Programs of study in the Department of Classics emphasize Greek and Latin language and literature. Courses offered include classes and advanced seminars on Greek and Latin linguistics, literature (individual authors and literary genres), ancient philosophy, intellectual history and critical theory, as well as the technical discipline of classical philology (paleography, textual criticism, epigraphy, papyrology, numismatics). Students may also take courses in ancient history or ancient art and archaeology (given in the Departments of History and the Department of Art History and Archaeology), but students whose primary interest is in ancient history or ancient art and archaeology should enroll in those departments. The department participates in the interdisciplinary graduate program in Classical Studies and in the doctoral concentration in Comparative Literature and Society.
Although students must obtain the M.A. and M.Phil. degrees along the way, students are normally admitted as potential candidates for the Ph.D. degree.
Fellowships are awarded in recognition of academic achievement and in expectation of scholarly success. Teaching and research experience are considered an important aspects of graduate training, and graduate fellowships thus include some teaching and both supervised and independent research.
Certificate in Comparative Literature and Society
The Institute for Comparative Literature and Society (ICLS) awards a certificate in Comparative Literature and Society. For more information, see the ICLS website.
In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit one transcript showing courses and grades per school attended, a Statement of Academic Purpose, a writing sample ( course paper, term paper, etc.) and three letters of evaluation from academic sources. All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English, must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS. For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.
An adequate and proven reading knowledge of Greek and Latin is required for admission, together with completion of at least one year of advanced work in the other language.