Programme

Although the main focus of the programme is on your chosen specialisation, the programme also includes a number of courses enabling students to acquire a better understanding of theories of historical processes, historical debates and methodology of historical research. In the first semester, you will follow a course in historical methodology, in the second semester a course in historiography. Both courses are taught by first-rate instructors and address problems and issues highly relevant throughout your study.

The programme also consists of an introductory course, an in-depth study of one or more areas of interest and a final thesis. Further details about the courses (some subject to annual change) can be found in the course catalogue. Although there are a number of formal requirements, the policy of the department is to enable you to pursue your own intellectual interests, both inside and outside the department.

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:

The next stage of the programme consists of two research seminars. 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, or courses offered by another university, either in the Netherlands or abroad.
In the second semester of your programme you will have tutorials on an individual basis. The format of the tutorial will be determined by you and your supervisor; the ultimate aim is to determine the subject of your thesis.

Exam and thesis:

The programme concludes with a substantial thesis and a final exam. Examples of recent thesis subjects include the position of Roman widows, processes of migration and acculturation in the Roman empire, divination in the Near East and the Greek world, self-representation among the senatorial elite of Rome, and Greek military theory.

Throughout the year, the department organises lectures by various guest speakers, to which all students are invited.
The Department encourages its students to visit their object of study. Each year, an excursion to Athens or Rome is organised. Furthermore, it is possible to do a part of the research for the thesis in one of the Dutch institutes abroad, in particular those in Rome, Athens and Istanbul.
Students in the research-MA are further encouraged to spend a part of their programme abroad. Choices will be made on an individual basis and depend on the subject of the student. In recent years, students have been staying at University College London, St. Andrews, and the University of Oxford.

Links

Department of Ancient History: research themes
Course overview