Prospectus

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MA thesis Classics and Ancient Civilizations

Course
2012-2013

Description

Specialization Assyriology

The MA thesis for the specialization Assyriology carries 20 EC and generally consists of a maximum of 17.000 words, including notes, bibliography and appendices. As a rule it is written in English. The thesis is evaluated by a lecturer of the Department of Assyriology who possesses the required expertise in the topic of the thesis. It will also be read by a second reader. The topic generally implies working with primary sources in the original languages or relevant archeological data.

Specialization Classics

The MA thesis Classics and Ancient Civilizations is supervised by a staff member of the Department of Classics possessing the appropriate expertise in the field addressed in the thesis. Students themselves should ask one of the staff members as a supervisor for their MA thesis. A second supervisor – the second reader – will be indicated in consultation with the student.
All theses in Classics are based on a substantial amount of primary texts in Greek or Latin relevant to the line of investigation, which is either of a linguistic or literary nature, or of a cultural-historical nature; in the case of the latter, one of the two supervisors should be from a language section and one from the cultural-historical disciplines. In these cases, the thesis plan must be approved by both first and second reader before the start of the writing process.

Specialization Egyptology

The MA thesis for the specialization Egyptology carries 20 EC and generally consists of a maximum of 17.000 words, including notes, bibliography and appendices. As a rule it is written in English. The thesis is evaluated by a lecturer of the Department of Egyptian Language and Culture who possesses the required expertise in the topic of the thesis. It will also be read by a second reader. The topic generally implies working with primary sources in the original languages or relevant archeological data.

Specialization Hebrew and Aramaic Languages and Cultures

The MA thesis for the specialization Hebrew and Aramaic Languages and Cultures carries 20 EC and generally consists of a maximum of 17.000 words, including notes, bibliography and appendices. As a rule it is written in English. The thesis is evaluated by a lecturerer of the Department of Hebrew and Aramaic who possesses the required expertise in the topic of the thesis. It will also be read by a second reader. The topic generally implies working with primary sources in the original languages or relevant archeological data.

Course Objectives

The MA thesis is based on original research and makes substantial use of primary material and professional literature. It is written in Dutch or English and reflects the scholarly virtues of originality, focus and concision. The thesis must show the student’s ability to conduct original research under supervision, and to make a contribution to scholarship in a way that inspires confidence in his/her ability to prepare written reports of good quality.

Timepath

Students should be able to write their MA-thesis in one semester. Make sure that you start early with the orientation on your thesis subject and that you speak with your proposed supervisor in time.
For students planning to graduate in August, the final deadline for handing in the definite version of their MA thesis is the 15th of August, after which the first reader (in general the supervisor) and the second reader can assess it. This allows for sufficient time to officially graduate on 31 August (ceremony in October).
N.B. From the 1st of July until the middle of August supervision of theses does not take place. Therefore, students ideally hand in the final version of their thesis before the 1st of July.

For students planning to graduate in January, the deadline for handing in the final version of their MA thesis is the 15th of January, after which the first reader (in general the supervisor) and the second reader can assess it. This allows for sufficient time to officially graduate on 31 January (ceremony in March).
Students are advised to discuss the actual time path with their supervisor as early as possible. Supervisors may have plans for research and may not always be available during the periods when no classes are taught.

Mode of instruction

Independent research.

Assessment method

The thesis for the MA programme Classics and Ancient Civilizations contains a maximum of 20,000 words including notes, bibliography and appendices. More information about the official regulations regarding the MA thesis can be found in the attachment of the Teaching and Examination Regulations.

Please put the following information on the cover/title page of the thesis:

  • Title (and subtitle)

  • Name and student number

  • E-mail address

  • Name of supervisor(s)

  • Date

  • Master Thesis Classics and Ancient Civilizations

  • Faculty of Humanities, Leiden University

Registration

Registration for the thesis in uSis is not required.

Contact and more information

Ms. J.K. Koning MA (coordinator of studies specialization Classics)

Dr. M.F.J. Baasten (coordinator of studies specializations Assyriology, Egyptology, Hebrew and Aramaic Languages and Civilizations)

Website Classics and Ancient Civilizations