Graduate Studies

Overview of Graduate Degree Programs

Most graduate students enrolled in our Department aim toward a PhD degree in Classics, which involves intesive study of both the Greek and Latin languages and literatures. The Department does offer an MA degree in Classics as well, though in recent years few of our students leave the program at that point. In addition, we offer more specialized degrees (e.g., in Modern Greek or Greek Studies: see below); students interested in those should consult the Director of Graduate Studies.

Many students join our graduate program after they complete their BA degree at another College. Even if their goal is to obtain a PhD degree from us, they are initially placed in the MA degree program and then, once they complete its requirements, pass into the doctoral program, as explained in the program outline (see link below). But a number of other students come to us with an MA degree in Classics from another University. In this case, they may be placed directly into the PhD track, which has fewer requirements in terms of courses and exams.

1. Classics (ancient Greek and Latin)
   Nearly all our graduate students enroll in these programs.
   The Master of Arts Degree in Classics
   The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Classics
   
   
2. Modern Greek
   The Master of Arts Degree in Modern Greek
   The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Modern Greek
   For information about these programs, please contact Professors Gregory Jusdanis (jusdanis.1@osu.edu) and Giorgos Anagnostu (jusdanis.1@osu.edu). For the Modern Greek Program, click here.
   
   
3. Additional degree programs
   The Department also offers
   Master of Arts degree in Ancient Greek;
   a Master of Arts degree in Greek Studies;
   a Master of Arts degree in Latin Studies;
   a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Greek Studies; and
   a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Latin Studies.
   
   For more information about these programs and their rationale, please see below or contact the Director of Graduate Studies.
   
   The Master of Arts degree in Latin Studies enrolls students who wish to teach Latin in secondary education. In their second year in the program, such students apply to the College of Education for the MEd degree (which they then pursue in their third year, with Department support).

Overview of the Greek Studies Program

The Ohio State University is one of few institutions in the country where students can study the development of the Greek language and cultural traditions over the last three millennia. This unique program enables students to learn about the history of Greek culture across the Mediterranean, the Near East, the Balkans as well as North America. Greek Studies is housed primarily within the Department of Greek and Latin where faculty members in ancient, Byzantine, and Modern Greek provide courses on language, literature, religion, culture, gender, ethnicity, and politics. Professors in the Departments of Art History, History, Linguistics, Philosophy, Theatre, Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, offer additional related classes.

Since Hellenism is an indispensable component of western civilization, its study provides knowledge not only of the various Greek traditions but also their contribution to the formation of today's global society. Numerous cultures around the world have at different periods entered into exchanges with Hellenism synchronically and diachronically. The study of these dialogues offers students a meaningful understanding of how groups interact and how civilizational models like Hellenism are formed and maintain their appeal. Since Hellenism still constitutes an important cultural ideal for American society as well, one either to be emulated or criticized, Greek studies can reveal why this ideal still has something to say to today's postmodern and transnational world.

Overview of Latin Studies

Latin, the speech of the ancient Romans, was western Europe's primary language of learning and commerce in antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. From it emerged all modern Romance languages (such as Spanish, French and Italian), and nearly half of the modern words in English and German are derived from Latin. Studying Latin not only facilitates the study of modern languages, it opens inroads into the cultural and literary histories of western civilization.

The graduate program in Latin Studies are especially worthwhile to those interested in Medieval Latin. In cooperation with the Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, the Department of Greek and Latin offers a sequence of courses in Medieval Latin. In autumn quarter, an introduction to Medieval Latin is offered. Advanced courses on specific authors, genres and periods are given during the winter and spring. Students are also able to study palaeography and use the excellent resources of the Center for Epigraphical and Palaeographical Studies.

Degrees in Latin Studies are offered through the Department of Greek and Latin, whose faculty members teach courses on Latin language and literature as well as on the religion, culture, and politics of ancient Rome. Faculty members in the Departments of Art History, Germanic Languages and Literatures, History, and Philosophy offer additional relevant classes.