Graduate programs

Hellenistic art exhibits greater naturalism, as illustrated by The Boy Jockey, a bronze sculpture recovered from a shipwreck. (National Archaeological Museum of Athens)

The Department of Classics welcomes students who wish to pursue graduate work. In addition to students interested in the historical, literary, philosophical, and religious culture of Antiquity and in Medieval philosophy, the program may appeal to students wishing to study the relationship of contemporary culture to its Classical and Medieval origins.

MA students may concentrate their work in one of these general fields:

• Greek, Roman, and Hellenistic history,
• Greek, Roman, and Hellenistic literature,
• Greek, Roman, and Hellenistic philosophy,
• Medieval philosophy.

PhD candidates must work in the area of Hellenic and Hellenistic Studies. Full details are outlined in the Graduate Calendar.

Admission requirements

Candidates must satisfy the admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The requirement of both Classical languages at the Honours level may sometimes be relaxed, for example when a student has taken a Combined Honours course involving only one Classical language. In such cases, at least two classes in the second language will be taken in addition to the MA course proper. In certain programs, a knowledge of other ancient languages may be required.

Masters degree

Students contemplating studying for a Masters degree should count on spending at least a full year to complete their classes and thesis. It usually takes longer.

Three graduate seminars — two in the general area of interest and a reading and research class related to the thesis subject — are required. Candidates are expected to attend graduate seminars related to their thesis throughout their period of full-time study. A thesis is required.

MA students should obtain a copy of department regulations for the degree.

Doctor of Philosophy degree

The normal admission requirement is the MA in Classics, or equivalent preparation. The minimum residence requirement for such candidates is two years, during which time they must satisfy the general requirements of the Faculty, and, in addition, must demonstrate competence in the languages (ancient and modern) necessary for research in their particular fields of study.

All candidates are expected to have a broad understanding of all aspects of Classical culture. Within the general area of Hellenic-Hellenistic Studies, each candidate is expected to concentrate, with the guidance of a supervising committee, in one of three fields: History, Literature, and Philosophy.

Before submitting a thesis, the candidate must pass a comprehensive examination (written and oral) in his/her special field. This will normally be taken towards the end of the second or beginning of the third year of study.

For more information, email our Graduate Advisor at clasgrad@dal.ca