Ancient Cultures
(skip to Ancient Languages)
Postgraduate coordinator for Ancient Cultures: Dr S Masters
BA Hons in Ancient Cultures
The purpose of the BA Honours degree in Ancient Cultures is to deepen knowledge in Ancient Mediterranean, North African, and/or Western Asian societies. Emphasis is given to learning the theoretical frameworks and gaining interpretative proficiency in the study of ancient texts and artefacts. The module content is designed to present a contextualised study of antiquity through a wide range of source material. The emphasis in this programme is not only on becoming familiar with content and developing a broader historical understanding of the societies studied but also on academic literacy and the application of skills. There is also an emphasis on disciplined self-study and preparation for contact sessions that are run in the form of workshops, seminars, presentations, practicals, or outings. Through this programme – and through the study of antiquity in general – we aim to enable students to take a critical distance from their own context, to develop an historical awareness, and in doing so, to make an informed contribution to the development of our own diverse and changing society.
The Honours is a one-year programme, comprised of three modules and a research paper. This programme can lead to a Master’s (by thesis) in Ancient Cultures (if admission requirements are met).
Admission requirements:
A Bachelor's degree with Ancient Cultures, or one of the ancient languages as major.
An average of at least 60% is required in the major leading to postgraduate study.
Module 1: Ancient Cultures: theory, method and sources
This module introduces students to relevant theoretical perspectives and methodologies for research in the various fields of study. Students learn how to ‘read’ or interpret ancient artefacts and literature critically, and they also learn skills about how to work with the material objects from antiquity. This module has a museological and practical component that involves handling, drawing and photographing objects such as coins and pottery in the Stellenbosch Ancient Studies collections. There are also several museum and other off-site visits, such as to Iziko Museums of South Africa in Cape Town.
Modules 2 and 3: Themes in Ancient Cultures I and Themes in Ancient Cultures II
In modules 2 (term 2) and 3 (term 3) two themes are offered concurrently over a 7-8 week period, each exploring a particular theme or topic in ancient cultures. The themes vary from year to year; recent topics include Eating and Drinking in Ancient Kemet (Egypt); Bodies and Bodies of Evidence in Ancient Greece; “Arms and a man”: Vergil’s Aeneid; Ancient Biography; Ancient Childhood in Greece and Rome; Sexuality; the Novel in Antiquity; Egyptian Women; and Magic.
Module 4: Research assignment in Ancient Cultures
In this module, the student pursues an independent research project (mini-thesis) on a topic related to the student’s particular interests, supervised by a member of the department. The research paper is 10 000 words and is excellent training for those who want to continue to an MA, as well as for honing research and writing skills in general.
MA in Ancient Cultures
The Master’s programme is a 100% research programme that requires the writing of a thesis containing the results of research on an aspect of ancient cultures. The topic is negotiated between student and supervisor and the thesis length is roughly 40 000 words. The MA degree can theoretically be completed in one year, however a two-year MA is more likely depending on the student’s prior experience in the particular field.
Admission requirements:
An Honours degree in Ancient Cultures or another qualification which is regarded by the Senate as equivalent.
An average of 65% for the previous degree.
The department will consider each application case-by-case.
PhD in Ancient Cultures
The programme requires the writing of a dissertation that contains the results of independent and original research on a research problem through which the student makes a substantial contribution to their field. The topics of PhD theses are dictated by staff expertise and the feasibility of the project. The thesis length aimed at is roughly 70 000 words and there is a maximum limit of 80 000 words. The average completion time for a PhD is 3-5 years.
Admission requirements:
A Master's degree in Ancient Cultures or a Master's degree with related content which is regarded by the Senate as equivalent.
Knowledge of one or more ancient languages at the level required by the research topic may be a co-requisite, depending on the project.
Reading knowledge in one or more modern languages (e.g. German, French, Italian) necessary for the research topic, while not required for admission, is strongly recommended.
Suitability of the student’s project and staff expertise and capacity will also determine whether the project is feasible in our department.
Ancient Languages
Postgraduate coordinator for Ancient Languages: Prof P Bosman
BA Hons in Ancient Languages
The purpose of the BA Honours degree in Ancient Languages is to deepen the knowledge of one of the ancient languages (Biblical Hebrew, Greek or Latin). Specialization is possible in (a) Biblical Hebrew literature and linguistics; (b) ancient Greek literature (including classical and New Testament Greek); and (c) Latin literature.
Admission requirements:
- A Bachelor's degree with one of the ancient languages (Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek or Latin) as a major.
An average of 65% is required in the major leading to postgraduate study.
Students with another language or related subject (e.g., Ancient Cultures or Biblical Studies) as major with Hebrew, Greek or Latin only in the second year can be admitted after the completion of additional work.
Module 1: Theory, method and background
This module introduces students to relevant theoretical perspectives and methodologies for research in ancient languages. It includes a historical-cultural component, in the form of set textbooks, which are studied to situate the ancient languages within their respective socio-political context.
Modules 2 and 3: Text and Language Study I & Text and Language Study II
In modules 2 (term 2) and 3 (term 3) two authors, genres or themes are offered concurrently over a 7-8 week period, with the focus on extensive reading in the original language. Authors and themes vary from year to year; recent authors/topics include:
Hebrew: Literary and linguistics analysis of Biblical Hebrew narrative (Exodus) and poetic (Psalms) texts, Bible translation, Lexical semantics and the study of Biblical Hebrew.
Greek: Jewish Literature in Greek (Philo and Josephus), Speeches in Classical Greek literature, Ancient Biography, Attic drama.
Latin: Catullus, Vergil, Apuleius and Augustine.
Module 4: Research Assignment
In this module, the student pursues an independent research project (mini-thesis) on a topic related to the student's particular interests, supervised by a member of the department. The research paper is 10 000 words and is excellent training for those who want to continue to an MA, as well as for honing research and writing skills in general.
MA in Ancient Languages
Admission requirements:
An Honours degree in Ancient Languages, Biblical Hebrew, another Semitic language, Greek or Latin or another qualification accepted by the Senate as equivalent.
A basic knowledge of a second ancient language is strongly recommended.
The programme requires the writing of a thesis containing the results of research on an aspect of ancient languages.
PhD in Ancient Languages
The programme requires the writing of a dissertation which contains the results of independent and original research on a research problem.
Admission requirements:
A Master's degree in Ancient Languages, Biblical Hebrew, another Semitic language, Greek or Latin or another qualification (e.g. a Master's degree in Theology or Linguistics) accepted by the Senate as equivalent.
Advanced knowledge of a second ancient language, as evidenced by coursework or examination.
Reading knowledge in one or more modern languages (e.g. German, French, Italian) necessary for the research topic, while not required for admission, is strongly recommended.
Suitability of the student’s project and staff expertise and capacity will also determine whether the project is feasible in our department.
NB: Students who do not have a Master's degree in a language must undergo an assessment in the language in which they wish to specialise. Additional work will be required if it is found necessary.
