Our Program 

The Department of Classics offers a two-year program of studies leading to the degree of Master of Arts. Two patterns of study are available.

For Pattern I, students are required to take four half courses from our list of offerings and write a thesis of about 80-100 pages (CLAS 899) on a topic chosen in consultation with a thesis supervisor. The thesis will be subject to examination under the general regulations of the Graduate School.

For Pattern II, students take six courses from our list of offerings and write an essay (CLAS 898) of about 50 pages on a topic chosen in consultation with an essay supervisor. The essay will not be subject to an oral defence but will be read by one member of the department in addition to the essay supervisor. It must show the capacity for critical and analytical research and reflect the state of scholarship on the subject.

For both patterns the first year will consist primarily of course work in three fields, Greek , Latin , and Classical Studies. Students should complete at least one course in each of the three fields in the first year. Students registered in Pattern I are expected to write a thesis in the second year of their program. For students who choose Pattern II course work normally continues into the first semester of their second year. The essay is written in the second semester of that year. Under normal circumstances, permission to proceed to thesis or essay work will be denied to any student who has not shown satisfactory progress in course work.

Works chosen for study in all courses will be taken, where appropriate and at the discretion of the instructor, from a Reading List of Greek and Latin authors, which is given out at the beginning of the year. Courses that are not designated as Reading Courses include the research and preparation of papers and/or reports at the discretion of the instructor. The choice of supervisor is by mutual agreement of the student and the faculty member concerned.

Successful completion of the two Pro-Seminar courses, CLAS 800 and 802, both offered in alternate years, is also required before graduation.

All students are also required to reach proficiency in reading French, German or Italian normally before beginning the thesis or essay. This language requirement may be satisfied by undergraduate standing with a year-length course, or an Ontario Academic credit or equivalent. Language courses at the appropriate levels are also available at Queen's.

Departmental procedures for completion phase of Pattern I and II programs