Programme structure
The Master's programme in Classics and Ancient Civilizations comprises two tracks of 60 ECTS credits each, including two interdisciplinary courses of 6 ECTS each (12 ECTS) with associated self-study in block 3 (6 ECTS); two core courses Classics, or two core courses Ancient Studies (12 ECTS), two research projects or electives in either Classics or Ancient Studies (12 ECTS), and the Master’s thesis (18 ECTS). Students who wish to pursue a career as a teacher of Classics, will be able to meet the disciplinary entry requirements of the Educational Master's (42 ECTS in Classics). A specialisation in Akkadian can also be realised.
Specialisation: Classics
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The Language of Literature in Odyssey XI and Aeneid VIPeriod 16
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Story versus History: Borders and BarbariansPeriod 16
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Echoing Texts and Themes: Medea, Intertextual HeroinePeriod 26
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The Ancient World & Modern Theory: Female Perspectives OR Creative Imitation in Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Latin LiteraturePeriod 26
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Term paper plus Conference OR Greek Epigraphy (partly in Athens)Period 36
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Research project 1Period 46
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Research project 2Period 56
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Master's ThesisPeriod 4Period 5Period 618
Specialisation: Ancient Civilizations
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Politics and Society: Rome and the Creation of EmpirePeriod 16
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Story versus History: Borders and BarbariansPeriod 16
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Religion and Society: From Constantine to MuhammadPeriod 26
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The Ancient World & Modern Theory: Female PerspectivesPeriod 26
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Term paper plus ConferencePeriod 36
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Research project 1Period 46
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Research project 2Period 56
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Master's thesisPeriod 4Period 5Period 618
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Interdisciplinary courses (obligatory)
- Block 1: Story vs. History: Borders and Barbarians
- Block 2: The Ancient World & Modern Theory: Female Perspectives
or for students in de Classics specialisation: - Block 2: Creative Imitation in Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Latin Literature
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Core courses (specialisation Classics)
The objectives of the two core modules are to deepen the understanding of modern literary and linguistic theory in Classics and to apply them in close reading to quintessential Greek and Latin texts
- Block 1: The Language of Literature in Odyssey XI and Aeneid VI
- Block 2: Echoing Texts and Themes: Medea, Intertextual Heroine
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Core courses (specialisation Ancient Studies)
The objectives of the two core modules are to deepen the understanding of concepts and methods in ancient history and ancient studies with literary, epigraphic, and iconographical sources.
- Block 1: Politics and Society: Rome and the creation of Empire
- Block 2: Religion and Society: From Constantine to Muhammad
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Research projects and electives
In blocks 4 and 5 students participate in one or two Research projects:
- Block 4: Everyday writing: Working with the papyri of the Allard Pierson Museum
- Block 4: Rare, miraculous, and strange plants in the Greco-Roman World
- Block 5: Body Prints: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Identity and Presence in Ancient Material Sources
- Block 5: The Symposion: Reality and phantasy in the representation of Archaic Greek feasting in poetry and on pottery
Research projects are connected to current research of the staff; students decide themselves on the envisaged results, which may be e.g. a small exposition or a joint publication for a larger audience.
Electives include the courses of the national Master Language programme, such as Greek epigraphy in Athens (block 3) and Latin epigraphy in Rome (block 4), and a course on Ancient Judaism: Ethnicity, Politics, Religion. The programme also offers the possibility to specialise in Akkadian. For Ancient Studies it is possible to take electives from the Archaeology Programme in ACASA.
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Thesis
Writing a Master’s thesis is an important part of the programme, enabling you to conduct your own research under the supervision of one of the staff members. Thanks to the cooperation between the two universities a wide array of topics is open for supervision. A Master’s thesis seminar helps you to prepare the assignment.
Transferring to a Research Master's
Students who show exceptional promise during a one year Master’s programme are encouraged to switch to the two year Research Master’s programmes. If you decide to switch programmes and are admitted before the start of the second semester, you will be able to transfer all credits earned in the first semester to your Research Master’s programme. In case you join later, the Examinations Board determines which courses qualify for the Research Master’s programme.
Within ACASA, there are two Research Master’s programmes, which would be suitable for a continuation of your studies:
Classics and Ancient Civilizations in part-time mode
The programme is also offered in part-time study mode at the UvA, in which case it takes two years. You can obtain a maximum of 30 ECTS per year (12-18 ECTS per semester). As a part-time student you will follow the programme together with full-time students. You will prepare your study plan for the part-time programme in consultation with this Master’s programme coordinator.