Because of the Excellent Academic Level and Unique Atmosphere
The Department of Classical Studies at Bar-Ilan University is renowned for its esteemed faculty members, some of whom are internationally acclaimed researchers. Our courses regularly receive the highest scores in teaching reviews and educational surveys.
All of our courses are held in small groups, so that every student receive the professors’ attention and personal treatment, and so that good relationships are created between all the students and faculty members, cultivating a great learning atmosphere.
Because of Our Diverse Study Tracks
Bar-Ilan’s Department of Classical Studiesoffers various study tracks for B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Classical Studies. Specialties offered in the B.A. track are the Greek World (including ancient Greek language studies); the Roman World (including studies of Latin); and the Classical Cultures World, which doesn’t require the acquisition of ancient languages.
Because of the Multitude of Conferences and Seminars
As part of the study curriculum, the Department of Classical Studies regularly holds fascinating conferences and seminars on such subjects as ancient literature, philology, history, mythology, art, philosophy and showcasing the ancient world in popular culture.
Because of the Fascinating Course Offerings
In addition to “Classical” subject matters, our Department also offers numerous interesting courses such as mythology, biography, political philosophy, women in the ancient world, the relations between Israel, Rome and Greek, and more. We examine a wide variety of cultures and peoples, from 1,500 BC to 500 AD, and from the British Isles in the West to the Middle and even Far East.
Because We Provide the Modern Perspective on the Ancient World
Some of the courses at the Department of Classical Studies focus on the connection between the ancient world and modern times, including the exploration of timeless cultural influences on modern media outlets such as television and cinema. Additionally, we enable students to experience first-hand the culture of the ancient world through the staging of ancient dramatic productions.
Prof. Lisa Maurice explains why you should study with us.
Admission to the MA is conditional on the student spending a required period on campus, this will be arranged with the department head.
Available in both Track A Research Track (with thesis) and Track B Non-Research Track (coursework-based).
No prior experience in classical studies is needed.
Students who have studied, or begin to study, Greek or Latin during the MA may choose to write a thesis.
Track A – Research Track
Credit Requirements
12 annual credits (24 semester credits), including two seminars and courses that involve reading classical texts in their original languages.
Students in this track may be eligible to continue on to PhD studies, provided they demonstrate proficiency in both Greek and Latin.
Thesis & Final Exam
Track B: Non-Research Track
Credit Requirements
18 annual credits (36 semester credits), including:
Whenever possible, coursework will be tailored specifically for MA students.
Final Exam
The exam is based on a reading list assigned by the department head.
Additional Requirements
Students who did not earn their BA at Bar-Ilan University must also complete 8 semester-based credits in Basic Jewish Studies or General Courses.
You can explore the General Courses catalogue here.
The Department of Classical Studies’ faculty members who are currently available to supervise dissertations are scholars of international standing, covering a range of fields:
Prof. Lisa Maurice
Research specializations: Classical reception (particularly the reception of the ancient world in children’s culture and in modern popular culture), ancient comedy, ancient drama, Plautus, metatheatricality.
Prof. Daniela Dueck
Research specializations: Strabo, geographical conceptions in ancient Greece and Rome, ancient geographic narrative, cultural history of ancient Greece and Rome (especially customs and ethnic identities).
Prof. Gabriel Danzig
Research specializations: Ancient philosophy, Socratic studies, Plato, Xenophon, Greek political thought, Jewish thought.
Research specializations: Greek and Latin language, literature and culture, Modern Greek language and culture, Greek epic poetry and tragedy, Classical mythology & religions in antiquity, Women & gender in antiquity, Mobility and space, Classical Reception Studies, Text and image (especially Attic vases), Greek social history
PhD in Classical Studies
Admission Requirements
Please note: Admission is conditional on spending a set amount of time at Bar-Ilan University, which will be arranged in coordination with the department head.
Areas of Specialization
Each PhD track is individually designed, based on your research focus and in collaboration with your advisor and the department head.
The program includes language courses, any additional coursework you may need, and of course, your dissertation.
Depending on your research direction, you might also be asked to study another modern language.
Credit Requirements
You’ll need to complete 12 semester-based credits within the department, including required language courses.
If you didn’t complete either of your previous degrees at Bar-Ilan, you’ll also need to take 8 semester-based credits in Basic Jewish Studies or General Courses before completing your PhD.
You can browse the General Courses catalog here.
International School
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, Israel 5290002
Tel: +972- 3-738-4245
Email for further information
[email protected]
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