Ancient Mediterranean Studies

The M.A. program in Ancient Mediterranean Studies is a broad, interdisciplinary program focused on the cultures, literatures, and histories of the ancient Mediterranean world. Students combine course work on research methodologies with seminars in their own areas of interest. Possible areas of interest could include—but are not limited to—the Ancient Near East, Egypt, the Hebrew Bible, early Judaism, Greece, Rome, Early Christianity, and the modern reception of the ancient Mediterranean world. The M.A. is a general humanistic degree that aims to prepare students for a variety of professions, including, but not limited to, future graduate work, secondary teaching, library science, and museum work.

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

Undergraduate preparation in Ancient Mediterranean Studies or one of its sub-fields (e.g., Classics, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Hebrew Bible, Egyptology, Early Christianity) is advisable. Students with a 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) and with appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission. Exceptions to this minimum GPA may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests at the discretion of the program.

Degree Requirements

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies.

A minimum of 30 credits at the 400 or 500 level, with at least 18 credits at the 500 level. There are 6 credits in the following core courses: CAMS 550 and CAMS 560. In addition, 18 credits are required in CAMS, GK, LATIN, HEBREW and other courses in related subject matter. Relevant courses will be chosen in consultation with the student's adviser. The culminating experience for the degree is a satisfactory master’s paper completed while the student is enrolled in CAMS 596.

Dual-Titles

Dual-Title M.A. in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Linguistics 

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in GCAC-208 Dual-Title Graduate Degree Programs.

Graduate students with research and education interests in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Linguistics may apply to the dual-title M.A. in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Linguistics. The goal of the dual-title degree in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Linguistics is to enable graduate students in Ancient Mediterranean Studies to acquire the knowledge and skills of their major area of specialization in Ancient Mediterranean Studies, while at the same time gaining the methods and perspective of Linguistics.

Admission Requirements

Students must apply and be admitted to the graduate program in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and the Fox Graduate School before they can apply for admission to the dual-title degree program. After admission to their primary program, students must apply for admission and meet the admission requirements of the Linguistics dual-title program. Students should refer to requirements listed on the Linguistics Bulletin page. Students must be admitted into the dual-title program before the second year of their M.A. program.

Requirements

To qualify for the dual-title degree, students must satisfy the M.A. degree requirements in Ancient Mediterranean Studies. In addition, students must complete the degree requirements for the dual-title in Linguistics, listed in the Linguistics' Bulletin page. 

Some courses may satisfy both Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Linguistics degree requirements. No more than 3-credits may count towards both degrees. Final course selection must be approved by the student's adviser.

Students in the program are required to write a Master's Paper on a topic that is approved in advance by their M.A. paper committee and reflects their original research and education in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Linguistics. The committee will be composed of Graduate Faculty from the Ancient Mediterranean Studies program and must include at least one member from the Linguistics program. Faculty members who hold appointments in both programs’ Graduate Faculty may serve in a combined role, but the committee should contain a minimum of two members.

Minor

A graduate minor is available in any approved graduate major or dual-title program. The default requirements for a graduate minor are stated in Graduate Council policy GCAC-218 Minors.

Student Aid

Graduate assistantships available to students in this program and other forms of student aid are described in the Tuition & Funding section of the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by the Fox Graduate School.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Learning Outcomes

1. KNOW: Demonstrate breadth and knowledge of one or more subfields involved in the study of the Ancient Mediterranean world (e.g., Classics, Ancient Near East, Egypt, Hebrew Bible, Early Christianity) and be able to critically evaluate, integrate, and apply that knowledge.
2. APPLY/CREATE: Acquire proficiency in conducting research, including formulating research questions, designing methodologies, and effectively utilizing academic resources to contribute to the scholarly discourse in the field.
3. COMMUNICATE: Communicate the major issues involved in the study of the ancient Mediterranean world at all levels of expertise.
4. THINK: Develop advanced critical thinking skills to evaluate and interpret primary and secondary sources, including texts, artifacts, archaeological evidence, and visual materials.
5. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Know and conduct themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards and values.

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