B. Registration in Courses
B1. I am thinking of taking a Classics course, but the description says that it is not open to students with credit in a course I have already taken. Can I get permission to take the course?
When a course description says that a course may not be taken by students with credit in a particular course, or that a course was formerly something else, this means that the course currently being offered is substantially the same as the other course. (Classics courses are sometimes renumbered to make our sequences of courses clearer.) You would not be able to get permission to take the course for credit towards your degree. The exception would be if you had failed the other course and wanted to attempt it again.
B2. I would like to register in a Classics course but I don't have the prerequisite. Can I get permission to take the course?
Courses have prerequisites because they build on the foundation of shared knowledge. They are established for certain courses to ensure that students have adequate preparation to succeed in achieving course objectives.
This is especially the case for language courses. For information on prerequisites for Greek and Latin courses, see section E: Language courses.
A number of Classics (CLASS) course descriptions list prerequisites. The listed prerequisites are the Classics courses which are considered to provide the best preparation for the course in question. Most students will have taken those courses and acquaintance with the course material and the text book will be assumed.
However, most Classics courses also allow for admission with the "consent of the Department." For information on how to obtain the consent of the Department, as well as a more detailed discussion of prerequisites, see question B3 below.
B3. I would like to register in a Classics course but the University Calendar says that I can register only if I have the "consent of the Department." How do I get that consent?
In Classics, most courses (other than Greek and Latin courses)
- have no formal prerequisites or
- require one of a selection of prerequisites, or
- require the consent of the Department
The rationale behind the various restrictions is that students require a certain amount of academic preparation for more senior courses, but many courses, both in Classics and in other disciplines, provide good preparation for Classics courses at senior levels.
If a course requires "consent of the Department," you should review the course description and then contact the instructor. You should be prepared to explain what courses you have taken in your program that you believe would provide suitable preparation for a course in this subject area at this level.
The instructor, who is in the best position to decide whether the student is adequately prepared to be able to achieve the course objectives, will consider all the relevant information and make the decision. Some instructors may set informal prerequisites (e.g. completion of prescribed reading prior to registration in the course). The instructor cannot take into consideration irrelevant information (e.g. that a course is offered at a time that suits your schedule).
You should contact the instructor about obtaining consent as early as possible. The instructor may need to consult with colleagues and so may not be able to give you an immediate answer. Do not wait until the deadline for registrations or you may find, if consent is not given, that you are too late to register for an alternative course.
B4. I was unable to register in a course because it was full. Is there anything I can do to get into the course?
If you have your heart set on taking a particular course, you are strongly advised to register early.
If you are unable to register in a course because it is closed to the On-line Registration System (Beartracks), contact the Department of History and Classics to see what the restrictions are.
After the beginning of term, consult the instructor. In certain cases, it may be possible for the Department to allow an additional registration. This will not be possible if the maximum number for the room has been reached in accordance with fire regulations.
If space is available, and the registration deadline has not yet passed, you should contact the History and Classics Department Office. The Office can register you in the course.
If space is available, but the registration deadline has passed, you will need to complete a form in the Department ("Courses to be Added/Deleted"). Registration after the deadline must be approved both by the Department and by the Arts Faculty before being sent to the Office of the Registrar. Late registration is normally permitted for only one week following the applicable "Add" deadline.
If the class limit has been reached and you are unable to register, check Beartracks or consult the Department's Course Guide for alternative courses.
B5. I am an "Open Studies" student (a part-time student taking selected university-level courses without following a specific degree program, University Calendar, 220). I would like to register in a Classics course and the University Calendar lists the course with an "L" (delayed registration only). How can I decide whether to include the course in my program plan?
Many Classics courses can be taken by Open Studies students. In a few cases, courses are not specifically designated in the University Calendar as Open Studies courses, so you would need to contact the instructor about obtaining consent to register.
Courses designated "L" are available on a delayed registration basis only (registration is not permitted until August). This is to ensure that places are available for Classics students who require the courses to complete their programs.
One exception is spring and summer courses in archaeological fieldwork. You should contact the instructor for information about registering in these courses.
Note that all students must have the course prerequisites, or the consent of the Department, to register in Classics courses.
B6. A Classics course for which I had registered has been cancelled. Why has it been cancelled and what can I do now?
Every effort is made to organize the Classics program so that courses are offered as planned, at the scheduled times. However, the courses are scheduled about a year ahead, so some changes are to be expected. Courses can be cancelled because instructors become unavailable, or because enrolments don't reach minimum levels.
Consult Beartracks or the Department's Course Guide for for the most current listing of course offerings.
If a course has been cancelled and the course is one that you need to complete your program during the current academic year, you should contact the Classics BA Advisor as soon as possible.
B7. I registered in a Classics course and I now find that the course does not satisfy my program requirements. What should I do?
There are several applicable deadlines for withdrawal from courses (the University Calendar, 11: Major Deadlines, has the specific dates):
- Before the deadline for registrations (end of the first week of fall and winter terms), you may simply delete the course.
- Up until the deadline for withdrawals (about a month before the end of classes in the fall and winter terms), you may withdraw from the course (with a grade of W).
- If you withdraw prior to the deadline for fee refunds (about a month after the beginning of the fall and winter terms), you will receive a 50% fee refund.
- If you decide to continue in the course, the course may be counted as "extra to the degree" and you may need to take an additional course to complete your program.
You should contact the Classics BA Advisor if you need advice on completion of your Classics major or minor. Contact the Undergraduate Student Services Office if you need advice on how your decision about continuing or withdrawing will affect completion of your Arts degree and your academic standing.
Students are responsible for ensuring that their programs are properly planned and in accordance with degree specifications, and for the completeness and accuracy of their registration University Calendar, 22.1.
B8. I registered in a Classics course and I now find that my grade for the course will not be included in the calculation of my grade point average (GPA). What should I do?
This may occur if you register in a course that you have previously taken and passed (including a course that you took and passed when it had a different number and/or name).
- If you failed the course, both grades will be counted towards your GPA. If you passed the course, only the first grade will be counted.
- If you are uncertain whether a course you are planning to take is considered the same course as one you have already taken, first check the University Calendar, 231: Course Listings. If you are at all uncertain, ask the Classics BA Advisor.
Students are responsible for responsible for ensuring that their programs are properly planned and in accordance with degree specifications, and for the completeness and accuracy of their registration (University Calendar, 22.1).