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Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies

The Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies offers programs of study that lead to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master of Arts (M.A.), and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).

We offer a unique opportunity to explore the societies of the ancient Mediterranean and the Near East. Our faculty includes world experts who both teach and research the archaeology, history, languages, literatures, and religions of ancient Egypt, the Near East, Greece and Rome, including Judaism and early Christianity. Our programs, which can be individually tailored to fit specific interests, foster interdisciplinary study while developing the relevant skill sets to prepare our students for future study and employment.

Our strengths include broad coverage of the societies, cultures, religions, and mythologies of ancient civilizations; in-depth study of the dramatic, historical, legal, literary, and religious texts produced by those civilizations; advanced training in practical methods of archaeology and the interpretation of material and visual culture; training in the primary languages (including Akkadian, Ancient Greek, Latin, Biblical Hebrew, Middle Egyptian, and Classical Arabic); and the receptions of antiquity by later eras.

The Department offers courses in AMNE (Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies), ARBC (Classical Arabic), GREK (Ancient Greek), HEBR (Biblical Hebrew), and LATN (Latin).

For current offerings, visit the Department.

For information on advanced degrees, visit AMNE Graduate Programs.

Major in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies

A Major in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies requires the completion of 42 credits, at least 30 of which must be at the 300- or 400-level. Students are encouraged to consult with the Department’s Undergraduate Advisor and Advising Tools as early in their degree program as possible for guidance in planning a course of study that will best prepare them to achieve their academic and professional goals within the field.

Transfer students, second-degree students and others wishing to substitute courses from previous study or other course codes are encouraged to consult with the Undergraduate Advisor. Typically, the department does not allow substitutions to AMNE 200 or AMNE 300.

Requirements

Required Courses (15 credits)

  • 3 credits of AMNE 200
  • At least 3 credits of ARBC, GREK, HEBR, LATN, AMNE 101, 391, 392, 393, 394, or another approved language-based course chosen in consultation with the Department. Students interested in graduate study in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (e.g., Classics, Classical Archaeology, Religious Studies) should plan to study the ancient language(s) in their area of interest to the intermediate (second-year) or advanced (third- or fourth-year) level. Students are encouraged to consult with the Undergraduate Advisor for guidance on fulfilling this requirement.
  • 3 credits of AMNE 300
  • 3 credits of AMNE at the 400-level
  • 3 credits of AMNE, GREK or LATN at the 400-level

Elective Courses (27 credits)

Students are encouraged to select courses in consultation with the department’s Undergraduate Advisor and/or using our Advising Tools.

  • 27 additional credits of AMNE, ARBC, GREK, HEBR, LATN, at least 21 of which must be at the 300- or 400-level

Honours in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies

Admission into the Honours program requires an overall average of 76% and the permission of the department. Students are expected to maintain an 80% average in the program. An Honours in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies requires the completion of 60 credits, at least 48 of which must be at the 300- or 400-level. Courses must include 6 credits of AMNE 499 (Honours Thesis).

Students are encouraged to consult with the Department’s Undergraduate Advisor and Advising Tools as early in their degree program as possible for guidance in planning a course of study that will best prepare them to achieve their academic and professional goals within the field.

Transfer students, second-degree students and others wishing to substitute courses from previous study or other course codes are encouraged to consult with the Undergraduate Advisor. Typically, the department does not allow substitutions to AMNE 200 or AMNE 300.

Requirements

Required Courses (21 credits)

  • 3 credits of AMNE 200
  • At least 3 credits of ARBC, GREK, HEBR, LATN, AMNE 101, 391, 392, 393, 394, or another approved language-based course chosen in consultation with the Department. Students interested in graduate study in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (e.g., Classics, Classical Archaeology, Religious Studies) should plan to study the ancient language(s) in their area of interest to the intermediate (second-year) or advanced (third- or fourth-year) level. Students are encouraged to consult with the Undergraduate Advisor for guidance on fulfilling this requirement.
  • 3 credits of AMNE 300
  • 3 credits of AMNE at the 400-level
  • 3 credits of AMNE, GREK or LATN at the 400-level
  • 6 credits of AMNE 499 (Honours Thesis)

Elective Courses (39 credits)

Students are encouraged to select courses in consultation with the department’s Undergraduate Advisor and/or using our Advising Tools.

  • 39 additional credits of AMNE, ARBC, GREK, HEBR, LATN, at least 33 of which must be at the 300- or 400-level

Minor in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies

A Minor in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies requires the completion of 30 credits, at least 18 of which must be at the 300- or 400-level.

All courses may be selected freely from the following course codes, as long as students meet course prerequisites: AMNE, ARBC, GREK, HEBR, LATN. Students may choose to include up to 6 credits from PHIL 310, 311. AMNE 200 and AMNE 300 are recommended for all students, in order to provide an orientation to the Ancient Mediterranean and Near East and the continuing relevance of their study in modernity.

 


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