Mar 28, 2024  
School of Graduate Studies Calendar, 2021-2022 
    
School of Graduate Studies Calendar, 2021-2022 [-ARCHIVED CALENDAR-]

Classics, Ph.D.


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Admission


Applicants for the Ph.D. Program in Classics may be admitted if they are graduates with either a grade of at least A- in at least two half courses or distinction in an approved thesis of an M.A. Program in Classics or Classical Studies (with sufficient Greek and Latin), taken at this University or of equivalent programs taken at other universities.

Graduates of other programs may be admitted in exceptional cases. Applicants without sufficient preparation may be admitted with the requirement that they complete extra prerequisite courses.

Dual Ph.D. Degree stream with University of Rome, La Sapienza


Students enrolled in the Dual Degree stream will spend time at both McMaster and La Sapienza. Ph.D. Coursework and qualifying exams are completed at McMaster and are recognized at La Sapienza. Students should expect to spend at least two years in Rome. Student will have two co-supervisors, one from each institution. Upon successful completion, students will receive the Ph.D. degree from both universities.

Admission Requirements for the Dual Ph.D. Degree stream


Applicants may opt to be considered for the Dual Ph.D. Degree stream as part of their application to the Department of Classics at McMaster University. Applicants for the Ph.D. Program in Classics may be admitted if they are graduates with either a grade of at least A- in at least two half courses and distinction in an approved thesis (or project) of an M.A. program in Classics or Classical Studies (with sufficient Greek and Latin), taken at this university or of equivalent programs taken at other universities. Graduates of other programs may be admitted in exceptional cases.

Program Requirements


The general requirements for the Ph.D. degree appear earlier in the Calendar. A grade of at least B- is required in all courses and in Special Areas examinations.

Requirements for the Ph.D. degree are:


  1. Six appropriate graduate half courses, two of which must be CLASSICS 701  and CLASSICS 702 . These are the minimum requirements; candidates may be requested by their supervisor to take additional courses;
  2. One comprehensive examination in each of Greek and Latin translation; 
  3. A language examination to demonstrate reading knowledge of two of the following languages: German, French, Italian; exemption from these tests may be granted to candidates who have completed equivalent tests at this or other universities;
  4. Two comprehensive examinations, covering special areas of Greek and Latin literature or Ancient History or Classical Art and Archaeology; these are to be assigned by the supervisory committee in preparation for the thesis;
  5. A thesis proposal approved by the Department with an oral defense;
  6. Any other requirement established by the Department on admission; 
  7. A satisfactory thesis on an approved topic;
  8. An oral examination to defend the thesis.

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