Explore our Ancient Literature and Thought taught Master's degree.

P-Q830

MA

1 year full-time;
2 years part-time

3 October 2022

Classics and Ancient History

University of Warwick

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.

Skills from this degree

• The ability to develop extended, well-structured and coherent arguments, both orally and in writing
• The ability to make complex ideas intelligible to a wide range of audiences
• Advanced skills in independent research, analysis and problem solving
• High-level organisational and time-management skills

Taught modules are taught through 10 two-hour seminars held weekly or fortnightly in terms one and/or two. The seminars centre on student-led presentations and discussion. Seminars for the core modules focus on the detailed reading, discussion and interpretation of main texts or sections of ancient Greek/Roman literature, alongside an anthology of further related texts, commentaries and reference works. You will be able to significantly enhance the knowledge and skills acquired at undergraduate level, exchanging and developing ideas and reading strategies in a supportive and stimulating environment.

The classes of the taught modules comprise 2-10 students and up to 15-20 for Language classes. This size allows teaching to be tailored according to the students’ interests.

Teaching methods used for language modules vary depending on the level, but run across all three terms. Overall, you can expect to have on average six contact hours per week.

Most modules (apart from language modules) are assessed by a 5,000-word essay on a topic of your choice, decided upon in negotiation with a member of academic staff. The dissertation will be a 15,000 – 20,000 word essay, built on the research carried out during the programme.

Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Applicants will need to have achieved or be expecting to achieve a firm 2:i undergraduate degree in Classics or a similar course of academic study with substantial course components in the area of Classics to be considered for entry. Applicants must have degree-level competence in at least one ancient language (Ancient Greek or Latin).

• Band B
• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Approaching Ancient Texts: methodologies, theories and practice

Dissertation

Roman Literature and Thought

The module aims to provide postgraduate training in the literary interpretation and philological analysis of classical Latin texts in a variety of forms and genres. It will run in the second term of the course, and will involve developing, applying and putting into practice the techniques and methodologies studied in the first term’s core module, ‘Approaching Ancient Texts’.

Your linguistic skills in reading literary Latin will be brought up to postgraduate level; you will be introduced to the fundamentals of textual criticism, and acquire the knowledge and skills required to respond critically to the most advanced classical scholarship. The seminar format is designed to encourage you to exchange ideas and experiment with scholarly arguments in a supportive and stimulating setting.

or 

Greek Literature and Thought

The module aims to provide postgraduate training in the literary interpretation and philological analysis of ancient Greek literary texts in a variety of forms and genres. It will run in the second term of the course, and will involve developing, applying and putting into practice the techniques and methodologies studied in the first term’s core module, ‘Approaching Ancient Texts’.

Your linguistic skills in reading literary Greek will be brought up to postgraduate level; you will be introduced to the fundamentals of textual criticism and the history of interpretation, including assessment of papyrological reconstructions, palaeography, and commentary by scholiasts as appropriate, and acquire the knowledge and skills required to respond critically to the most advanced classical scholarship.

• Master's Language Training (Greek, Latin or modern language) or Advanced Ancient Language
• Art of the Ancient World
• Classical Epigraphy
• Origins of Phenomenology
• Feminist Literary Theory
• Renaissance Culture and Society

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