Byzantist

Peter Brown, gotcha. Thanks sir!

I definitely can say that I'm not going into classics - it's too early and I've not got the Latin to get into and do well in a classics program. So, if we narrowed it down to High Empire or Late Antiquity, where are some starting places? I can google folk all day, but I'd like some informed input so I don't pick up some charismatic crack pot and get taken. Or waste time.

I ask broadly because I'm having an issue narrowing myself. I want to study the Ancient World, with an emphasis on Greco-Roman history/culture, especially as it relates to the social context in which the Christian Church arose. But anything focusing on 200 BC to 200 AD in particular, maybe extending forward a few centuries as well, would be good. I would like to do PhD work after my MA, or perhaps pick up a second Masters to fill out any weak areas. Ultimately I want to teach Ancient History or something similar at the university level, and I want a degree that'll open those kinds of doors.

What are the good programs? Who are the top profs? What and where should I avoid? I'm coming out of a BA in Biblical Arts, with a minor in Humanities (which was filled my things such as Ancient Near Eastern Backgrounds, Greek World, Modern World, etc). My GPA upon graduation is looking to be around 3.6 or 3.7 (retaking Hebrew as we speak to raise it) and I've got a background in both Hebrew and Greek.

I wasn't entirely sure where to put this, as it's a hybrid of Notre Dame's Classics and Theology department, but in the end I settled here. Has anyone gone through this program? Anyone applied, or heard anything about it? I've spoken to the head of the program and it looks good, but I didn't want to jump in feet first without some other opinions.

Well I've taken a year of Hebrew and Greek, and I'm starting to learn German right now, as well as Latin (though both informally). From the programs I've looked at those are all important requirements (languages, that is) so I definitely see your points there. From the way things are looking, for either a history or classics program, it seems that some leveling work is required. For classics, what programs would y'all recommend looking into? What schools should be avoided?

I'm currently in my last year of my undergrad (Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Minor in Humanities) and I'm looking to continue my studies up through PhD work. Right now I'm trying to decide between the Ancient History or Classics MA, and I was wondering if you could help me out here. Pros/Cons for the different programs, best schools for each (I'm most interested in the Eastern Mediterranean between 200 BC and 200 AD, but I like it all), different opportunities from each. Any and all help appreciated!

Dirty Politicians