Programme

The Research Master programme in Classics and Ancient Near Eastern Civilisations is a two year-programme, that consists of five specialisations following an identical structure which gradually leads to the development of specific research skills.

First year

All tracks share two compulsory core courses which are geared towards connecting the various disciplines involved. The first of these common courses, ‘The Commentary’, focuses on one of the most distinctive literary genres common to all five literary traditions involved and thus provides a suitable methodological background.

After this core course, you will either choose five electives specific to your specialisation, or choose one elective and spend a period of time at an academic institution abroad. Since at the Research Master’s level it is customary to follow recent trends in research in the course offerings, courses may differ every year.

Second year

The second core course, ‘Cultural contact in the Hellenistic world’, focuses on the high degree of cultural interaction between the Western Mediterranean and the Indus Valley were that followed the conquest of Alexander the Great in the fourth century B.C.E. A comparative presentation of key phenomena resulting from the ‘Hellenization and Romanization of the East’ and the ‘Orientalization of the West’.

You will follow a tutorial with your supervisor during the third semester in order to improve your research skills and critical acumen by means of personal discussions. This serves as a first step in the planning of your thesis.

Additionally, you will take another elective course within your specialisation area.

In the fourth semester, you are expected to present your thesis within a common research seminar. Part of the presentation consists of a specific research proposal, normally based on the thesis, for future doctoral work.