Graduate Program
The Department of Greek and Roman Studies offers a two-year program of studies leading to the degree of M.A. The program combines course work and thesis. Course work will include study of both Greek and Latin, but the thesis may be written in the areas of Greek literature, Latin literature, Greek history, Roman history, and Classical archaeology.
Admission Requirements
All applicants must be able to demonstrate a well-rounded, comprehensive knowledge of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Applicants should ideally have balanced strength in Greek and Latin, or substantial experience in one language and at least basic competence in the other, and proficiency in reading French, German or Italian. The basic admission requirement is a four-year bachelor degree with first class or high second class standing.
In addition to the documentation required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the Department of Greek and Roman Studies also requires a statement of intent from each prospective student outlining the student's research interests.
The application deadline is April 1 for September admission.
How to apply for Graduate Admission
UVic Info : Calendar
Formal details can be found at the Greek and Roman Studies entry in the Faculty of Graduate Studies section of the university calendar.
Program of Studies
The program is designed to take two years to complete. The first year consists primarily of directed reading in three fields, and the second is devoted to the preparation of a thesis. Students will also be required to demonstrate proficiency in a modern European language.
Under normal circumstances the student will complete the above-mentioned courses in the first year. The "fields" are at the heart of the program. Students should meet with the instructors of the fields in which they are registered in the first week of a term when they will be given a Reading List and an outline of the course of study. The course will include the preparation of a number of papers or reports, to be set at the discretion of the instructor. Normally, the instructor will schedule a series of meetings with the students at the first meeting. At the end of the course of study, in April, students will take a written examination on the year's work. There will also be an oral examination. Students in the same field will all sit the same examination. The examinations will be graded by the principle supervisor and one other reader from the Department. The result of the exam will comprise approximately 50% of the final grade, the remainder of which will be calculated from the work done during the year.
In the second year, the student will write a thesis under the supervision of a member of the Department and a committee appointed according to the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The MA thesis normally provides the graduate student with the opportunity to study a specific question in literature, history or archaeology which has been under-represented in past scholarship. Recent completed theses can be found archived on-line at https://dspace.library.uvic.ca:8443/handle/1828/149. Current and recent research by our graduate students can be found at http://web.uvic.ca/grs/web_pages/graduate_students.php. Qualification for the thesis year is by permission of the Department. Permission will be denied to any student who has not achieved a grade of B+ or better on any of the three field examinations.
Syllabi (2011-2012):
FALL 2011: GRS 501; GRS 502; GRS 503; GRS 504;
SPRING 2012: GRS 505 (Syllabus); GRS 505 (Reading List)
Financial AssistanceHolders of University Fellowships may also be offered supplementary paid employment in the department. Students who do not hold a University Fellowship may still qualify for financial aid. This may take the form of a special award from the Dean of Graduate Studies, or one of part-time employment within the department and a Faculty supplement. Full-time students are limited to a maximum of 300 hours of paid employment during the Winter Session. Departmental duties may include tutorial assistance in Greek and/or Latin, marking responsibilities, and occasional teaching assignments. There is the additional possibility of employment as a research assistant for an individual faculty member.
Faculty ActivityMembers of the department serve as officers and/or participate actively in the American Philological Association, American School of Classical Studies, American Schools of Oriental Research, Archaeological Institute of America, Association of Ancient Historians, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, Canadian Institute in Greece, Canadian Institute for Mediterranean Studies, Classical Association of Canada, Classical Association of the Canadian West, Classical Association of the Pacific Northwest, Frontinus-Gesellschaft, Hellenic Society, Institute of Nautical Archaeology, Nautical Archaeology Society, Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, Society for Libyan Studies, and Society of Antiquaries.
Many undergraduate and graduate students in the Department have been involved with archaeological excavations where graduate students have often developed topics for their theses. Faculty have recently carried out surveys and excavations at the sites of Humeima, in Jordan's southern desert, at Gordion in Turkey and Dorati and Eastern Boeotia in Greece. For further information, see Dr. Oleson's web page Dr. Burke's web page.
Faculty members in the department have been awarded S.S.H.R.C. and other grants to support research into various aspects of classical literature, history and archaeology. The level of faculty research productivity in the department is exceptionally high. Three faculty members have been elected to the Royal Society of Canada, and one to the Society of Antiquaries, for their scholarly accomplishments.
Faculty Research Projects:
Awards and Bursaries
The University offers Fellowships valued at up to $15,000 for twelve months. Subject to satisfactory performance, a candidate for an M.A. programme may hold a Fellowship for two years.
The Department normally offers Teaching Assistantships. The University provides awards to supplement the salaries of Teaching Assistantships.
Consideration for financial aid is automatic upon receipt of the application for admission, provided that it is received by the Department of Greek and Roman Studies or the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies by February 15. In any event, applications must be received by April 1 for admission in September.
Current Graduate Students
Click on the link to see a list of current graduate students in the Department of Greek and Roman studies.
Inquiries
Inquiries about the program should be directed to:
Dr. Ingrid E. Holmberg
Department of Greek and Roman Studies,
University of Victoria
PO Box 3045,
Victoria, BCvf
V8W 3P4
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