Graduate Programs in Classics
In recent decades there has been a renewed and welcome demand for the re-entry of
Greek and Latin into all stages of education, from primary schools to universities.
The Master's program in Classics is UD's response to this demand at the post-baccalaureate
level. The program aims to satisfy the needs of a variety of potential students by
offering study in one or both languages for those who have done none in either language
or a little or even a substantial amount in one or both. The more knowledge students
bring with them, the further they can progress. Some may earn the degree in order
to apply for a PhD in Classics elsewhere. Others will use it to teach in primary and
secondary schools. Still others will simply want to fill some lacunae in their education.
Because of the different needs of entering students, the program is designed to be
as flexible as possible. It includes an opportunity to take courses outside of those
taught by the Classics Department - courses wherein the reading is done in English,
but which are appropriate for students who want to expand their acquaintance with
classical texts. The program recognizes that in quantity more of the great works of
antiquity can be read in translation than in the original languages. In the interest
of breadth, therefore, at least three such courses may be part of the degree, with
the understanding, however, that depth comes most assuredly through reading the texts
in Greek and Latin. At least five courses, therefore, must be at the graduate level
in one or both of the languages. In consultation with an advisor students will construct
degree plans that best meet their individual needs. Plans will vary depending upon
these needs and the amount of the language students bring with them, even including
none of either. It is never too late to start.
Degree Requirements
UD offers two different graduate degrees: the Master of Arts in Classics and the Master
of Classics. The degree requirements are stipulated below.
Master of Arts in Classics
1) 24 units of course work at the 5000 level or above (at least 15 hours must be in
Greek or Latin courses or both - 9 may be in related field wherein the reading is
done in translation)
2) 6 units for a Master's thesis
3) a reading knowledge of one or both languages sufficient to do work at the 5000
level
4) a comprehensive exam to be passed before submitting a thesis proposal
Master of Classics
1) 30 units of course work at the 5000 level or above (at least 15 hours must be in
Greek or Latin courses or both - 15 may be in related fields wherein the reading is
done in translation)
2) a reading knowledge of one or both languages sufficient to do work at the 5000
level
3) a comprehensive exam to be passed in the final semester before the degree is granted
Courses
Consult the entry for the Classics Department in the undergraduate section of the
bulletin or the "Courses" section of this website. All courses listed at the 3000
and 4000 levels may be taken for graduate credit at the 5000 level with the addition
of supplementary work (typically a longer list of assigned readings and/or a longer
paper, although this is dependent on the instructor).
A few examples of courses that may be taken for credit in other departments of the
humanities are: ENG 5318 Tragedy/Comedy, ENG 5319 Classical Epic, HIS 3303 Ancient
Greece, HIS 3304 The Roman Republic, HIS 3305 The Roman Empire, PHI 3343 From Ancient
to Medieval Philosophy, POL 3331 Plato's Republic, POL 3332 Aristotle's Politics,
POL 4311 Thucydides: Justice, War, and Necessity, and POL 4350 Aristotle's Ethics.
Additional Stipulations
1) All requirements ordinarily must be met within six years of a student's initial
registration in coursework, excluding leaves of absence.
2) With regard to transfer credits, up to nine units of graduate work done at other
institutions may be accepted for transfer after a student has completed at least nine
units at UD.
3) For students with no prior knowledge of a classical language, completion of the
elementary and intermediate courses in at least one language will be necessary. The
Summer Institute in Classical Languages is designed to enable students to meet this
requirement quickly.
Admissions Requirements
Application for admission to the Master's Program in Classics requires a completed
application form, two letters of reference, a statement of purpose, an intellectual
autobiography, a sample of academic writing, and official transcripts of previous
college work. Possession of a bachelor's degree, but not necessarily one in the humanities, is
a prerequisite for matriculating. Special students are welcome to participate after
consulting with the Chair in Classics, Dr. David Sweet (dsweet@udallas.edu).
Nota bene: a knowledge of Latin or Greek is not a prerequisite for admission to the program.
Background photo: Hippocampus Mosaic at the Palazzo Massimo © 2015 by Rebecca Deitsch,
BA '17
