The Classics unit in the Department of Biblical and Ancient Studies focusses on the history, language and literature of the Greek and Roman worlds. By studying the classical world, one can attempt to understand the origins and central human issues, with particular reference to contemporary South African society.
Classical Studies provides direct access to the roots of modern culture and civilisation. Historically bound to subjects such as Christian Theology, Law and History, Classics also embraces various other disciplines such as Literature, Art and Architecture, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, Linguistics, Religious Studies, Orality, Mythology and even the sciences. This unique breadth makes Classics a multi-dimensional discipline which can be studied on its own or in direct conjunction with any other subject in the faculty.
At the undergraduate level, we offer one major, namely Ancient History. We offer Classical Studies at all postgraduate levels, allowing students to specialise in Classical Culture, Ancient History and Greek or Latin. In addition, we have SLPs in Basic Greek, Basic Latin and Advanced Latin.
The Major in Ancient History consists of the following modules that form a major for a BA degree:
| Name | Office | Telephone number | E-mail address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit leader | |||
| Dr AJ Ryan | WMM 8-118 | +27 12 429 6745 | ryanaj@unisa.ac.za |
| Administrative staff | |||
| Mrs Esther Mema-Dyasi | WMM 8-128 | +27 12 429 4711 | memae@unisa.ac.za |
| Mrs Rodo Mbendane | WMM 8-129 | +27 12 429 6812 | mbendr@unisa.ac.za |
| Academics | |||
| Prof MEA de Marre | WMM 8-113 | +27 12 429 6394 | |
| Dr M Kirby-Hirst | WMM 8-112 | +27 12 429 4863 | kirbyma@unisa.ac.za |
| Ms AL Naidoo | WMM 8-108 | +27 12 429 6742 | naidoa@unisa.ac.za |
Last modified: 2026/04/02