The work of the department is carried on in formal courses, seminars and guided research, with considerable flexibility in regard to students' particular interests and objectives. Emphasis is placed on an overall command of the languages, literatures and histories of ancient Greece and Rome or, in the case of Sanskrit, of ancient India. Students are also encouraged to consider courses outside of the Classics Department that are relevant to their areas of interest.
Classics
Graduate Study
Ph.D. in Classics
The discipline of Classics entails a breadth — and depth — of focus that is nearly unparalleled. In proceeding to the doctoral degree, each student has the opportunity to enrich his or her knowledge of many aspects of Greek and Latin literature, history and culture, as well as related fields (e.g., Sanskrit, archeology, epigraphy).
Master of Arts in Classics
A degree of M.A. is available for students already working toward the Ph.D. in cognate programs at Brown; however, we do not admit directly into a Master’s program.
Successful candidates must present satisfactory evidence that they completed several undergraduate courses in Greek and Latin. The graduate program consists of a minimum of eight courses, including at least two seminars in Greek and Latin or Classics, and completion of a thesis, which is an original investigation of a literary, historical, archaeological or linguistic topic. Competence must also be demonstrated in French or German.