two through four - any tip is always helpful	Update your degree workplan with your academic advisor Complement your degree with certificate and diploma programs Explore scholarships and funding Understand rules through the Student Code of Conduct Do you have more than 60 credit hours? Get an official degree audit Have questions about your official degree audit? Follow up with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Assistant Registrar at arts_registrar@mun.ca Avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity	Request a final official degree audit after winter semester to ensure you are on track for graduation Have questions about your official degree audit? Follow up with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Assistant Registrar at arts_registrar@mun.ca Seek advice from instructors about graduate or professional schools Consider grants for graduate or professional studies in the fall Be mindful of application deadlines for professional and graduate schools everywhere and apply early Approach your instructors for academic references for future academic and professional endeavors	In September - if you have not had an audit within the last 3 semesters, request one now. The audit will ensure you are on track for graduation Finalize applications and academic references for professional or graduate school Graduation process: Apply to graduate before the deadlines posted in the graduation menu of your Self-service account
CAREER	Pondering your future career interest? Student Life offers career advice. Consultations with an experienced career advisor as well as professional development events are available. Current students can book a Career advising appointment through Navigate. Explore career interests with Career Cruising Learn how to build a professional resume/CV Gain experience by getting involved on campus and in the community.	Learn about the career versatility of the BA through BA Professional: A Career Conversation Series. Watch episodes on demand to hear from Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences alumni on how to build a successful career. Explore on-campus and summer jobs through MUCEP, ISWEP, and SWASP for exposure to research and administration Attend fall Career and Graduate School Fair and Summer Job Fair Meet up for career conversations, gain a better understanding of what careers are available with your degree and develop your networking and communications skills, in-person or online through the Meet Employers sessions.	Explore career interests related to your major(s). Seek opportunities to network in your community. Attend employer networking events such as Coffee and Connect Contact Student Life for Career planning advice. Ask about the Externship program. Get tips for your interview, or book a mock interview through Student Life. Check out the Peter Gzowski Internship Apply for a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement - micro-placements program (5 or 10 days) available to all full-time and part-time undergraduate students at Memorial.	Prepare for life after graduation. Attend the Career and Graduate School Fair in the fall semester Have your resume/CV critiqued by a Career Advisor. Check out the Graduate Transition to Employment Program (GTEP) Utilize the various Career Resources available through Student Life. Student Life is also available to alumni. Review the Graduating Student Handbook.
INVOLVEMENT	Register and attend the HSS welcome event Join the Classics society Attend departmental and society events Explore on- and off-campus volunteer opportunities through the Student Volunteer Bureau Attend the Get Involved and Volunteer Expo (GIVE) in the Fall Record your involvement in Memorial’s Online Record of Experience (MORE), an experiential tracking tool that provides students with the ability to record and capture their various co-curricular experiences	Attend departmental and HSS events Register for the VIP (Volunteer Incentive Program) Explore MUNSU services and resource centres Join clubs and societies Explore leadership programs through Student Life Join the HSS online communities on X, Facebook, and Instagram	Continue with previous involvement opportunities Seek opportunities to attend academic conferences through the department Create your own club or society through MUNSU ratification Consider running in MUNSU general elections	Think globally about your academic involvement Complete your Volunteer Incentive Program through the Student Volunteer Bureau Finalize your Memorial’s Online Record of Experience (MORE)
GO ABROAD	Consider Learning Abroad and develop a plan with the go abroad coordinator Explore Harlow Campus opportunities Attend the Global Opportunities Fair in the fall or winter to explore study/work/volunteer opportunities Discuss funding options for academic travels with the go abroad coordinator Explore international exchange programs	Review your plan with the go abroad coordinator Meet with department advisor to ensure you are academically on track to study abroad Know application deadlines and apply early	Prepare for departure with the go abroad coordinator Attend pre-departure orientation Complete pre-departure checklist and reflection Make the most of your travel experience; become a Memorial student leader	Unpack your go abroad experience Attend go abroad debrief and participate in a reflection Add international experience to your resume/CV Seek additional opportunities to work, volunteer and/or study abroad
WELL BEING	Well-being is integral to long-term student success. At Memorial we offer resources designed to maintain your health and equilibrium, and promote academic success. If you're in distress or crisis reach out for help • Become aware of supports available through the MUN Safe app - it is your direct line to a safer Memorial University. If you need a doctor, go to Student Wellness and Counselling Centre • Health and Dental insurance is offered through MUNSU • Foster well-being through online and in-person supports • Open the conversation about sexual harassment • Be a money smart student - know your finances, if you are in need, emergency loans and the campus food bank are available • The Works offers scheduled fitness programs and workout facilities • Living on-campus? Check out residence life • Living off-campus? Check out Off-Campus housing • Be safe with safedrive • Visit Wellness and Chaplaincy during exams • Still have questions? Checkout the wellness videos or talk to a counsellor.

Sophie St. Croix lives in Paradise with her husband and works as an associate with Roebothan McKay Marshall. In 2009, she graduated from Memorial with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in classics and minor in history. Sophie was awarded the Gold Medal in classics as well as several awards and scholarships during her undergraduate studies.

After taking a year off to work as a personal trainer and fitness instructor, Sophie attended the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, graduating with her Juris Doctor in 2013. She completed her articles with Valerie Hynes of Roebothan McKay Marshall and successfully completed the Newfoundland and Labrador Law Society Bar Admission Course in fall 2013, earning the Hunt Award for highest overall average in the course, as well as awards for the highest scores on the criminal law and family law examinations. Sophie was called to the bar in February 2014 and continues to work as an associate at Roebothan McKay Marshall. Her practice focuses on personal injury, civil and estate litigation, real estate, and family law.

In her spare time, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family and binge watching Netflix. She and her husband are busy with three cats – Bella, Abbie, and Roxy – and their year-old Goldendoodle, Sam.

What would your undergraduate self think of your current job?

I do not think that I would have been surprised at where I am today. Although for a couple of years during my undergraduate work I seriously considered pursing graduate work in classics, I have wanted to become a lawyer since I was in the third grade. My undergraduate work was a wonderful time to take courses that interested me and at the same time they allowed me to develop the reading and writing skills that are so important to my career as a lawyer.

What was your biggest challenge when arriving at university and how did you address this?

My biggest challenge was moving to a new province and starting university without any of my friends. Before starting university, I moved to Newfoundland and Labrador from Alberta. My mother, Dr. Patricia Dold, is a professor of religious studies at MUN and is the department head of gender studies. She moved to St. John’s when I was in grade 11 in Alberta, so I stayed behind to finish high school but moved here after graduation. It was very intimidating to start university in a new place where I did not know anyone! This was particularly difficult for me because, although generally (I think) confident and outgoing in an academic and professional setting, I am quite introverted. I faced this challenge by engaging with my peers and I soon found that that Newfoundland generally, and Memorial in particular, is a very welcoming place and I felt at home very quickly.

What resources did you use while at Memorial?

The library was my favorite place; I often went there and had great help from the staff and research resources there. I also took the time to introduce myself to my professors and did not hesitate to ask for help or discuss ideas for papers, research, and so on.

Did you ever meet with advisors, faculty or staff while a student?

I am not sure that I ever did this officially, but I often discussed my future plans with professors as I tried to decide whether to pursue graduate work or go to law school. In terms of planning my courses, I generally did this on my own.

How did your extracurricular activities (on and off campus) influence your success?

I was involved in dancing and some part-time work during my undergraduate studies, and I think those activities helped me develop time-management and multi-tasking skills that are very important in many careers, including law. It is also important to have other interests that keep you “sane” rather than focusing on studies all the time!

Was there an experience you had during your university years that influenced or put you on a path to your current career?

As I said, I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was in the third grade but I loved classics so much that I considered pursuing graduate work instead of going to law school. My mom gave me some advice that really helped me decide what I wanted to do. She said that, yes, doing something you are interested in is very important, but you need to think about what you want your life and career to look like, including where you want to be financially. It is fine to say that you are going to follow your dreams, but you also need to think seriously about what that will mean for your life and whether you are satisfied with that. I had a clear picture of my career goals and how I wanted my life to be and ultimately I decided that pursuing law was a better fit for me.

Did you participate in a study abroad program?

No. I am a bit of a terrible traveler – I am not sure that I could handle living in a different country for months at a time.

What advice do you have for undergraduate students?

You need to find a balance between preparing for your future career and pursuing studies that you are genuinely interested in. For example, if you are thinking of going to law school, there are not very many substantive courses that you “need” to take, but you will need to develop strong reading and writing skills. There are so many areas of undergraduate study and I think that if you choose courses based on subject matter you are actually interested in, you will probably be much more successful. I guess the message is: make sure that you are preparing for your future but do it in a way that you get to study things that genuinely interest you.

Make sure that you are preparing for your future but do it in a way that you get to study things that genuinely interest you.

by Sophie St. Croix - BA ’09, Classics (Memorial), Juris Doctor 2013, Schulich School of Law (Dalhousie), currently an associate at Roebothan McKay Marshall (St. John's)