Ranked 3rd in the UK for research (REF 2021), we will provide you with intensive training in approaches to Greek and Roman literature and thought, with an emphasis on interdisciplinarity

Course overview

Explore a wide range of Greek and/or Latin texts on Ancient Literature and Thought MA. Warwick's Classics and Ancient History department will provide you with an intensive introduction to literary theory through an interdisciplinary approach.

This MA will foster your ability to read a wide range of Greek and/or Latin texts in the original language and to develop nuanced understanding of the methodologies and critical approaches to the study of these texts within their historical, cultural and political contexts. It provides an intensive introduction to literary theory tailored specifically to classicists, making it a unique pathway in the UK for classicists contemplating going on to a doctorate, and harnesses Warwick's strong interdisciplinary links between its departments of Classics and Ancient History, English and Comparative Literary Studies, and Philosophy.

You will undertake rigorous training in the close reading of texts and of Greco-Roman culture, while having flexibility to pursue your related interests both within the field of Classics and beyond through optional modules. You will also build subject specific, transferable skills in independent research, analysis, and communication.

There are four taught elements, each worth 30 CATS points, in addition to a 15-20,000-word dissertation (worth 60 CATS).

More information on taught elements

• Core module: ‘Approaching Ancient Texts: Methodologies, Theories and Practice (CX912-30)’. Two hour seminar every week in term one, assessed by a 5,000-word essay on a topic of your choice.
• Optional core module:
  • Roman Literature and Thought (CX914-30) ( ten 2-hour seminars running across Terms I and 2 in even-numbered weeks only, assessed by a 5,000-word essay on a topic of your choice)

OR

• • Greek Literature and Thought (CX915-30) (ten 2-hour seminars running across Terms I and 2, assessed by a 5,000-word essay on a topic of your choice)
• Optional core module: ancient or modern languages. Those students who only have one ancient language to degree level take Master’s Language Training (CX911-30) in either Ancient Greek or Latin at the appropriate level.

Courses available for Greek are:

• • Beginners (Greek Language CX320-30)
  • Intermediate (Greek Language and Literature CX326-30)
  • Advanced (Greek Literary Texts, CX306-30)

And for Latin:

• • Beginners (Latin Language, CX315-30)
  • Intermediate (Latin Language and Literature, CX301-30)
  • Advanced (Latin Literary Texts. CX336-30)

Students studying these modules are also required to complete a language dossier. Assessment of all language modules consists of 50% examination (spread across termly tests and the summer examination) and 50% dossier of coursework relating to the language chosen.

• Those students who have both ancient languages to degree level should take either:
  • Advanced Ancient Language (CX908-30), which is assessed by examination in January and June,

OR

• • German or Italian or French at the appropriate level: beginners, intermediate or advanced.

Students studying a modern language module are also required to complete a language dossier (see above). Alternatively, they may opt to take a second optional core module (see above): either Roman Literature and Thought or Greek Literature and Thought.

• ONE optional module taken from the following:

Dissertation

• Core module: Dissertation of 15-20,000 words. The topic for the dissertation will be finalised during term 2 in conjunction with your supervisor, and the final dissertations submitted in September.

The modules mentioned above may be subject to change. Please read our terms and conditions for more detailed information.