A brief description of the department:
Classics and History were two of the original departments in the Faculty of Arts when the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, was founded in 1908. They merged in the 1990s, becoming the Department of History and Classics, which has programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.
The Department offers two course-based Classics MAs: one in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, and classical studies), where some concentration is possible in classical literature or ancient history; the other in Classical Archaeology, which offers an opportunity to pursue archaeological fieldwork. The PhD in Classics is also offered in both Classical Languages and Classical Archaeology.
MA and PhD programs in History are offered in the following areas: Africa and the Middle East; British Empire; Modern Britain; Canada; China, Japan, and Korea; Medieval England; Early Modern England; Medieval Europe; Early Modern Western Europe; Modern Western Europe; Latin America; Russia and Eastern Europe; United States; Science, Medicine, and Technology; and Women. The MA may be either course-based or thesis-based.
The Department also offers a thesis-based MA in Ancient Societies and Cultures, with an emphasis on inter- and cross-disciplinary approaches.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: For Classics specifically: archaeology, classical literature, ancient history.
Application deadline: 15 January, 2009
Unusual features of the application: Applicants for both the MA and PhD must submit, as part of their application, a curriculum vitae, two official copies of transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a one-page statement of purpose, and the departmental Field Questionnaire (http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/historyandclassics/).
GRE scores required: N/A
Writing sample required: No writing sample is required for MA applicants. PhD applicants must submit a sample of recent written work such as a chapter from the MA thesis (or part thereof) or an essay.
For “best consideration for admission”, applicants should have (note that there are always special cases, and that meeting the stated numerical goals will not guarantee admission to any program):
General minimum requirements for the MA and PhD regardless of program are an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.5 in the last two years of undergraduate (or graduate) work at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. Non-native speakers of English must have a TOEFL score of 95 (internet-based) or 580 (paper-based). Evidence of foreign language acquisition is an important consideration in admission decisions.
For the MA in Classical Languages, specifically: In addition to general Departmental requirements, students must have a BA with a major in Classics, with the equivalent of GREEK 101/102 and 301/302 and LATIN 101/102 and 301/302 and *9 at the 400-level in Greek and/or Latin. Students who have less preparation in the languages, but are otherwise well qualified for graduate study, may be considered for admission as qualifying students.
For the MA in Classical Archaeology, specifically: In addition to general Departmental requirements, students must have a BA with a major in Classics, with the equivalent of at least *6 of (Ancient) Greek or Latin at the 100-level and with eight courses (*24) in Classics at the 200-level or above, at least two (*6) of which must be at the 400-level. Students with a major in Archaeology, Anthropology, History, or Art History may also be accepted, provided that they have taken at least six courses (*18) in Classics at the 200-level or above.
For the MA in Ancient Societies and Cultures, specifically: In addition to general Departmental requirements, students should hold a BA degree either in Classics or History or a suitable related field (e.g., Religious Studies, Philosophy, Anthropology) and must demonstrate appropriate preparation for the desired program of study, including a level of language proficiency to conduct research on the primary sources, as applicable to the student’s program (e.g., suitable preparation in Greek, Hebrew, Latin and/or Sanskrit).
For the PhD in Classical Languages, specifically: In addition to general Departmental requirements, students must have an MA in Classics or the equivalent.
For the PhD in Classical Archaeology, specifically: In addition to general Departmental requirements, students must have an MA in Classics or the equivalent.
Average number of new graduate students per year:
History: MA 15 / PhD 5
Classics: MA 6 / PhD 1
Note: The MA in Ancient Societies and Cultures is new starting September, 2009.
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 40%.
Number of new students entering program this fall:
History: MA 9 / PhD 5
Classics: MA 7 / PhD 1
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 85%
Number of guaranteed years of funding: PhD: 4 years guaranteed (Departmental Teaching or Research Assistantship, 12 hrs per week for two 16-week terms a year), excluding students who have external funding through scholarships; renewal of the assistantship from year to year depends on satisfactory academic progress.
MA: funding is not guaranteed; it depends on the ranking of students at the time of admission, available funds, and Departmental needs; Departmental Teaching and Research Assistantships at the MA level are normally for six hours per week for two 16-week terms in total.
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: See above.
International students eligibility for financial aid: They are eligible.
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005:
History: MA 42 / PhD 9
Classics: MA 10 / PhD 1
Note: The MA in Ancient Societies and Cultures is new starting September, 2009.
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any: Not at present.
Best contact person for questions: Lydia Dugbazah, Graduate Secretary