The PhD program in classics is intended for students who wish to pursue original research in the wide-ranging field of classics—Greek, Latin, Semitic languages, ancient Mediterranean religions and mythology, Mediterranean archaeology, ancient philosophy, biblical studies, and classical literature from Homer to Plato to the Bible to the Church fathers. Students are also trained to teach languages and literature at the university level. Many students bring their advanced education to such careers as law, counseling, publishing, library science, grant writing, nonprofit organizations, and university administration.
Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to demonstrate many, if not all of the following:
- understanding of the vocabulary and grammar of the classical languages they have chosen to study (e.g., Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Aramaic, Syriac, Coptic) at an advanced level;
- broad knowledge of the ancient literature corresponding to their chosen languages of study;
- application of ancient concepts learned to modern problems;
- the ability to conduct original research in various subjects within the field of classics;
- facility with the writing skills necessary to publish articles and critical research volumes at the peer-review level, as well as popular articles in trade books, magazines, newspapers, and online publications; and
- facility with the public-speaking skills necessary to present research both in professional academic settings and in popular, public venues.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in classics requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. Students may count no more than 12 s.h. earned in courses numbered 3000–4999 toward the degree. Students must maintain a UI cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.
Students must also take precomprehensive and comprehensive examinations and write a dissertation.
Courses taken to complete the Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Classics do not count toward the degree.
Required Courses
Course List
| Course # |
Title |
Hours |
| |
| CLSG:4076 | Greek Composition | 2-3 |
| CLSG:5001 | Greek Survey I: Archaic to Classical Literature | 3 |
| CLSG:5002 | Greek Survey II: Hellenistic to Late Antique Literature | 3 |
| CLSL:4076 | Latin Composition | 2-3 |
| CLSL:5001 | Latin Survey I: Republican Literature | 3 |
| CLSL:5002 | Latin Survey II: Imperial to Late Antique Literature | 3 |
The remaining coursework is made up of Department of Classics and Religious Studies courses and other courses with approval of the graduate advisor.
PhD Examinations
PhD students must take the foundations exam at the end of their first year. The remaining exams may be taken in any sequence during years two to four. Students must file a request for the fourth-year comprehensive exam at least three weeks before the date of the third and final field exam to be taken. Students must demonstrate competence in reading one modern scholarly language—such as French, German, Italian, or Hebrew, depending on field of study—by the end of the fourth year of study. They can show this competence either through coursework or by completing a translation exam—with a dictionary—of a selection from scholarly work. Competence in two modern scholarly languages is highly recommended.
Foundations Exam
The foundations exam draws on a set reading list of broad themes in ancient Mediterranean history, literature, and culture. The exam consists entirely of take-home and open-book essay questions, which students have four weeks to complete.
Translation Exams
Students take two translation exams in either Greek, Latin, Hebrew/Aramaic, Coptic, or Syriac. The scheduling of translation exams occurs on an individual basis, either one or two per semester, and the exams draw on a set reading list. They are four hours each and taken in the department with dictionary access.
Field Exams
Students take three field exams in either Greek literature, Latin literature, biblical studies, early Christianity, Mediterranean history, Mediterranean archaeology, or ancient world digital humanities. The scheduling of field exams occurs on an individual basis, either one or two per semester, and the exams draw on a set reading list. They consist entirely of take-home and open-book essay questions, which students have four weeks to complete.
Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.
Academics
University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.
Admissions
Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.
Financial Support
Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
The Department of Classics and Religious Studies is recognized for the excellent program it offers for graduate study in classics. Most go on to teach at the college level.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Classics, PhD
Plan of Study Grid (Manual)
| Academic Career |
|---|
| Any Semester |
|---|
| a |
|
| b |
|
| | Hours | 0 |
| First Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| CLSG:4076 |
Greek Composition |
2 - 3 |
| CLSG:5001 |
Greek Survey I: Archaic to Classical Literature |
3 |
| c |
2 |
| c |
3 |
| | Hours | 10-11 |
| Spring |
|---|
| CLSG:5002 |
Greek Survey II: Hellenistic to Late Antique Literature |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| c |
2 |
| c |
3 |
| d |
|
| | Hours | 11 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Any Semester |
|---|
| e |
|
| f |
|
| | Hours | 0 |
| Fall |
|---|
| CLSL:4076 |
Latin Composition |
2 - 3 |
| CLSL:5001 |
Latin Survey I: Republican Literature |
3 |
| c |
2 |
| c |
3 |
| | Hours | 10-11 |
| Spring |
|---|
| CLSL:5002 |
Latin Survey II: Imperial to Late Antique Literature |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| c |
2 |
| c |
3 |
| | Hours | 11 |
| Third Year |
|---|
| Any Semester |
|---|
| e |
|
| f |
|
| | Hours | 0 |
| Fall |
|---|
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| Any Semester |
|---|
| e, g |
|
| f, g |
|
| | Hours | 0 |
| Fall |
|---|
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Spring |
|---|
| c |
3 |
| c |
3 |
| | Hours | 6 |
| Fifth Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
|
|
CLSG:7080
|
Greek Thesis
or Latin Thesis |
4 |
| | Hours | 4 |
| Spring |
|---|
CLSG:7080
|
Greek Thesis
or Latin Thesis |
4 |
| h |
|
| | Hours | 4 |
| | Total Hours | 74-76 |
