By Benita Moyosore, Ibadan, Nigeria
Kariola Mustapha, a recent graduate from the University of Ibadan, is leading a new wave of academic thinking with their thesis, “The Relevance of Classics in the Marketplace of the 21st Century.” Kariola argues that Classics, often seen as an antiquated field, is in fact a vibrant and interdisciplinary discipline with broad applications in today’s workforce.
At the core of Kariola’s thesis is the belief that Classics, which traditionally focuses on ancient Greek and Roman societies, provides a versatile education that goes beyond ancient texts. Classics is not just about languages and literature but also incorporates philosophy, law, history, and even aspects of medicine, mathematics, and business. This cross-disciplinary approach equips students with a diverse set of skills—critical thinking, analysis, and communication—that are highly valued across various industries in the 21st-century economy.
In support of this argument, Kariola conducted a global survey across 86 universities, gathering responses from 117 alumni of Classics programs. A striking 72.6% of respondents indicated that their Classics education had a significant impact on securing their current jobs. Alumni from institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Columbia University reported working in fields like education, business, human resources, customer relations, and even clergy. This data underscores how the cross-disciplinary nature of Classics equips graduates for a wide array of career paths.
Kariola also explores how technology is reshaping the study of Classics. Initiatives like the Digital Classics movement and tools such as the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae are enabling Classicists to work with digital platforms and data, merging ancient knowledge with modern tech. Kariola emphasizes that this evolution enhances the cross-disciplinary relevance of Classics, allowing its graduates to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven marketplace.
In echoing the ideas of scholars like Professor Mary Ella Milham, who referred to Classics as a “service discipline,” Kariola concludes that Classics graduates are not limited to academia. By embracing additional training in fields like technology, law, and business, Classicists can expand their opportunities and become key players in a wide range of industries.
Kariola Mustapha’s thesis is a bold reimagining of Classics as a vital, interdisciplinary field that prepares graduates for success in today’s global economy. Their work challenges outdated perceptions and positions Classics as an indispensable contributor to the modern marketplace.