The Ancient History Emphasis combines both historical training and philological training and is ideal for those interested in pursuing either further graduate work in Ancient History (in either a History or Classics department) and those interested in careers in teaching History at the pre-collegiate level.
Program of Study
All graduate students in the Classics program at the University of Arizona earn the same degree (Master of Arts in Classics), but each student chooses an emphasis that determines the series of courses and exams they will pursue. All students are required to complete 34 hours of coursework, a thesis, and a reading knowledge of French, German, or Italian, in addition to demonstrating proficiency in Classical Languages (Both Greek and Latin are required in the Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, and Classical Philology emphases; only Latin is required for the Latin Pedagogy and Latin Philology emphases).
Students who pursue the emphasis in Ancient History develop comprehensive knowledge of Greek and Roman history and historiography, through coursework both in the Classics program and the History department. Rigorous philological training is also stressed with advanced coursework and a translation exam in at least one ancient language required. Students are offered the flexibility in their elective credits to pursue more training in philology, history, philosophy, or archaeology as their interests and future plans dictate.
Degree Requirements
Minimum Credit hours: 34
- Proficiency in French, German, or Italian.
- 3 units of the Methodology course, CLAS 510A.
- 1 units of Thesis Preparation, CLAS 510B
- Qualifying Examination in Greek and Roman History.
- Graduate level proficiency in one classical language, upper-level undergraduate proficiency in the other.
- 9 units must be taken from GRK or LAT courses at the 5xx level, 3 units of which must be from GRK 530 (Greek Historians) or LAT 526 (Roman Historians). If a student does not complete GRK 530 or LAT 526 at the graduate level, the student must complete this course at the 400 (undergraduate) level or demonstrate completion of an equivalent course at another institution.
- 12 units of CLAS/HIST/GRK or LAT courses at the 5xx level, determined with the individual student's faculty advisor.
- 3 units of HIST 695F (Ancient History), HIST 695K (Historiography) or equivalent HIST graduate course.
- 3 units of CLAS 514 (Classical Historiography- Greek and Roman Historians) or equivalent.
- Comprehensive Examination in 1) Greek History, 2) Roman History, 3) Classical Literature Special Topics, and 4) Translation exam in EITHER Greek OR Latin.
- 3 units of thesis credit.
For more information on these requirements, including reading lists for exams, please see the Graduate Handbook.
To explore more emphases, peruse the list here.
Ready to apply? Start your application here! Questions? Contact the Director of Graduate Studies.