MA/MS in Classical studies

General Description: Objective(s) of a study programme: the aim of the programme is to train highly qualified specialists in classical philology capable of meeting the needs of modern society and possessing a good understanding of modern research, able to independently expand and deepen their knowledge, solve theoretical and practical problems and engage in scientific research in their own professional area of activity as well as in an interdisciplinary area and capable of critical thinking and cherishing humanistic and democratic values in their professional activities. Learning outcomes: graduates of classical studies will be able to: apply theoretical principles for the purpose of analysing specific linguistic phenomena and assess them in various respects (morphology, syntax, lexicology, etc.); explain the historical development of ancient languages, including their interaction with other languages; independently analyse, interpret and translate a classical text by taking into consideration its literary, historic and cultural context and give an assessment of characteristic language, literary and aesthetic features; analyse phenomena of ancient civilisation in terms of typology and historic perspective, perceive the variety of cultural forms and phenomena, including their importance; explain diachronic and synchronic social and political phenomena on the basis of classical texts, assess their influence on the subsequent development of social and humanistic thought; identify own scientific interests and areas of research, define research objectives and choose the right method of research; collect, critically assess and systematise research data by applying various strategies; take responsibility for own performance, adhere by the principles of public welfare and volunteering. Activities of teaching and learning: The programme is student-oriented. Contact hours make approximately 26 per cent of the total student’s workload. The curriculum includes lectures, seminars as well as independent work. In addition to classical lectures, active learning methods are used, including interactive lectures, problem-solving tasks, group discussions, presentations, etc. Seminars and practical classes are given to small groups. Much attention is devoted to independent studies; considerable amount of student workload is required when writing research papers, peer-reviewing other students’ projects. The preparation of the final thesis includes empirical research. Methods of assessment of learning achievements: The learning achievements of the students are evaluated applying continuous and cumulative assessment. The written (or written and oral) examination constitutes only part of the final grade. The student accumulates the remaining part by submitting research papers, delivering presentations as well as doing other assignments. The specific proportions and the grade calculating formula depend on the learning outcomes of each course. In the case of the final thesis, the assessment covers the thesis itself, its presentation during the defence and meaningful discussion with peers and the defence committee. To assess the student's achievements, the grading scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (excellent) is used. Framework: Study subjects (modules): the programme is designed in accordance with a modular principle using recurrent 5 credits. The smallest module is 5 credits and the biggest is 15 credits (two semesters with 7.5 credits each). 15-credit modules are used only to teach the compulsory subjects in semesters 1 and 2 devoted to theoretical studies in the field of genesis, change, spread and reception of Greek and Latin cultural phenomena; the study programme is more of a cultural rather than of a linguistic nature: 35 out of 85 credits covered by compulsory subjects are assigned to scientific writing and final Master’s thesis, while another 50 credits are assigned to courses in literature and culture. Of the 35 credits covered by elective subjects, 10 credits are assigned to courses in linguistics and another 25 credits go to courses in literature and culture; the studies cover the two main branches of classical philology, i.e. Greek and Latin; their content is presented within the framework of two major modules the content of which is delivered in chronological order (divided into cultural periods): Paradigms of Archaic and Classical Greek Culture (Semester I; 7.5 cr.), Cultural Paradigms of the Helenistic Period (Semester II; 7.5 cr.), Roman Literature of the Period of the Roman Republic (Semester I; 7.5 cr.), and Roman Literature and Culture of the Principate Period (Semester II; 7.5 cr.); semesters 3 and 4 are devoted to deepening knowledge in the area of reception of ancient literature and culture, including ancient aesthetics and political thought and their continuity into later periods; a lot of attention is devoted to the Master’s thesis: in the first semester students choose the area and topic of research and collect research material; in the second semester they become versed in the methodology of scientific writing as a result of completing a course in Scientific Writing (5 cr.), continue with relevant bibliographic research and study relevant literature; in the third semester they present and discuss their research outcomes during seminars devoted to Research Work (10 cr.); in the fourth semester students write their final thesis (20 cr.); the core of the programme is supplemented by a number of various elective 5-credit modules (Intersections of Ancient and Christian Sources; Greek Lyric; Medieval Texts and Cultures; Ancient Biography and Hagiography, Ancient Historiography; Ancient Science; Epistolary Science and Epistolography in Ancient Literature and that of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania) and interdisciplinary theoretical courses or those representing other study fields (Theory of Metaphor; Modern Cultural Theories: Phenomenology, Anthropology, Poststructuralism; Medieval Texts and Cultures; Myth-criticism; Introduction to the Typology of Literary Standards; Modern Theories of Text; Language and Culture of the Vedas). Specialisations: Optional courses: Optional subjects allow students to individualise their studies and acquire additional knowledge and skills. Distinctive features of a study programme: Vilnius University is the only institution of higher education offering second cycle studies in classical studies. The study programme degree is focussed on the training of highly qualified researchers of a wide spectrum of classical cultural heritage, including its reception during later cultural epochs in Europe, and researchers and translators of Ancient and Lithuanian historical sources, including those of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and encompasses two branches of classical philology (Ancient Greek and Latin philology) and studies in the area of reception of classical culture. Access to professional activity or further study: Access to professional activity: the graduates can do pedagogical work and perform research at scientific institutes and establishments of education; can translate Latin and Greek texts, edit and comment them; work for cultural institutions and other types of establishments and companies the nature of operations of which requires comprehensive humanitarian education, ability to think critically and creatively, take responsibility for own performance, generate new ideas and a positive disposition towards learning. Access to further study: the graduates can continue their studies with the aim to obtain a PhD in philology, philosophy, history and other areas of study at any university in Lithuania or abroad.