Ancient History
| Specialisation of: | History |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Master of Arts in History |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time, Part-time |
| Duration: | 1 year (full-time) or 1,5 year (part-time) |
| Start date: | September, February |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 66034 |
The MA specialisation in Ancient History offers a wide-ranging overview of the history of the Greek and Roman period, with a focus on the history of the mentality and social and economic history in the period 400 B.C. – 400 A.D.
You will cover an array of subjects, including:
- The complex history of the Roman Republic;
- Civic life in Italy, Asia Minor and Egypt;
- Graeco-Roman religion;
- The rise of Christianity.
Programme
The programme consists of an introductory course, an in-depth study of one or more areas of interest and a final thesis.
Introductory Course
The introductory course is taught in the form of an intensive literature seminar, in which you will be given an outline of issues relevant to the study of the Graeco-Roman world on the basis of secondary literature. You will write short essays on such subjects as Hellenisation, syncretism and the rise of Christianity.
In-depth study
You will attend a seminar where you will carry out research. Each year, different seminars are offered. Past courses include seminars on Late Antique Egypt (together with the papyrology dept.) and Rome the Cosmopolis. You will also have the chance to follow an optional course to develop additional knowledge and skills. You can choose either from within the field of ancient history, or outside it, for example from MA courses offered by the Classics or Archaeology Departments.
Exam and Thesis
The programme concludes with a thesis and a final exam. Examples of thesis subjects include the Jewish catacombs in Rome, the Social War and Augustan propaganda.
For the most up to date course overview, see the e-Prospectus.
The department organises lectures by various guest speakers, to which all MA students are invited.
The Department encourages its students to visit their objects of study. Each year, an MA excursion to Athens or Rome is organised. Furthermore, it is possible to do part of the research for the thesis in one of the Dutch institutes abroad, in particular those in Rome, Athens and Istanbul.
