Program Overview

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Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, MA

The Department of Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies (CANES) at the University of WisconsinMadison offers a Master of Arts degree in Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies. The primary goal of the program is to familiarize students with the core linguistic, historical, and philological aspects of classical and ancient near eastern studies.

Program Description

Students in the program learn to conduct original research in various areas, including gender studies, literary theory, translation studies, ecocriticism, and classical reception, under the guidance of established scholars. In addition to specified coursework, students participate in directed readings with individual faculty members in their areas of specialization and gain valuable professional experience teaching in courses on the languages, literature, and culture of the ancient world.

Admissions

• Fall Deadline: January 5
• Spring Deadline: This program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: This program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable.
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Applicants are expected to have the equivalent of an undergraduate major in Classics, which consists of at least three years of both Greek and Latin. Applications are evaluated on the basis of previous academic record, letters of recommendation, the writing sample, and a personal statement.

Funding

The department works to support all graduate students in good standing who continue to make satisfactory progress toward their degree. Funding options include:

• Teaching Assistantships: Eligibility criteria include contractual obligations, satisfactory progress towards degree, satisfactory student evaluations, and departmental judgment of qualification to teach scheduled courses.
• Departmental Travel Support: Eligible for students presenting a paper or interviewing for hire, with a maximum award of $750.
• Scholarships & Fellowships: Various awards are available, including the Adams-Lemoine Dissertation Fellowship, Moses S. Slaughter Fellowship, Frank R. Kramer Summer Fellowship, Hieronimus Prize for Greek Composition, and Pillinger Prize for Latin Composition.

Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 33 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 18 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 33 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.25 GPA required.
• Assessments and Examinations: Two ancient language examinations and one modern language examination (or equivalent).
• Thesis: Required for students continuing to PhD.
• Language Requirements:
  • General Greek language/literature examination
  • General Latin language/literature examination
  • Modern language examination in German or French and Italian, or equivalent coursework.

Policies

• Prior Coursework: Students are allowed to transfer no more than 9 credits of graduate coursework from other institutions.
• Probation: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Advisor/Committee: Candidates form a provisional thesis committee no later than the first week of the semester in which they plan to graduate.
• Credits Per Term Allowed: 15 credit maximum.
• Time Limits: The thesis must be completed no later than two semesters after work begins.
• Grievances and Appeals: Follow the Graduate School's appeal process.

Professional Development

The Graduate School offers professional development resources, and the department encourages students to attend and participate in these events. The department also offers opportunities for professional development specific to the field.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Articulate, critique, and apply the philological and theoretical approaches established in the field of Classics or Hebrew Bible.
2. Identify appropriate sources and assemble evidence relevant to questions and challenges in Classics or Hebrew Bible.
3. Demonstrate understanding of Classical or Hebrew Bible literature in a historical and social context.
4. Select and utilize the most appropriate methodologies and practices.
5. Evaluate and synthesize information pertaining to questions and challenges.
6. Communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
7. Recognize and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.