Classics: Classics MA

Master of Arts

Program Description

Applicants may be admitted to either the two-year MA program or the one-year advanced-standing option, depending on their level of preparation. At the time of application, students are encouraged to indicate their preference for one of the three fields offered: Greek and Roman History and Material Culture, Greek and Roman Literature, and Ancient Philosophy. The MA program may be taken on a part-time basis.

 

MA Program (Two-Year)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Classics' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Successful completion of an appropriate bachelor's program in classics or a related field, with at least a B+ average in the final year. For applicants who expect to focus on the areas of Greek and Roman Literature or Ancient Philosophy, the equivalent of three years of training in either Greek or Latin and two years of training in the other language is recommended. For applicants who expect to focus on the area of Greek and Roman History and Material Culture, the equivalent of three years of training in either Greek or Latin and demonstrated excellence in the study of Greek and Roman history and material culture is recommended.

  • Students who are otherwise qualified but who lack the required amount of training in Greek and Latin or in Greek and Roman history and material culture should consult with the department about further preparation.

Program Requirements

  • Year 1: Students normally complete at least 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) selected in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator from departmental language courses and seminars. Students who do not complete these courses with appropriate standing may be required to withdraw from the MA program or to retake the courses.

  • Year 2: Students normally complete at least 3.0 FCEs, including the Graduate Research Paper, selected in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator, and complete the sight translation examination and qualifying examination(s) required by the field they have chosen in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.

    • Completion of one (0.5 FCE) of GRK1000H or LAT1000H (intensive advanced language skills), or equivalent, or a course from the GRK/LAT1800H series, with a grade of at least B–.

    • Completion of three additional graduate courses (1.5 FCEs).

    • Completion of the Ancient History Methods Course (CLA3020Y; Credit/No Credit), only for students whose area is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture.

    • Completion of CLA2000Y (1.0 FCE) Graduate Research Paper with a grade of at least B. Each student is assigned to a faculty advisor for CLA2000Y and works independently on the preparation of a research paper (about 8,000 words in length). The Graduate Research Paper is assessed by a committee of two faculty members, including the advisor.

    • Completion of the sight translation examination in either Greek or Latin with a grade of at least B–.

    • Completion of the Greek qualifying examination and the Latin qualifying examination (three-hour translation exam in each language, including both prose and poetry) with a grade of at least B–. Students whose field is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture may choose to satisfy this requirement by:

      • completing either the Greek or the Latin qualifying examination with a grade of at least B– and by completing one language course in the other language with a grade of at least B+, or by

      • earning credit for the relative 1000H Advanced Language Studies course.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S);
9 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time

 

MA Program (One-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Classics' additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Successful completion of an appropriate bachelor's program in classics or a related field, with at least a B+ average in the final year. For applicants who expect to focus on the areas of Greek and Roman Literature or Ancient Philosophy, the equivalent of at least three and preferably four years of training in Greek and Latin is recommended. For applicants who expect to focus on the area of Greek and Roman History and Material Culture, the equivalent of three years of training in either Greek or Latin and demonstrated excellence in the study of Greek and Roman history and material culture is recommended.

  • Students who are otherwise qualified but who lack the required amount of training in Greek and Latin or in Greek and Roman history and material culture should consult with the department about further preparation.


Program Requirements

  • Students normally complete at least 3.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs), including the Graduate Research Paper, selected in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator, and complete the sight translation examination and qualifying examination(s).

    • Completion of one (0.5 FCE) of GRK1000H or LAT1000H (intensive advanced language skills), or equivalent, or a course from the GRK/LAT1800H series, with a grade of at least B–.

    • Completion of three additional graduate courses (1.5 FCEs).

    • Completion of the Ancient History Methods Course (CLA3020Y; Credit/No Credit), only for students whose area is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture.

    • Completion of CLA2000Y (1.0 FCE) Graduate Research Paper with a grade of at least B. Each student is assigned to a faculty advisor for CLA2000Y and works independently on the preparation of a research paper (about 8,000 words in length). The Graduate Research Paper is assessed by a committee of two faculty members, including the advisor.

    • Completion of the sight translation examination in either Greek or Latin with a grade of at least B–.

    • Completion of the Greek qualifying examination and the Latin qualifying examination (three-hour translation exam in each language, including both prose and poetry) with a grade of at least B–. Students whose field is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture may only choose to satisfy this requirement by:

      • completing either the Greek or the Latin qualifying examination with a grade of at least B– and by completing one language course in the other language with a grade of at least B+, or by

      • earning credit for the relative 1000H Advanced Language Studies course.

Program Length

3 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S);
9 sessions part-time

Time Limit

3 years full-time;
6 years part-time