Classicist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of humanities, the role of classicists is more crucial than ever.

As society delves deeper into understanding its roots, the demand for erudite minds who can analyze, interpret, and preserve our historical context heightens.

But let’s delve into specifics: What’s really expected from a classicist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to grasp the true nature of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate study of classical antiquity,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable classicist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Classicist Duties and Responsibilities

Classicists study the languages, literature, culture, history, and other aspects of the ancient Mediterranean world, specifically the civilizations of Greece and Rome.

They typically work in academic settings, but may also work in archives, museums, or other cultural institutions.

The duties and responsibilities of a Classicist include:

• Conduct research on various aspects of classical civilization, such as language, literature, philosophy, history, art, and archaeology
• Teach classical languages, such as Latin and Ancient Greek, and their literatures
• Prepare lectures, coursework, and examinations for students
• Translate ancient texts and interpret their meanings in a contemporary context
• Write and publish articles, papers, and books on findings and theories
• Present research findings at academic conferences and symposia
• Participate in the collection and preservation of ancient artifacts and documents
• Apply for research grants and manage allocated funds
• Participate in departmental administration, such as curriculum development and student admissions

 

Classicist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Classicist to join our team.

The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of Classical literature, philosophy, history, art and archaeology, and will contribute to teaching, research, and administrative duties.

The Classicist will be responsible for developing course curriculum, conducting scholarly research, writing and publishing papers, and attending academic conferences.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach courses on Classical literature, history, philosophy, art, and archaeology.
• Develop and update course curriculum.
• Conduct scholarly research in Classical studies.
• Write and publish papers in academic journals.
• Attend academic conferences and present research findings.
• Contribute to the administrative duties of the department.
• Mentor students and supervise their research projects.
• Participate in departmental and university service activities.

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Classics or a related field.
• Experience in teaching at the university level.
• Strong record of scholarly research and publications.
• Excellent command of Latin and Ancient Greek.
• Knowledge of archaeological methods and principles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to engage and inspire students.

 

Benefits

• Retirement plan
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Classicist
• Work Environment: University setting. Some travel may be required for academic conferences or research purposes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Classics Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate’s experience, qualifications, and the institution’s budget.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our institution. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of publications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Classicist Do?

Classicists are scholars and educators who specialize in the study of ancient civilizations, particularly those of Greece and Rome.

This encompasses a wide range of disciplines including language, history, archaeology, philosophy, art, and literature.

They often work in academic or educational settings, teaching courses on classical languages (such as Latin and Ancient Greek), mythology, ancient history, and archaeology.

They may also conduct research, publish scholarly articles and books, and present their findings at academic conferences.

Classicists also analyze ancient artifacts and texts, using them to better understand the societies that produced them.

They may work closely with archaeologists, historians, and museum curators on projects related to artifact interpretation and preservation.

In addition, Classicists often translate and interpret ancient texts, striving to provide modern readers with accurate and understandable translations.

They may also use these texts to gain insights into the social, political, and cultural contexts of the ancient world.

Many Classicists also engage in public outreach and education, giving lectures or presentations to non-academic audiences, contributing to documentaries or podcasts, and working with schools to develop classics-related curriculum.

Their work is essential in preserving the knowledge and understanding of ancient civilizations, which can provide valuable insights into our own contemporary societies.

 

Classicist Qualifications and Skills

A professional Classicist should have the skills and qualifications that are relevant to the study of ancient classical languages and civilization, such as:

• In-depth knowledge of ancient Greek and Latin languages, including their vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
• A deep understanding of the history, culture, philosophy, literature, and arts of ancient civilizations, especially Greece and Rome.
• Exceptional research skills to analyze, interpret, and synthesize information from a wide variety of primary and secondary sources.
• Critical thinking skills to draw meaningful insights and connections across different historical periods and cultural contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner.
• Teaching skills, as many classicists work in educational settings, where they need to inspire and guide students.
• Proficiency in using digital resources and tools related to classics, such as databases, corpora, and digital humanities tools.
• Strong organizational skills to handle large amounts of information and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

 

Classicist Experience Requirements

A classicist generally holds a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Studies, Classical Languages, or a related field.

In their undergraduate studies, they acquire foundational knowledge and experience in ancient Greek and Latin languages, ancient literature, history, philosophy, and archaeology.

Many Classicists further their studies by completing a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Classics or related fields, where they may specialize in areas such as classical archaeology, ancient history, or classical languages.

This higher level of education often involves conducting research, writing scholarly papers, and teaching undergraduate courses, providing them with a deeper understanding and experience in the field of Classics.

Internships, research assistant positions, or teaching assistant roles during their academic studies can provide classicists with practical experience.

Participating in archaeological fieldwork or studying abroad in regions with significant ancient historical sites can also offer valuable hands-on experience.

For advanced roles, such as a college professor or researcher, several years of teaching or research experience is typically required.

Those with extensive published works, or who have held leadership roles in classical studies organizations, may be considered for higher-level academic positions or roles within museums and cultural institutions.

 

Classicist Education and Training Requirements

Classicists typically have a bachelor’s degree in Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology, or a related field.

Their course of study generally involves intensive training in Greek and Latin languages, as well as a deep understanding of the literature, history, and culture of the ancient world.

In addition to the undergraduate degree, many Classicists pursue a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in Classics or related disciplines.

These advanced degrees offer a more specialized focus on a particular area, such as Greek tragedy, Roman architecture, or ancient philosophy.

In order to enhance their research and teaching skills, Classicists often undergo additional training, such as workshops and seminars on ancient texts, archaeological fieldwork, or pedagogical techniques.

Certifications in specific areas, such as ancient languages or archaeology, may also be advantageous for certain roles within the field.

An advanced degree and/or certification in Classics can indicate a candidate’s dedication to the field and their depth of knowledge in ancient civilizations.

 

Classicist Salary Expectations

A Classicist typically earns an average salary of $61,226 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, type of institution, and the geographical location.

 

Classicist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Classicist need?

Classicists typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Classics, Classical Studies, Ancient History, or a related field.

Many pursue higher levels of education, such as a master’s degree or PhD, especially if they aspire to work in academia.

Knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek is usually required, and proficiency in modern languages may also be beneficial.

 

What skills are important for a Classicist?

Classicists should have excellent analytical skills to interpret ancient texts and artifacts accurately.

They also need solid research skills to conduct in-depth studies on various aspects of ancient civilizations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary for presenting findings, publishing research, and teaching.

Furthermore, a broad understanding of history, archaeology, philosophy, and literature is crucial.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Classicist?

Classicists’ daily routines can vary greatly depending on their specific roles.

Those in academia may spend their day teaching classes, advising students, conducting research, and writing scholarly articles.

Those working in museums may be involved in the acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of artifacts.

Others may spend their time translating and analyzing ancient texts.

 

What qualities make a good Classicist?

A good Classicist is curious and passionate about ancient cultures and civilizations.

They have a strong desire to learn and discover new information.

They also have a high level of intellectual rigor, attention to detail, and patience, as interpreting ancient materials can be a meticulous and time-consuming process.

Additionally, they must be able to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.

 

Is it difficult to find employment as a Classicist?

Job opportunities in the field of Classics can be competitive, particularly for academic positions.

Classicists may also find work in museums, libraries, and cultural institutions.

Some Classicists choose to apply their knowledge in other fields, such as journalism, publishing, or law.

The versatility of the skills learned in classical studies can be an advantage in a variety of career paths.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the authentic essence of being a classicist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about studying ancient civilizations.

It’s about excavating the wisdom of the past, one artifact at a time.

With our comprehensive classicist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this intriguing field.

But why halt your journey here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously curated job listings or refining your CV to brilliance.

Remember:

Every artifact is a piece of a larger narrative.

Let’s uncover that history. Together.

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