Classics, MA
for the degree of Master of Arts in Classics
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.
Graduate students in Classics at Illinois may concentrate at different stages of their study on various aspects of the Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures; classical archaeology; ancient philosophy; or, in conjunction with the appropriate department, comparative literature, ancient history, or linguistics. Additional information is available on our website.
Admission
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.
Applicants should apply online and submit a personal statement of 2-3 pages, a resume or CV, transcripts showing all undergraduate and graduate work completed, and a 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 are also required.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required and should be submitted to institution code 1836. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and must score at least 79 on the internet-based test (iBT); they must also pass the speaking sub-section of the iBT with a minimum score of 24. Applications are accepted for fall admission only. Application questions may be directed to SLCL Graduate Student Services.
Certifications
Students wishing to add teacher certification in Latin to an MAT, M.A. in Latin, or Ph.D. must apply to the Foreign Language Teacher Education Program.
In order to receive certification, 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. For further details see our website
Facilities and Resources
We have a renowned university library which boasts the second largest number of volumes among US university libraries after Harvard. Housed within the main library building is our first-rate Classics collection) with 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.
for the degree of Master of Arts in Classics
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's graduate program requirements and the Graduate College Handbook.
Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 24 | |
| GRK/LAT 599 | Thesis Research (min/max applied toward degree) | 8 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| A concentration is not required. | |
| Satisfactory examinations in Greek and Latin | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 (excluding 500-501) |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
Non-Thesis Option
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 24 | |
| CLCV 550 | Intro to Teaching of Classics | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| A concentration is not required. | |
| Satisfactory examinations in Greek and Latin | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 12 (excluding 500-501) |
| Minimum GPA: | 2.75 |
for the degree of Master of Arts in Classics
- 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.
- 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.
- Students are familiar with the methods of research and criticism in Classics and can use these to generate new ideas.
- Students are familiar with the printed and electronic resources available for advanced study of classical languages and literatures.
- Students are able to teach Greek and/or Latin language and literature in an effective manner.
for the degree of Master of Arts in Classics
Graduate Degree Programs in Classics
- Majors
- Classics, MA
- optional concentrations
- Teaching of Latin, MA
- Classical Philology, PhD
- optional concentration
- Classics, MA
for the degree of Master of Arts in Classics
Department of Classics
Department Head: Craig Williams
Director of Graduate Studies: Brian Walters
Classics Department website
4080 Foreign Languages Building, 707 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801
(217) 333-1008
Classics email
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
Admissions
Graduate College Admissions & Requirements