Graduate Studies

The Department of Classics has recently revised its program for graduate studies in Classics as outlined below. Please note that the new regulations are now effective. Questions should be addressed to the Graduate Officer, Dr. Kathryn A. O. Simonsen.

Qualifications for Admission

Admission requirements are set forth in the Regulations Governing the Degree of Master of Arts, Qualifications for Admission. In addition to these requirements, applicants should have completed the study of basic grammar in Latin and/or ancient Greek and attained an ability, demonstrated through relevant undergraduate coursework, to read and translate ancient texts. If you have questions about eligibility requirements, please contact the Graduate Officer or Head of Classics.

Program of Study

  1. Students will complete a minimum of 24 credit hours in Classics courses at the 6000 level including Classics 699A and 699B; 6 of these 24 credit hours must be in Greek and/or Latin courses. Further courses beyond the minimum number may be required, depending on the background of the student.
  2. Students are required to demonstrate their competence in a modern European language, normally French, German, or Italian, as early as possible in their program of study, but no later than the end of the first semester of their second year. (See Evaluation, Evaluation of Graduate Students.)

Courses

  • 6001 Seminar in Greek History and Society
  • 6002 Seminar in Greek Literature and Culture
  • 6003 Seminar in Roman History and Society
  • 6004 Seminar in Roman Literature and Culture
  • 6200 Latin Literature: Oratory
  • 6210 Latin Literature: Epic, drama, didactic
  • 6220 Latin Literature: Lyric, satire, elegy, epigram
  • 6230 Roman Historians
  • 6250-6260 Special Topics in Latin Readings
  • 6300 Greek Literature: Oratory
  • 6310 Greek Literature: Epic, drama, didactic
  • 6320 Greek Literature: Lyric, iambic, elegy, epigram
  • 6330 Greek Historians
  • 6340 Ancient Philosophical Authors
  • 6350-6360 Special Topics in Greek Readings
  • 699A Master's Research Paper (0 credit hours)
  • 699B Master's Research Paper (6 credit hours)

Classics graduate courses: Fall 2026

For additional course infomation such as slot, room number, and instructor, see our upcoming courses database. 

Seminar in Roman History and Society (CLAS 6003): The Roman Army and its Context

This seminar explores the various aspects of Roman warfare, and what it meant for the few individuals who profited and the countless people who suffered.

Special Topics in Latin Readings (CLAS 6252): Roman Philosophical Authors. 

This course will explore what it means to practice philosophy in Rome. We will review selected aspects of Latin grammar as needed. 

Greek Literature: Oratory (CLAS 6300)

This year, the course will focus on the early speechwriter Lysias. We will read several of his speech and explore Lysias’ role in the development of Greek oratory.