A brief description of the department:
We are a large and diverse department whose interests represent the whole range of the field, from Bronze Age archaeology to Greek tragedy to Roman history to medieval Latin poetry. We have strong ties to other departments such as History and Comparative Literature (many of our faculty hold joint appointments) and also to the Aleshire Center for the Study of Greek Epigraphy, the Nemea Center for Classical Archaeology, and the Center for the Tebtunis Papyri.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department: ancient philosophy, cultural studies, literary theory, material culture, textual criticism
Application deadline: December 15, 2008
Unusual features of the application: We require submission of reading lists showing works read in Greek and Latin.
GRE scores required: Yes, but requirement will sometimes be waived for international applicants.
Writing sample required: Yes; between 10-25pp.; one or two shorter papers will also do. If submitting a longer piece, please indicate which sections the committee should focus on.
For “best consideration for admission”, applicants should have (note that there are always special cases, and that meeting the stated numerical goals will not guarantee admission to any program):
Applicants should have the equivalent of an undergraduate Classics major, with substantial work in both languages.
Average number of new graduate students per year: 6
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: 7.5%
Number of new students entering program this fall: 4 entering M.A./Ph.D. program; 1 entering Ph.D. program
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: Normally 100%
Number of guaranteed years of funding: 3-5 years guaranteed (depending on package); but all students who are making normal progress can count on being supported all the way through the program.
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: One year of teaching is a requirement of the program; most students will teach 4-5 semesters during their time at Berkeley.
International students eligibility for financial aid: Yes
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005: 13 PhDs
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any: No
Best contact person for questions: The Graduate Advisor, currently Ellen Oliensis
