Which programs are my research interests relevant to?

[berimbolo]

Hey everyone, I'm hoping to get some insight or guidance from those of you who either are, or have been, in my position. I will attempt not to drone on endlessly with this, so please hang in there! I finished my BA in Classics in Chicago last year, and have just about (two more weeks) finished the Post-Bacc Program in Classics at UCLA (did well, feel confident in some strong letters of recommendation). I will be applying to PhD programs this fall. From the get-go, I always intended on applying solely to Classics programs, but the Post-Bacc Program has served me very well in tailoring my research interests to what very well may result in applying to programs outside of Classics. I am a Latinist, and at the mid-point of fluency in Italian. Many of my research interests involve applying modern theory to the ancient world. To be candid, I do not enjoy Greek at all, nor do I really have any interest in pursuing Classics as a whole (I think?). What I am thinking of doing is taking more Italian and Latin courses while sending in apps for fall 2018. To give a better example of what I'm interested in, I am currently doing research and writing on the reception of Plautine humor among Romans during a time of political turmoil, its relevance to Freudian theory on humor, and the use of comedic violence as catharsis while still acting as a tool for maintaining social boundaries.  In a nutshell, this is almost like a history of humor.  I want to study things such as the transition from the Latin-speaking world to the Italian-speaking world, the evolution of combat sports in Rome through their reception an development in modern times, etc. BASICALLY: I love the Latin language, the Italian language, sociological theory being applied to Roman contexts, and the development of the Roman world into Italy.

 

So...please, if you have any suggestions, I would love to know what umbrella you think this falls under. As of right now, I'm thinking of applying to anthropology, sociology, and classics programs. I'm finding it hard to see where I would fit. Maybe even a history program? Maybe Italian programs?? What do you think? I'm also reaching out to members in several departments to hear their input, but I'd love to find out what everyone here thinks, seeing as you may have been in this predicament yourself. Thank you!!

Edited June 5, 2017 by CherieCalifornia

[rising_star]

I'm not sure that your interests would really fit into an anthropology program. Have you considered comparative literature?

[berimbolo]

On 6/7/2017 at 11:56 AM, rising_star said:

I'm not sure that your interests would really fit into an anthropology program. Have you considered comparative literature?

Well, I'm approximately ten years late on this reply - BUT, I did in fact end up applying to Comp Lit programs. Thank you! (For what it's worth!)

[rising_star]

On 3/19/2018 at 7:41 PM, berimbolo said:

Well, I'm approximately ten years late on this reply - BUT, I did in fact end up applying to Comp Lit programs. Thank you! (For what it's worth!)

That's awesome. I hope it worked out well for you!

[berimbolo]

19 hours ago, rising_star said:

That's awesome. I hope it worked out well for you!

Thankfully, it did! Surprisingly, I still have 4/7 programs to hear back from - but one acceptance at a very viable program. Thanks again!