Program Overview

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The Ancient World (PhD)

Overview

The Ancient World PhD program at New York University's Graduate School of Arts and Science is designed to create a new generation of scholars whose work crosses over the disciplinary boundaries of traditional departments. The program encompasses the ancient world from the western Mediterranean to East Asia, from the Neolithic to the early Medieval period.

Program Description

The program is focused on deepening and expanding knowledge of the cultures, art, languages, religions, economic systems, and interactions of the ancient world. Students have the opportunity to take research seminars, colloquia, lectures, and directed readings with the outstanding faculty within the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) and NYU, as well as at other universities and institutions in the metropolitan area.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

General Information

Students must enroll in one research seminar (4 credits each) each semester during the first three years, for a total of 24 credits. In addition, students must enroll in at least two Seminars on the Interconnected Ancient World (8 credits). No other specific courses are required of all students.

Program Requirements

The program requires a total of 72 credits, including:

• 24 credits of Research Seminars
• 8 credits of Seminars on the Interconnected Ancient World
• 40 credits of Electives

Additional Program Requirements

Foreign Language

Students are expected to have four appropriate foreign research languages at minimum. Satisfaction of the language requirement will be demonstrated by examination or successful completion of a course at an appropriate level.

Teaching Experience

Students are expected to gain teaching experience of a minimum of two semesters. This experience may be gained in a combination of Core Curriculum courses and departmental courses.

Comprehensive Exams

Students must pass comprehensive doctoral examinations, to be taken during the third year of study. These consist of an initial written component, followed by an oral examination.

Dissertation

Students must write a dissertation and do fieldwork as required by the dissertation. It is expected that most dissertations will require either archaeological fieldwork or research in archives and museums abroad.

Departmental Approval

All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.

Sample Plan of Study

A sample plan of study is provided, outlining the typical course of study for the first six semesters.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will display:

1. Competence in a range of theories, methodologies, data, and languages enabling studies crossing boundaries of time, place, and discipline.
2. Proficiency in oral and written communication concerning the ancient world.
3. Ability to make a significant and original contribution to the study of the ancient world.

Policies

Degree Time Limit

The minimum time to degree will be three years, of which a minimum of two years must be spent in residence at ISAW; one year of previous advanced study (with a minimum of 18 credit hours and a maximum of 23) may be credited toward the minimum time to degree. The total length of the course of study will depend on individual factors like needed fieldwork. The normal length is anticipated to be six years.