M.A. in Classical Antiquity

M.A. in Classics, with Concentration in Classical Antiquity

tl marcellus

This track allows students significant choice in determining both the type of comprehensive exams they take and in electing courses to help them prepare for those exams. The curriculum thus allows for greater breadth and variety in combining fields of study than do the other tracks. Students seeking an interdisciplinary approach might find themselves most at home in this track. At the same time, this track accommodates students seeking to specialize in fields such as ancient history, ancient religion, or philosophy.

Plan I

  • A minimum of 30 hours of 5000-level credit or above (including thesis), to be distributed as follows:
    • 6 hours of Ancient History and/or Classical Archaeology
    • 6 hours of Greek and/or Latin
    • 12-15 hours of student's choice
    • 4-6 hours of thesis credit
  • Thesis (to be completed during 4th semester of graduate study)
  • Comprehensive Examination (upon submission of thesis): 3 hours of written examination on two of the following special fields: a) Greek History, b) Roman History, c) Roman Art and Archaeology, d) Greek Art and Archaeology, e) Greek Religion and Mythology, f) Roman Religion and Mythology, g) Philosophy and Political Theory, h) Greek translation, or i) Latin translation, and one-hour oral examination based upon the thesis. The special field examinations of 90 minutes each are based on reading lists published in the Graduate Handbook and on the department's website. The examination committee serves in an advisory capacity, in addition to setting and grading the written examinations. The reading lists are published each year on the department's web site. Students electing Greek or Roman archaeology as a special field must pass a thirty-minute slide identification exam before taking the Comprehensive Examination.

Plan II

  • For many students Plan II will be more in line with their educational goals.  They are encouraged to discuss this option with the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies.  The requirements differ from Plan I in substituting 3-6 additional hours of Ancient History or Classical Archaeology for the 4-6 thesis hours of Plan I.  The written portion of the Comprehensive Examination is the same as in Plan I (as above); the oral exam will focus on coursework and the reading lists.

Language courses may, with the approval of the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies, be substituted for other courses in fulfilling the requirements for this degree.