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.
Note: The acceptance of those without a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Studies is dependent on successfully passing a test in Greek and/or Latin at the request of the head of the department. While competence in both Latin and Greek is preferable, knowledge of only one classical language (Greek or Latin) is possible with the approval of the head of the department. Please note that continuation to a doctorate is possible only on the condition of having completed the Master’s program with knowledge of both languages.
The Department of Classical Studies also offers an MA focusing on Classical Reception. Classical Reception studies examine the reception of different aspects of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds in different periods and cultures.
The program deals with the way in which the ancient world influences, and has been integrated into, literature, art, and every other aspect of later society, including Judaism and modern Israeli culture.
This is a relatively new multidisciplinary academic specialization offered at Bar-Ilan University, and it is the only Israeli university to run such a program.
The requirements for the Classical Reception track are the same as those for the regular MA listed above, i.e. 12 credits, including 2 seminars and a dissertation, but more flexibility with regard to knowledge of the ancient languages may be permitted in this track.
Courses within the MA program in Classical Studies can cover a wide range of subjects pertaining to the study of the ancient Greek and Roman world. These include:
Up to one third of the courses may be taken in other departments. For example, it is possible to take courses on ancient Israel in the Faculty of Jewish Studies as part of our degree, or on related subjects in other departments such as English Literature and Linguistics, Comparative Literature, Philosophy and Jewish Philosophy.
In this program, the number of courses taken in the Department of Classical Studies shall not be less than two-thirds of the total credits required for the degree.
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.
The PhD program is tailored to the needs and qualifications of the individual student. Students with degrees in classical subjects, and with knowledge of both Latin and Classical Greek are eligible.
International School
Bar-Ilan University
Ramat-Gan, Israel 5290002
Tel: +972- 3-738-4245
Email for further information
[email protected]
Leave your details and we’ll get back to you soon
Explore a range of undergraduate degrees in English, including Political Science, Communication, and Humanities. We also offer 16 diverse graduate programs and a brand-new Cyber Security & Data Protection certificate – all in English!
If you find an error in content or missing information – please update us. In any case, the binding information appears on the website of the Council for Higher Education.
