PhD in Classical Languages
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The PhD in Classical Languages is a broad-based program leading to a general qualification in Classics. Students are encouraged to explore all aspects of the ancient Greek and Roman cultures in courses, preparation for qualifying exams, and the thesis.
Course requirements, language proficiency, and length of program for the PhD in Classical Languages depends to some extent on the student's previous training and the student's anticipated needs for the chosen area of specialization. Four to six years are normally required to complete the program.
The minimum period of residence is two academic years of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta. Course work can normally be completed in three semesters.
Entrance Requirements
In addition to general Departmental requirements, students must have an MA in Classics or the equivalent.
Program Requirements
Courses:
Nine ★3 graduate level courses including:
- At least three courses in GREEK
- At least three courses in LATIN
- At least two courses in CLASS
- One course may be directed study (GREEK, LATIN or CLASS 599) in the proposed area of research
- One course may be taken outside of CLASS, GREEK or LATIN, with approval of Department
CLASS 501 (★1)
Comprehensive examinations
Students must pass three written comprehensive examinations: one in Greek language and literature; one in Latin language and literature; and one in a special field of the student's choosing that is not directly related to the general field of research. The language and literature examinations are based on the Departmental reading list: and each consists of two parts, one testing translation skills and the other testing general knowledge of the development of the corresponding literature. The third written examination is based on a reading list drawn up by the student and assessors, and consists of one to three broad questions. After the written examinations have been taken, there is an oral examination that covers all three fields.
It is expected that students will take the comprehensive examinations by the middle of their third year.
Candidacy examination
An oral examination on the student's general field of research for the thesis, including consideration of the student's thesis proposal is designed to assess whether the student has (1) an adequate knowledge of the discipline and of the subject matter relevant to the thesis, and (2) the ability to pursue and complete original research at an advanced level.
It is recommended that students take the oral candidacy examination by the end of their third year.
Thesis Registration in 900-level THES. The final oral examination will be on the student's thesis, the text of which should normally be 200-300 pages in length.
Ethics Requirement
Students must complete INT D 710 and INT D 720, self-paced online courses, by the end of their first semester in the program.
Professional Development Requirement
Students fulfill four hours of the FGSR Professional Development Requirement through HIST 602 if it is taken as part of their doctoral program. See the FGSR website for more information.
Modern Language Requirement
Students must demonstrate competence in German and in French or Italian according to the procedures specified in the Departmental Language Requirement.