Programme

Your aim in the Classics is to graduate with a diverse and well-balanced view of Graeco-Roman antiquity. We ensure that our curriculum changes annually to make sure you benefit from the most relevant courses.

Within the programme, you will study primary sources, based on an approach that integrates linguistics, literature, culture and history. Together with classes on cultural-historical disciplines, courses on Greek and Latin literature and/or linguistics will form the core of your curriculum. You are free to select courses in your own area of interest or in other relevant fields, such as history or philosophy, from Leiden University, or from one of the collaborating Universities: the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam (VU).

You will study classical texts in a variety of ways. In courses on classical literature, you will treat the textual sources primarily in terms of their content, and will cover interpretation, genre, Nachleben and intertextuality. The formal aspects of ancient texts, including syntax and discourse analysis, are the prime area of focus in the courses on Greek and/or Latin linguistics.

You will conclude the MA in Classics by writing a thesis based on a research question or hypothesis of your own formulation, which involves the interpretation of classic texts, and/or the exploration of linguistic or literary concepts. Your supervisor will be a member of our small but dedicated staff of active researchers.

Courses offered at Leiden University include:

• Greek literature and linguistics
• Latin literature
• Ancient History
• Ancient Philosophy

For the most up-to-date course overview, see the e-Prospectus. The topics of the seminars and tutorials on offer vary each academic year, depending on the latest research of our staff and visiting scholars.

For more information about the collaboration with VU and UvA, please contact the coordinator of studies.