Program Overview

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Overview of the Master of Arts in Classics Program

The Department of the Classics offers programs of study leading to the Master of Arts in Classics. Within the master's degree program, students may choose from three options: both Greek and Latin (= Classics), Greek, or Latin. In addition, the department offers the Master of Arts in the Teaching of Latin and the Doctor of Philosophy in Classical Philology. A further concentration in Medieval Studies is available to students pursuing graduate degrees in the Classics.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the MA in Classics (Greek and Latin) must ordinarily present a minimum of 20 semester hours in one of the two languages (Greek or Latin) and 15 semester hours in the other language; candidates for admission to the MA with specialization in either Greek or Latin, or the MAT in Latin, must ordinarily present at least 20 semester hours in the relevant language. Previous work in ancient history, ancient art and archaeology, philosophy, literary criticism, or linguistics is desirable.

• Personal statement of 2-3 pages
• Resume or CV
• Transcripts showing all undergraduate and graduate work completed
• Writing sample of approximately 20 pages (one or two papers) that showcases the applicant's ability to work in the original classical languages and incorporates relevant scholarship as appropriate
• Three letters of recommendation
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores for applicants whose native language is not English

Licensure

Students wishing to add Illinois licensure in Latin to an MAT, M.A. in Latin, or Ph.D. must apply to the World Language Teacher Education Program. In order to receive licensure, students must complete an M.A. in Classics with a concentration in Latin, an M.A. in Classics with a concentration in Greek and Latin, or an M.A. in the Teaching of Latin.

Graduate Teaching Experience

Although teaching is not a general Graduate College requirement, experience in teaching is considered an important part of the graduate experience in this program, and almost all students teach. Non-native English speakers must first pass a test of their oral English ability.

Faculty Research Interests

• Greek and Latin literature of all periods
• Gender and sexuality
• Latin poetry of the imperial period
• Greek historiography and ethnography
• Greek and Roman drama
• Reception of Classics, especially in film
• Animal studies
• Pedagogy

Facilities and Resources

The university library boasts the second largest number of volumes among US university libraries after Harvard. The Classics collection has over 60,000 volumes on open shelves. The University of Illinois Library's Rare Book Room houses the Turyn Archive of Greek manuscript photographs and the American Center of the International Photographic Archive of Papyri. The Department of the Classics also publishes the widely circulating peer-reviewed journal Illinois Classical Studies and its Supplements. The Krannert Art Museum and the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures have outstanding collections of ancient vases and other artifacts.

Financial Aid

University fellowships are available for the academic year. Teaching assistantships are available for both the academic year and Summer Session II.

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

• 24 hours of Greek and Latin in regular courses, with at least eight hours in each language, including GRK 411 and LAT 411, with at least 12 hours at the 500 level
• 8 hours of GRK/LAT 599 Thesis Research
• Total Hours: 32

Non-Thesis Option

• 24 hours of Greek and Latin in regular courses, with at least eight hours in each language, including GRK 411 and LAT 411, with at least 12 hours at the 500 level
• 4 hours of CLCV 550 Intro to Teaching of Classics
• 4 hours of elective
• Total Hours: 32

Other Requirements

• Satisfactory examinations in Greek and Latin
• Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: 12 (excluding 500-501)
• Minimum GPA: 2.75

Learning Outcomes

1. Students demonstrate knowledge of Greek and/or Latin languages at an advanced level. Students are able to carry out a detailed analysis of the language, style, and content of individual works of Greek and/or Latin literature.
2. Students demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the history of Greek and Latin literature and the ways in which classical texts have been transmitted through the centuries down to our own time.
3. Students are familiar with the methods of research and criticism in Classics and can use these to generate new ideas.
4. Students are familiar with the printed and electronic resources available for advanced study of classical languages and literatures.
5. Students are able to teach Greek and/or Latin language and literature in an effective manner.

Graduate Degree Programs in Classics

• Majors
  • Classics, MA
    • Optional concentrations
      • Greek
      • Latin
      • Medieval Studies
  • Teaching of Latin, MA
  • Classical Philology, PhD
    • Optional concentration
      • Medieval Studies

Department of Classics

Department Head: Ariana Traill Director of Graduate Studies: Daniel Leon

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a wide range of academic programs, including the Master of Arts in Classics.