Classics
Classics: Introduction
Faculty Affiliation
Arts and Science
Degree Programs
Classics
MA and PhD
- Fields:
- Greek and Roman History and Material Culture;
- Greek and Roman Literature;
- Ancient Philosophy
Collaborative Specializations
The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:
- Ancient and Medieval Philosophy
- Classics, PhD
- Book History and Print Culture
- Classics, MA, PhD
- Editing Ancient and Medieval Texts
- Classics, PhD
- Jewish Studies
- Classics, MA, PhD
- Mediterranean Archaeology
- Classics, PhD
- Sexual Diversity Studies
- Classics, MA, PhD
- Women and Gender Studies
- Classics, MA, PhD
Overview
The Department of Classics provides advanced training in the fields of Greek and Roman History and Material Culture, Greek and Roman Literature, and Ancient Philosophy. Collaborative specializations, listed above, are available to students enrolled in the specified participating degree programs.
Information about admission, application procedures, and funding is available from the department.
Contact and Address
Web: classics.utoronto.ca
Email: grad.classics@utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 978-5513
Fax: (416) 978-7307
Department of Classics
University of Toronto
125 Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C7
Canada
Classics: Graduate Faculty
Full Members
Members Emeriti
Associate Members
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 GRK 1000H or LAT 1000H (intensive advanced language skills), or equivalent, or a course from the GRK/LAT 1800H series, with a grade of at least B–.
-
Completion of three additional graduate courses (1.5 FCEs).
-
Completion of the Ancient History methods course (CLA 3020Y), only for students whose area is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture.
-
Completion of CLA 2000Y (1.0 FCE) Graduate Research Paper with a grade of at least B. Each student is assigned to a faculty advisor for CLA 2000Y 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 GRK 1000H or LAT 1000H (intensive advanced language skills), or equivalent, or a course from the GRK/LAT 1800H series, with a grade of at least B–.
-
Completion of three additional graduate courses (1.5 FCEs).
-
Completion of the Ancient History methods course (CLA 3020Y), only for students whose area is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture.
-
Completion of CLA 2000Y (1.0 FCE) Graduate Research Paper with a grade of at least B. Each student is assigned to a faculty advisor for CLA 2000Y 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
Classics: Classics PhD
PhD Program
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 a strong master's program in classics or a related field (with at least a B+ average overall and at least one A–). All students must have the equivalent of at least four years of training in either Latin or Greek and at least three years in the other language, and a broad preparation in the reading of ancient texts in the original languages.
Program Requirements
-
Coursework. Satisfactory completion of:
-
GRK 1000H (0.5 FCE) or equivalent
-
LAT 1000H (0.5 FCE) or equivalent.
-
-
At the department's discretion, students who need additional preparation may be required to take a selection of courses approved by the department during Year 1 before beginning to prepare for the qualifying examinations. Students will be notified of such additional requirements at the time of their offers of admission or early in their first session.
-
CLA 2000Y (1.0 FCE) Graduate Research Paper with a grade of at least A–. Doctoral students who complete the Graduate Research Paper at a lower standard which nevertheless satisfies the MA requirement will be granted the MA. Students admitted with advanced standing are exempt from the Graduate Research Paper.
-
10 seminars with an A- average, including at least two outside the student’s field of specialization (one of which must not be offered or cross-listed by the Department of Classics).
-
Satisfactory participation for at least two years in the seminar series for the student’s field (SRD 4444Y0 or AMP 2000Y).
-
-
Qualifying exam. Completion of the Greek qualifying examination and Latin qualifying examination with grades of at least B+. One of these exams must be passed by the end of Year 2, and both must be passed by the end of Year 3 of the PhD. Doctoral students who complete the qualifying examinations at a lower standard which nevertheless satisfies the MA requirement will be granted the MA.
-
Satisfactory completion of sight translation examinations in both Greek and Latin with grades of at least B+. This requirement must be completed before the major field examination is attempted. Students whose field is Greek and Roman History may satisfy this requirement with a grade of at least B+ on the sight translation examination in one language and a grade of at least B on the sight translation examination in the other language.
-
Demonstration of adequate reading knowledge of two languages of research other than English, one of which will normally be German, before the major field examination is attempted.
-
Satisfactory completion of the major field examination (CLA 4000Y0). The major field defines a broad area of specialization, within which the dissertation topic will fall. It is normally established by Year 3 of the program and is directed by the supervisory committee. Preparation for the major field examination includes the completion of a satisfactory research essay. The major field is examined by means of two written examinations, one of which must involve translation from the list of primary sources, and an oral examination covering the research essay and the examination papers. The major field examination should be completed by the middle of Year 4.
-
The dissertation should be completed by the end of Year 5.
Program Length
5 years
Time Limit
6 years
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.
PhD Program (Advanced-Standing)
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.
-
Applicants are admitted with advanced standing if they have successfully completed a strong master's program in Classics. Students who have completed the MA program in Classics at the University of Toronto are required to have grades of at least B+ in all graded coursework and a grade of at least A– on the Graduate Research Paper CLA 2000Y.
Program Requirements
-
Coursework. Satisfactory completion of:
-
GRK 1000H (0.5 FCE) or equivalent
-
LAT 1000H (0.5 FCE) or equivalent.
-
-
10 seminars with an A– average, including at least two outside the student’s field of specialization (one of which must not be offered or cross-listed by the Department of Classics). Students who have completed CLA 2000Y with a grade of at least A– for their MA degree, or who have a comparable achievement, need 8 seminars with an A– average.
-
Satisfactory participation for at least two years in the seminar series for the student’s field (SRD 4444Y0 or AMP 2000Y). This includes the Ancient History methods course for those students whose field is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture.
-
Qualifying exams.
-
Completion of the Greek qualifying examination and Latin qualifying examination with grades of at least B+. Students whose field is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture may choose to complete either the Greek qualifying examination or the Latin qualifying examination with a grade of B+ based on the MA reading list instead of the PhD reading list. Students in this field who are enrolled in the Mediterranean Archaeology collaborative specialization (MACS) may choose to satisfy the other language examination by passing an 1800H-level language course in that language with a B+. One of these exams must be passed by the end of Year 2, and both must be passed by the end of Year 3 of the four-year PhD program, but passing the exams at an earlier stage is advisable. Doctoral students who complete the qualifying examinations at a lower standard which nevertheless satisfies the MA requirement will be granted the MA. (See amendment made on November 11, 2020.)
-
Completion of the respective Area examination with a grade of at least B+ for students whose field is Greek and Roman Literature or Greek and Roman History and Material Culture.
-
-
Satisfactory completion of sight translation examinations in both Greek and Latin with grades of at least B+. This requirement must be completed before the major field examination is attempted. Students whose field is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture may satisfy this requirement with a grade of at least B+ on the sight translation examination in one language and a grade of at least B– on the sight translation examination in the other language. Students in this field who are enrolled in the Mediterranean Archaeology collaborative specialization (MACS) may choose to satisfy the other language examination by passing an 1800H-level language course in the other language with a B+.
-
Demonstration of adequate reading knowledge of two languages of research other than English, one of which will normally be German, before the major field examination is attempted.
-
Satisfactory completion of the major field examination (CLA 4000Y0). The major field defines a broad area of specialization, within which the dissertation topic will fall. It is normally established by Year 2 of the four-year PhD program and is directed by the supervisory committee. Preparation for the major field examination includes the completion of a satisfactory research essay. The major field is examined by means of two written examinations, one of which may involve translation from the list of primary sources, and an oral examination covering the research essay and the examination papers. The major field examination should be completed by the middle of Year 3 of the four-year PhD program.
-
The dissertation should be completed by the end of Year 4.
Program Length
4 years
Time Limit
6 years
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.
PhD Program (Direct-Entry)
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 a strong bachelor's program in classics of a related field with at least an A– average in the final year. For students who expect to focus on the areas of Greek and Roman Literature or Ancient Philosophy, at least three years of study in both Greek and Latin and a broad preparation in the reading of ancient texts in the original languages 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, familiarity with the other language, and demonstrated excellence in the study of Greek and Roman history and material culture is required.
Program Requirements
-
Coursework. Satisfactory completion of:
-
GRK 1000H (0.5 FCE) or equivalent
-
LAT 1000H (0.5 FCE) or equivalent.
-
-
10 seminars with an A– average, including at least two outside the student’s field of specialization (one of which must not be offered or cross-listed by the Department of Classics).
-
With permission of the Graduate Coordinator, two of the seminars in Year 1 may be exchanged for CLA 2000Y (1.0 FCE) Graduate Research Paper. A grade of A– is required for completion. Doctoral students who complete the Graduate Research Paper at a lower standard which nevertheless satisfies the MA requirement will be granted the MA.
-
Satisfactory participation for at least two years in the seminar series for the student’s field (SRD 4444Y0 or AMP 2000Y). This includes the Ancient History methods course for those students whose field is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture.
-
Qualifying exams.
-
Completion of the Greek qualifying examination and Latin qualifying examination with grades of at least B+. Students in the Greek and Roman History and Material Culture field may choose to complete either the Greek qualifying examination or the Latin qualifying examination with a grade of B+ based on the MA reading list instead of the PhD reading list. Students in this field who are enrolled in the Mediterranean Archaeology collaborative specialization (MACS) may choose to satisfy the other language examination by passing an 1800H-level language course in that language with a B+. One of these exams must be passed by the end of Year 2, and both must be passed by the end of Year 3 of the five-year PhD program. Doctoral students who complete the qualifying examinations at a lower standard which nevertheless satisfies the MA requirement will be granted the MA.
-
Completion of the respective Area examination with a grade of at least B+ for students whose field is Greek and Roman Literature or Greek and Roman History and Material Culture.
-
-
Satisfactory completion of sight translation examinations in both Greek and Latin with grades of at least B+. This requirement must be completed before the major field examination is attempted. Students whose field is Greek and Roman History and Material Culture may satisfy this requirement with a grade of at least B+ on the sight translation examination in one language and a grade of at least B– on the sight translation examination in the other language. Students in this area of emphasis who are enrolled in the Mediterranean Archaeology collaborative specialization (MACS) may choose to satisfy the other language examination by passing an 1800H-level language course in that language with a B+.
-
Demonstration of adequate reading knowledge of two languages of research other than English, one of which will normally be German, before the major field examination is attempted.
-
Satisfactory completion of the major field examination (CLA 4000Y0). The major field defines a broad area of specialization, within which the dissertation topic will fall. It is normally established by Year 3 of the program and is directed by the supervisory committee. Preparation for the major field examination includes the completion of a satisfactory research essay. The major field is examined by means of two written examinations, one of which may involve translation from the list of primary sources, and an oral examination covering the research essay and the examination papers. The major field examination should be completed by the middle of Year 4.
-
The dissertation should be completed by the end of Year 5.
Program Length
5 years
Time Limit
7 years
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.
Classics: Classics MA, PhD Courses
Not all courses are offered every year. Please consult the department for course offerings.
GRK 1000H
|
Advanced Studies in Greek Language (Credit/No Credit)
|
GRK 1800H
|
Special Topics in Greek Literature
|
GRK 1801H
|
Special Topics in Greek History
|
GRK 1802H
|
Readings in Greek Epic
|
GRK 1810H
|
Classical Greek Literature and Culture
|
GRK 1811H
|
Hellenistic Literature and Culture
|
GRK 2500Y0
|
Greek Qualifying Exam
|
GRK 2505Y0
|
Greek Sight Exam
|
LAT 1000H
|
Advanced Studies in Latin Language (Credit/No Credit)
|
LAT 1800H
|
Special Topics in Latin Literature
|
LAT 1801H
|
Special Topics in Roman History
|
LAT 1806H
|
Readings in the Roman Historians
|
LAT 1809H
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Readings in Roman Republican Literature and Culture
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LAT 1810H
|
Readings in Roman Imperial Literature and Culture
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LAT 2505Y0
|
Latin Sight Exam
|
CLA 1800H
|
Special Topics in Classical Literature
|
CLA 2000Y
|
Graduate Research Paper
|
CLA 3000H
|
Research Techniques in Classics
|
CLA 3020H
|
Research Methods in Ancient History
|
CLA 3200Y
|
Work in Progress in Ancient History
|
CLA 4000Y0
|
Major Field
|
AMP 2000Y0
|
Collaborative Program in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy Proseminar
|
JCO 5121H
|
Classics and Theory
|
SRD 4444Y0
|
Ancient History Seminar/Literature Seminar
|
0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.
Research Seminars
The following courses are open to students in other departments with the permission of the instructor and the Department of Classics. See the departmental brochure or website for language requirements. Not all courses are offered every year. See the departmental brochure or website for course offerings in the current year.
CLA 5000H
|
Early Greek Epic
|
CLA 5004H
|
Studies in Greek Poetry
|
CLA 5007H
|
Criticism of Latin Poetry
|
CLA 5009H
|
Literature of the Roman Republic
|
CLA 5010H
|
Virgil
|
CLA 5012H
|
Studies in Ancient Philosophy I
|
CLA 5013H
|
Studies in Ancient Science
|
CLA 5015H
|
Latin Poetry of the Empire
|
CLA 5016H
|
Topics in Greek and Hellenistic History
|
CLA 5018H
|
Topics in Roman History
|
CLA 5020H
|
Studies in Ancient Philosophy II
|
CLA 5021H
|
Topics in the Study of Greek and Hellenistic Literature and Culture
|
CLA 5022H
|
Topics in the Study of Greek and Hellenistic Society
|
CLA 5023H
|
Topics in the Study of Roman Literature and Culture
|
CLA 5024H
|
Topics in the Study of Roman Society
|
CLA 5025H
|
Topics in Greek and Hellenistic History II
|
CLA 5026H
|
Topics in Graeco-Roman Historiography I
|
CLA 5027H
|
Topics in Graeco-Roman Historiography II
|
CLA 5028H
|
Topics in Graeco-Roman History I
|
CLA 5029H
|
Topics in Graeco-Roman History II
|
JMT 1000H
|
Andronicus of Rhodes and the Early Peripatos
|
JMT 1002H
|
Augustine: Soliloquia
|
Directed Reading
CLA 1300Y
|
Studies in Classical Antiquity
|
CLA 1301H
|
Studies in Classical Antiquity
|
CLA 1303H
|
Studies in Classical Antiquity
|
CLA 1305H
|
Studies in Classical Latin
|
CLA 1306H
|
Studies in Greek Literature I
|
CLA 1308H
|
Studies in Latin Literature I
|
CLA 1309H
|
Studies in Latin Literature II
|