Ancient History, PhD
The Graduate Group in Ancient History is an interdisciplinary, cross-departmental program that encompasses the study of the ancient history of the Near East and the Mediterranean Basin, from the origins of civilization in the fertile river basins of the Tigris and the Euphrates to the rise of Islam and the emergence of the so-called barbarian successor kingdoms.
The expertise and interests of members of the group are diverse and heterogeneous. What unites us is the enterprise of building historical narratives from the fragmentary and diffuse textual and material evidence available to us. Students admitted to the Graduate Group in Ancient History will receive training in the political, intellectual, cultural, socio-economic, and religious history of at least two discrete ancient societies as part of their preparation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
In addition to course work, candidates are expected to participate in seminars, act as Teaching Assistants and/or teach their own classes. In order to progress to dissertation stage, students must, in addition to passing their 20 courses, fulfill the following examination requirements; Modern Languages Examinations, Qualifying Examination & the Preliminary Examination. Following completion of three years of coursework and all examinations, a student will be advanced to dissertation stage.
For more information: https://www.sas.upenn.edu/ancient-history/program/course-study
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| CLST 6000 | Materials and Methods: Proseminar in Classical Studies and Ancient History | 1 |
| Electives chosen in consultation with advisor and in accordance with research interests. | 19 | |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Teaching Requirement | ||
4 semesters of teaching are required. | ||
| Modern Languages Examinations | ||
Students must demonstrate proficiency in German and either French or Italian. | ||
| For the Qualifications Exam: | ||
Translational Exam in Ancient Language 1 | ||
Translational Exam in Ancient Language 2 | ||
Oral exam in two Historical Fields | ||
| For the Candidacy Exams: | ||
Written Exam in Historical Field 1 | ||
Written Exam in Historical Field 2 | ||
Oral Exam on Historical Approaches | ||
Translation Exam in Ancient Language 1 | ||
Translational Exam in Ancient Language 2 | ||
| Prospectus Accepted | ||
A full dissertation proposal must be accepted | ||
| Total Course Units | 20 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.