Classical Studies / European Master in Classical Cultures (Joint Degree)

The Postgraduate Programme in Classics is based on the general principle of the unity of Classical Studies and has been designed to offer well-grounded specialization in Ancient Greek and Latin Studies as well as in the comparative study of Classical Literature. More specifically, the objectives of the Programme are as follows:
(a) To provide students with expert knowledge of the language and literature (including non-literary written documents) of the Ancient Greek and Roman world in greater depth compared to the undergraduate studies in Classics.
(b) To train students in locating and critically appraising scholarly literature as well as in the methodical analysis and interpretation of primary sources in the light of international research findings.
(c) To familiarize students in a more systematic way with theory, methods and the research objects of a number of disciplines adjacent to Classical Philology (Papyrology, Epigraphy, Historical Linguistics, History, Archaeology, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature) and to provide them with specialized knowledge in some of these disciplines.
(d) To train students in producing research papers in which texts of Ancient Greek and Latin literature are analysed, scholarly literature is critically used, and research outcomes are presented in an appropriate manner. Students are also trained in giving presentations of their work and supporting their argumentation within a context of opinion exchange with their professors and fellow students.
(e) The aforementioned objective is inextricably connected with the promotion of autonomous thinking and the quest for original conclusions in a specific field of research. This can inspire new ideas which may lead to future doctoral research and/or to scholarly publications.

Key Learning Outcomes

The graduates of the Postgraduate Programme in Classics are expected to obtain expert knowledge (A) as well as particular skills (B).
Α. Knowledge
(a) They will master Ancient Greek and Latin.
(b) They will become acquainted with a large corpus of Ancient Greek and Latin texts from various genres and will acquire in-depth knowledge in a number of important topics in Ancient Greek and Latin Literature.
(c) They will become familiar with important figures in the history of Classics and with the various methodological debates that have shaped it. This will enable them to obtain a clear picture of the historical development of the field and to better comprehend new trends in textual interpretation and literary studies.
(d) They will master the methodological principles of high-level research in Classics, applying them to their own work.
(e) They will become acquainted with the research objects and methodologies of the other main disciplines within Classical Studies and thus be in a position to use them fruitfully to enrich their own research on philological subjects.
Β. Competencies
The following skills will be developed by students of the Programme:
(a) The ability to analyse primary sources by placing them in their historical and cultural context and by examining critically the intentions of their authors.
(b) The ability to conduct bibliographical research and to critically review scholarly literature.
(c) The ability to write research papers in which they will investigate given topics, engage in discussion of scholarly opinions and theories, and express their own views in a coherent and persuasive manner.
(d) The ability to identify problems suitable for future original research, either in the form of a thesis or as articles to appear in scholarly journals.