Ancient Mediterranean Studies

The M.A. program in Ancient Mediterranean Studies M.A. 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 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.

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 policies listed under GCAC-600 Research Degree Policies and GCAC-700 Professional Degree Policies, depending on the type of degree the student is pursuing:

• GCAC-611 Minor - Research Doctorate
• GCAC-641 Minor - Research Master's
• GCAC-709 Minor - Professional Doctorate
• GCAC-741 Minor - Professional Master's

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 Graduate School’s website. Students on graduate assistantships must adhere to the course load limits set by The 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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