Department of Classical Studies

Master's Degree   

Classical studies exposes students to diverse topics on the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. 
The options include:   

• Greek and Latin language and linguistics   

• Greek and/or Roman literature   

• History of the Greek and/or Roman world   

• History of ancient society   

• Ancient philosophy   

• Greek and/or Roman art   

• Government and political theory in ancient times   

• Hellenist and Roman Judaism   

• History of philological research   

• Classical reception    
   

Tracks   

Two tracks are available:   
  
Track A – includes research and thesis submission.   
  
Track B – non research-based.   
   

Areas of study   

• Classical studies   

• Greek and Roman culture   

• Classical reception.   

Master’s degree students in the Department of Classical Studies choose an area of specialization from one of three areas offered:   

1.   Classical studies 

This area may be studied under Track A (thesis-based) or Track B (non-thesis).   

Applicants will only be admitted if they majored in classical studies at the undergraduate level and/or are proficient in the Greek and Latin languages.   
   
Students may be required to make up additional courses as necessary. For applicants without a language-track major in classical studies, either a Greek/Latin reading proficiency test will be administered by department head request, or beginner-level courses will be required.     
    
A single classical language (Greek or Latin) may be taken by approval of the department head.   

2. Greek and Roman culture 

This area may be selected only under Track B (non-thesis), and does not include ancient languages. It is open to all students, including those without a background in classical studies.  

3. Classical reception 

Students who choose this area may study under Track A (thesis-based) or Track B (non-thesis), and require no prior background in classical studies. Students who have studied or who undertake one of the languages (Greek/Latin) during the course of their studies may write a thesis.    
  

Admission requirements   

For Track A (thesis-based): An undergraduate major in classical studies, with a minimum grade point average of 76 and proven proficiency in at least one ancient language – Greek or Latin.   

Applicants who minored in classical studies or studied a different discipline may  be required to make up missing courses.   

For Track B (no thesis): A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 76.     
  

Track A – research-based track   

Credit and seminar requirements   

12 AC (annual-based credits) (24 SC – semester-based credits) including two seminars and courses including reading original-language sources (textual courses).   

From this track students may continue on to doctoral studies subject to proficiency in two ancient languages (Greek and Latin).   

Thesis guidelines   

See School of Graduate Studies Rules and Regulations in the introductory chapter.   

Final exam for the master’s degree   

The exam is based on the thesis and its underlying bibliography.  
    

Research proposals are to be submitted by the end of the first year of study   
and no later than the end of the fall semester of the second year.   

    

Track B –  non-research track   

Credit and seminar requirements   

18 AC (36 SC) as specified below:   

2 seminars 4 AC (8 SC)   

14 AC (28 SC) – courses that include reading texts in the original ancient language, where possible.   

Where possible these courses will be for master’s degree students only.   

Final exam for the master’s degree   

In the non-research track, the final exam will be based on a reading list determined by the department head.   

Jewish studies   

As per general requirements for the master's degree (see introductory chapter).   

   

PhD   

Knowledge of the ancient languages, ancient Greek and Latin, is required for a PhD in Classics   

Areas of specialization   

The program, which includes language courses, completion of missing courses, and a dissertation, is individually designed for each candidate as per advisor and department head requirements. The advisor may require an additional modern language if deemed necessary for the direction of research.   

Honors students may apply for a combined master’s-PhD program subject to the School of Graduate Studies conditions as indicated in the introductory chapter of the information bulletin.    

    

For further details contact the department by phone at 03-7384616  
or via email,  or visit the Department of Classical Studies website