A brief description of the department:
The Department of Classics at the University of Chicago offers a BA degree, a Masters degree in Humanities in conjunction with the University's Division of Humanities, and Ph.D. degrees in 1) Classical Languages and Literatures, 2) The Ancient Mediterranean World, 3) Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy, 4) Joint Ph.D. Degree in Social Thought and Classics. We also mount a summer program in Greek and Latin that can complement work towards the BA or MA.
Particular strengths or unique areas of interest for the department:
Poetics; Ancient History; Ancient Religions; Ancient Philosophy; Epigraphy.
Application deadline: Normally, early to mid December.
Unusual features of the application: Students need to choose between concentrations in 1) Languages and Literatures, 2) the Ancient Mediterranean World or 3) Ancient Philosophy. We also require a list of courses taken and texts read in Greek and Latin.
GRE scores required: Yes.
Writing sample required: Yes. Around 25 pages. A single paper is preferred.
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):
GRE scores c. 700/600; GPA 3.7 overall and higher in major; at least 3 years in one language, 2 in the other.
We put significant emphasis on the writing sample.
Average number of new graduate students per year: 4
Approximate percentage of applicants this represents: Ca. 3%
Number of new students entering program this fall: 4
Approximate percentage of incoming students given full funding: 100%
Number of guaranteed years of funding: 5 years, plus frequent 6th year dissertation support
Out of those years, number student will be expected or required to serve as TA, RA, or the like: Two years.
International students eligibility for financial aid: Yes.
PhDs and MAs awarded since January 2005: 17 PhDs, 18 MAs.
Major changes anticipated in the department over the next few years, if any:
The department has been reinforced by four new hires in the last three years and does not expect major changes in the years to come.
Best contact person for questions:
Program in Classical Languages and Literatures: Shadi Bartsch sbartsch@uchicago.edu
Program in the Ancient Mediterranean World: Alain Bresson abresson@uchicago.edu
Program in Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy: Elizabeth Asmis e-asmis@uchicago.edu
For admissions, Helma Dik, Chair of Graduate Admissions: helmadik@uchicago.edu