The Graduate Program

The Master of Arts degree in Classics is offered with emphasis in Greek, Latin, and Classical Civilization, or in a combination of any of these fields. (Classical Civilization embraces both ancient history and classical art and archaeology). The program is designed to prepare students for careers in archaeology, teaching, and research. Students emphasizing either Greek or Latin must demonstrate or acquire a minimum reading knowledge in both languages. A candidate must also acquire or demonstrate reading ability in French or German. Course offerings are tailored to the interests and needs of the individual graduate student. General areas of graduate courses are Greek and Latin literature, New Testament Greek, Greek and Roman history, Greek and Roman Art and Archaeology. A new course entitled "Introduction to Classical Scholarship" has recently been added to the curriculum in order to augment our offerings by providing basic information about the history of classical scholarship, source analysis, use of computers, archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, linguistics, palaeography, papyrology, textual transmission and other related topics. This course will be team-taught by all the faculty over the course of one semester.

Prerequisites for Admission: The department will consider each application on its merits. For admission in full-standing at least 18 semester hours, or the equivalent, of undergraduate study in Greek and/or Latin are required.

Thesis and Non-Thesis Options: The M.A. degree in Classics is offered with thesis or non-thesis options. The thesis option requires 24 semester hours of courses, 6 semester hours of thesis credit and an oral examination consisting of a defense of the thesis. The non-thesis option requires 36 semester hours of course work. During the fourth semester of graduate work, the candidate will submit a revised term paper of the student's choice from one of his or her courses and must pass an oral defense of the revised term paper before the graduate faculty. Students planning to enter a doctoral program should take the thesis option.

Study Abroad: The University of Mississippi is a contributing member of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and the American Academy in Rome. Graduate students are eligible to compete for fellowships to study at those institutions and are encouraged to do so. The department also assists students who wish to participate in excavations abroad.

Courses Offered:

Greek

503 New Testament; 507 Special Reading; 601 Greek Philosophical Texts; 603 Greek Tragedy; 691 Directed Reading in Greek Literature; 697 Thesis.

Latin

507 Special Reading; 601, 602 Writers of the Augustan Age; 603 Latin Literature of the Republic; 604 Silver Latin Literature; 608 Medieval Latin Literature; 697 Thesis.

Classical Civilization

501 Topics in Greek History; 502 Topics in Roman History; 511 Introduction to Classical Scholarship; 523 Ancient Art; 601 Classical Athens; 602 The Age of Alexander; 606 Problems in Greek Vase Painting; 607 Problems in Greek Sculpture; 608 Problems in Greek Architecture; 611 Studies in Greek History; 612 Studies in Roman History; 621 Greek Art and Archaeology; 622 Roman Art and Archaeology; 691 Individual Study; 697 Thesis.