UCD School of Classics

Scoil na gClasaicí UCD

MA in Classics 2012/13 (full-time or part-time)

Programme Co-ordinator: Dr Alexander Thein

To apply online please click here
The deadline for applications is the 31st of May 2012, although late applications may be considered subject to availability of places.

This one-year programme is an ideal way to enhance your understanding of the ancient world. It can serve as an end in itself or to prepare for more advanced research.

Structure

The MA in Classics is a 90-credit degree. It is worth 90 ECTS.
The MA programme consists of a two research skills modules, a choice of seminar and language modules, and a thesis on a topic of your own choice.
Most of the teaching is done during the daytime (9am-5pm), but some modules may be taught in the early evening.

Full-time students

Full-time students take one 5-credit research skills module in each semester and a 40-credit thesis module. In addition, they usually take one 10-credit seminar module and one 10-credit language module per semester. Those who are not taking the language option may take two seminar modules in a semester. Language is not compulsory, but is recommended for anyone intending to proceed to a research degree.

Part-time students

It is now possible to study for the MA in Classics part-time, over two years. Part-time students in their first year must take a 5 credit research skills module in each semester and at least two further 10-credit modules (either seminar modules or a language). In the second year they take the 40-credit thesis module plus enough seminar and/or language modules to complete their 90 credits.

Seminar modules (10 credits)

The themes of the seminar modules reflect the research interests of the members of staff. The stress is on participation and debate in an informal atmosphere. As part of each module all students have the opportunity to prepare and present a seminar paper.

Warfare and Society in the Ancient World	10 credits
Perceptions of Antiquity	10 credits
The Epic Tradition	10 credits
Rome and the Natural World	10 credits
The Age of Marius and Sulla	10 credits
Greek Tragedy in Ireland	10 credits

Please click on the link for further information on any of the seminar topics for 2012/13, or please contact the organiser whose email is provided with the module descriptor.

Language modules (10 credits)

No prior knowledge of Latin or Greek is required, and you can take beginners' modules in Greek or Latin.

If you have already studied Greek or Latin, then you can participate in some of the more advanced courses which the School offers.

It is now possible to do up to 40 credits of Greek and / or Latin from the list of modules which the School offers, so the MA in Classics offers and excellent opportunity for students who wish to read widely in Greek and /or Latin literature, and to improve their language ability.

Thesis module (40 credits)

Each student researches and writes a thesis of 12,000-15,000 words. The thesis can be on any topic related to the ancient world. This is the most important, and most rewarding, aspect of the course as it is your opportunity to begin your own research. We encourage students to think about possible thesis topics before they arrive in September, so please feel free to consult any member of staff in advance about possible thesis subjects. You can look up the research interests of the School staff to get an indication of their own interests and expertise.

MA thesis topics in the last two years include the following: Capua in the Second Punic War; Classical myths in W.B. Yeats; Isis and Foreign Religions at Rome; Imports, exports and trade in Roman Crete; The Roman legionary in the late Republic; Athena and Odysseus in Homer's Odyssey; The role of Zeus in the Prometheus Bound; The trade in luxury goods from the East to Rome; Social structure, space, and iconography of Pompeian houses; Egypt and Rome from Cleopatra to Augustus; Settlement and society in Late Bronze Age Athens; Body and soul in Platonic Philosophy; Constructing the other: Greek experiences of the Oriental East; The healing cult of Asclepius under the Romans; Hadrian's villa at Tivoli; Freud's collection of Classical antiquities; Casts in the UCD Classical Museum; Arts and crafts in the Roman World; Augustus and the building of an empire; Alexander's last years; Vercingetorix; Social perceptions of prostitution in antiquity; Harry Potter and the Classics; The Penates, Palladium, and the Cult of Vesta.

Assessment

Seminar and research skills modules are assessed by written coursework and presentations. Language modules are assessed by class tests and end of semester examinations.

Requirements for entry

The minimum qualification for admission is a II.1 (Upper Second class) or equivalent in an appropriate degree (=UCD GPA 3.08). It may be possible to make offers to applicants with lower GPA, subject to references and availability of places.

Fees

For information about fees for the MA in Classics, please visit the UCD Fees and Grants website.

Additional Information

The School of Classics hosts regular lectures by visiting scholars both from Ireland and other countries, in particular at the Dublin Classics Seminar. There are also seminars at which postgraduates present and discuss papers on their own work. There are many other events in Dublin which would be of interest to postgraduates, for example those organized by the UCD Classical Society, the Irish Hellenic Society, and the Classical Association of Ireland.

For general information about postgraduate studies in UCD, including funding opportunities, visit the UCD Graduate Studies website.

For information for students from outside Ireland, visit the UCD International Office website.

Contact

For more information on the MA in Classics please contact the School of Classics Graduate Studies Co-ordinator, Dr Alexander Thein, tel. 01 716 8662.