Classics (Thesis) (M.A.) (45 credits)
Offered by: History and Classical Studies (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Master of Arts
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The M.A. in Classics (Thesis) emphasizes the writing of a major research project. This program is designed for students who are already highly proficient in ancient languages, have a strong foundation in classical studies, and can work independently. This program is designed to be completed in three terms, though many students prefer to complete it in two years.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis Courses (24 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLAS 695 | M.A. Thesis Proposal. | 6 |
M.A. Thesis Proposal. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Preparatory work for the writing of an M.A. thesis under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s), leading to a thesis proposal. | ||
| CLAS 696 | M.A. Thesis Research 1. | 6 |
M.A. Thesis Research 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Continued work for the writing of an M.A. thesis under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s), including production of an annotated bibliography. | ||
| CLAS 697 | M.A. Thesis Research 2. | 6 |
M.A. Thesis Research 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Continued work under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s). | ||
| CLAS 698 | M.A. Thesis Submission. | 6 |
M.A. Thesis Submission. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Continued work under the supervision of the thesis advisor(s), leading to completion and submission. | ||
Required Courses (6 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLAS 500 | Classics Seminar. | 3 |
Classics Seminar. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Seminar on a topic in ancient Greek or Roman literature and society. Topic varies by year. | ||
| CLAS 685 | Methods Seminar. | 3 |
Methods Seminar. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected topics in the diverse research methods deployed in classical studies, including (but not limited to) different approaches to interpreting ancient evidence, the acquisition of research skills, grant writing, and publication strategies. | ||
Complementary Courses (15 credits)
12 credits of 600-level Ancient Greek and Latin courses as follows.
3 credits of Classics (CLAS) or Classics-related courses (500-level or higher). Classics-related courses must be chosen in consultation with the student's supervisor.
3-9 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLAS 610 | Readings in Latin Literature. 1 | 3 |
Readings in Latin Literature. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Translation and analysis of selected texts in Latin. Authors or texts change from year to year. This course may be taken more than once. | ||
| CLAS 612 | Topics in Latin Literature. 1 | 3 |
Topics in Latin Literature. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of a selected topic in Latin literature through the translation and analysis of relevant Latin texts. Topics vary by year. Course may be taken more than once. | ||
- 1
These courses may be taken in more than one term under different topics.
3-9 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLAS 620 | Readings in Ancient Greek Literature. 1 | 3 |
Readings in Ancient Greek Literature. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Translation and analysis of selected texts in ancient Greek. Authors or texts change from year to year. This course may be taken more than once. | ||
| CLAS 622 | Topics in Ancient Greek Literature. 1 | 3 |
Topics in Ancient Greek Literature. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of a selected topic in ancient Greek literature through the translation and analysis of relevant ancient Greek texts. Topics vary by year. Course may be taken more than once. | ||
- 1
These courses may be taken in more than one term under different topics.
Examinations
Each candidate for the MA degree must pass three exams: Ancient Greek translation, Latin translation, and classical literature. The exams will be based on a set reading list of classical texts and scholarship. The translation exams will test the student’s mastery of ancient Greek and Latin; it is assumed students will require advanced proficiency in each language to pass the relevant exam. The classical literature exam will test the student’s general knowledge of important authors and texts in translation and classical scholarship.
All exams will be marked pass/fail and may be taken more than once.
Exams will be taken as 0-credit courses, comparable to PhD comps exams.
Exams must be passed within two years of starting the program and within three attempts, or the student will not be allowed to continue in the program.