Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Classical and Near Eastern Studies M.A.

Classical and Near Eastern Religions and Cultures
College of Liberal Arts
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies, 245 Nicholson Hall, 216 Pillsbury Dr. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-625-5353; fax: 612-624-4894)
Email: cnes@umn.edu
Website: http://cnes.cla.umn.edu
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2016
  • Length of program in credits: 34 to 47
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Master of Arts
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
Classical and Near Eastern Studies (CNES) is an interdisciplinary department that brings together faculty and graduate students who might in other settings be dispersed among a wide range of programs. CNES is dedicated to rigorous philological and literary training and to the conviction that the ancient Mediterranean world is best studied as a diverse but richly integrated cultural whole. The various master's and Ph.D. tracks allow students to concentrate in the area and period that most appeal to them, but students are strongly encouraged to take courses across the entire range of the department's offerings and to develop a broad, multidisciplinary approach to research and teaching. Related special facilities include the Center for Medieval Studies, the Center for Jewish Studies, and the Center for Modern Greek Studies.
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.50.
For the major track in classics, students should have sufficient knowledge to begin graduate reading courses in either Greek or Latin and at least intermediate ability in the other language.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
In addition to the online University application, applicants must complete the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies application on the ApplyYourself site (also available for download on the department website); other supporting materials, including recommendations and a writing sample, can be uploaded directly into the University's online application. For non-native speakers of English, a copy of TOEFL results is required. Students may be admitted in any academic term, but financial assistance is normally available only to applicants admitted for fall semester.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires 28 to 31 major credits, 6 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is written and oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 28 to 31 major credits and 6 credits outside the major. The final exam is written and oral. A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project:A capstone project is required. Two research papers from departmental seminars (numbered 8190 or 8910), as long as the paper receives a grade of B+ or higher and makes substantive use of at least one modern scholarly language other than English.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
Language Requirement: Translation profciency exams offered 1x semester.
A minimum GPA of 3.25 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 2 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Required Coursework
CNRC 5794 {Inactive} (1.0 cr)
Plan Options
Plan A Requirements
Take at least 10 master's thesis credits.
CNRC 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
-OR-
Plan B Requirements
Complete two master's-level research papers, in consultation with the adviser.
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Classics
The Classics track provides broad training in the literature of ancient Greece and Rome in its cultural context. Work in Greek and Latin is supplemented by courses in a related field or area of interest. This track requires nearly equal emphasis on courses and seminars in Greek and in Latin. Both the Plan A and Plan B options require a minimum of 34 course credits. The Plan A also requires 10 master's thesis credits. Language Requirements: One modern research language as appropriate (normally French, German, or Italian), and reading proficiency in both Greek and Latin as certified by departmental exam based on a set reading list. Final examinations: the final examinations are written (Greek and Latin reading proficiency) and oral (general).
Required Coursework (27 credits)
Take a minimum of 27 Greek and Latin language credits, with at least 15 credits in one language and 12 credits in the other. One 3-credit prose composition course and two 3-credit seminars (one in each language) are required, and can be applied to the 27-credit minimum with approval of the director of graduate studies. No more than two 51xx or 52xx courses can be used to meet this requirement.
Language Courses
GRK 5xxx
GRK 8xxx
LAT 5xxx
LAT 8xxx
Seminar Courses
Take at least one seminar each in Greek and Latin
GRK 8910 - Seminar (3.0 cr)
LAT 8910 - Seminar (3.0 cr)
Prose Composition Course
Take at least one of the following courses:
GRK 5701 - Prose Composition (3.0 cr)
LAT 5701 - Latin Prose Composition (3.0 cr)
Additional Coursework (6 credits)
Take 6 additional credits, selected in consultation with the adviser.
Greek
A core of advanced work in Greek is supplemented by a related field or area of interest. Both the Plan A and Plan B options require a minimum of 37 course credits. The Plan A also requires 10 master's thesis credits. Language Requirements: One modern research language as appropriate, preferably French, German, or Italian, and reading proficiency in Greek as demonstrated by a departmental examination based on a set reading list. Final examinations: the final examinations are written (Greek reading proficiency) and oral (general).
Required Language Coursework (24 credits)
Take a minimum of 24 Greek language credits. One 3-credit prose composition course and two 3-credit seminars are required, and can be applied to the 24-credit minimum with approval of the director of graduate studies. No more than two 51xx or 52xx courses can be used to meet this requirement.
Language Courses
Take at least 15 credits of Greek.
GRK 5xxx
GRK 8xxx
Seminar Courses
Take two seminars for a total of 6 credits. At least one seminar must be GRK 8910.
GRK 8910 - Seminar (3.0 cr)
CNRC 8190 - Seminar: Issues in Ancient Art and Archaeology (3.0 cr)
Prose Composition Course
Take the following course for 3 credits:
GRK 5701 - Prose Composition (3.0 cr)
Electives
Select elective credits as needed, in consultation with the adviser, to complete the 31-credit minimum for the major.
Additional Coursework (6 credits)
Take 6 additional credits, selected in consultation with the adviser.
Latin
A core of advanced work in Latin is supplemented by a related field or area of interest. Both the Plan A and Plan B options require a minimum of 37 course credits. The Plan A also requires 10 master's thesis credits. Language Requirements: One modern research language as appropriate, preferably French, German, or Italian, and reading proficiency in Latin as demonstrated by a departmental examination based on a set reading list. Final examinations: the final examinations are written (Latin reading proficiency) and oral (general).
Required Language Coursework (24 credits)
Take a minimum of 24 Latin language credits. One 3-credit prose composition course and two 3-credit seminars are required, and can be applied to the 24-credit minimum with approval of the director of graduate studies. No more than two 51xx or 52xx courses can be used to meet this requirement.
Language Courses
Take at least 15 credits of Latin.
LAT 5xxx
LAT 8xxx
Seminar Courses
Take two seminars for a total of 6 credits. At least one seminar must be LAT 8910.
LAT 8910 - Seminar (3.0 cr)
CNRC 8190 - Seminar: Issues in Ancient Art and Archaeology (3.0 cr)
Prose Composition Course
Take the following course for 3 credits:
LAT 5701 - Latin Prose Composition (3.0 cr)
Electives
Select elective credits as needed, in consultation with the adviser, to complete the 31-credit minimum for the major.
Additional Coursework (6 credits)
Take at least 6 additional credits, selected in consultation with the adviser.
Religions in Antiquity
The religions in antiquity track is comparative in both method and content. Although students may focus on a particular religious tradition, they will nonetheless study several ancient religions. Both the Plan A and Plan B require a minimum of 37 course credits. The Plan A also requires 10 master's thesis credits. Language Requirements: Proficiency in one modern language (usually German) and master's-level proficiency in classical Hebrew, Greek, or Latin as demonstrated by a departmental examination based on a set reading list. Final examinations: the final examinations are written (ancient language reading proficiency) and oral (general).
Required Core (6 credits)
Take the following courses for a total of 6 credits:
RELS 5001 - Theory and Method in the Study of Religion: Critical Approaches to the Study of Religion (3.0 cr)
RELS 8190 - Comparative Seminar in Religions in Antiquity (3.0 cr)
Ancient Art and Archaeology Requirement (3 credits)
Take at least 3 credits from the following:
ANTH 8004 - Foundations of Anthropological Archaeology (3.0 cr)
ANTH 8112 - Reconstructing Hominin Behavior (3.0 cr)
ANTH 8230 - Anthropological Research Design (3.0 cr)
ANTH 8244 - Interpreting Ancient Bone (3.0 cr)
ANTH 8510 - Topics in Archaeology (3.0 cr)
ANTH 5027W - Archaeology of Prehistoric Europe [HIS, WI] (3.0 cr)
ANTH 5221 - Anthropology of Material Culture (3.0 cr)
ANTH 5269 - Analysis of Stone Tool Technology (4.0 cr)
ANTH 5401 - The Human Fossil Record (3.0 cr)
ANTH 5402 - Zooarchaeology Laboratory (3.0 cr)
ANTH 5980 - Topics in Anthropology (3.0 cr)
ANTH 5448 - Applied Heritage Management (3.0 cr)
ARTH 5xxx
ARTH 8xxx
Distribution Requirement (21 credits)
Take a minimum of 21 credits, with at least one 3-credit course from three of the four following areas, and with the approval of the director of graduate studies. At least four of the courses must involve substantial primary readings in an ancient language (usually Greek, Hebrew, or Latin).
Hebrew Bible or Ancient Near East
CNES 5513W {Inactive} [WI] (3.0 cr)
RELS 5513W {Inactive} [WI] (3.0 cr)
JWST 5513W {Inactive} [WI] (3.0 cr)
CNRC 8513 - Scripture and Interpretation (3.0 cr)
Greek and Roman Religions
CNRC 5071 - Greek and Hellenistic Religions (3.0 cr)
RELS 5071 - Greek and Hellenistic Religions (3.0 cr)
Ancient Judaism
CNRC 5204 - The Dead Sea Scrolls (3.0 cr)
RELS 5204 - The Dead Sea Scrolls (3.0 cr)
RELS 5504 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
HEBR 5300 - Post-Biblical Hebrew: Second Temple Period (3.0 cr)
New Testament and Early Christianity
RELS 5072 - The Birth of Christianity [AH] (3.0 cr)
CNRC 5072 - The Birth of Christianity [AH] (3.0 cr)
CNES 5188 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
RELS 5252 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
GRK 5200 - Advanced Readings in Greek Prose (3.0 cr)
GRK 8400 - Readings in Patristic Greek (3.0 cr)
Additional Coursework (6 credits)
Take at least 6 additional credits, selected in consultation with the adviser.
 
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CNRC 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
Credits: 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0]
Grading Basis: No Grade
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 10 cr total required (Plan A only)
GRK 8910 - Seminar
Credits: 3.0 [max 30.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Various topics in Greek literature examined in depth with emphasis on current scholarship and original student research.
LAT 8910 - Seminar
Credits: 3.0 [max 30.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics in Latin literature examined in depth. Emphasizes current scholarship, original student research.
GRK 5701 - Prose Composition
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Moving step by step through Ancient Greek grammar, starting with simple sentences and progressing to complex ones. Course ends with students translating short passages of modern English prose into Greek. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
LAT 5701 - Latin Prose Composition
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Latin grammar, syntax, diction, and prose style. Graduated exercises in prose composition. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
GRK 8910 - Seminar
Credits: 3.0 [max 30.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Various topics in Greek literature examined in depth with emphasis on current scholarship and original student research.
CNRC 8190 - Seminar: Issues in Ancient Art and Archaeology
Credits: 3.0 [max 12.0]
Course Equivalencies: ArtH 8190/CNES 8190
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Selected issues, with special attention to current scholarly disputes. Topics specified in [Class Schedule].
GRK 5701 - Prose Composition
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Spring Odd Year
Moving step by step through Ancient Greek grammar, starting with simple sentences and progressing to complex ones. Course ends with students translating short passages of modern English prose into Greek. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
LAT 8910 - Seminar
Credits: 3.0 [max 30.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics in Latin literature examined in depth. Emphasizes current scholarship, original student research.
CNRC 8190 - Seminar: Issues in Ancient Art and Archaeology
Credits: 3.0 [max 12.0]
Course Equivalencies: ArtH 8190/CNES 8190
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Selected issues, with special attention to current scholarly disputes. Topics specified in [Class Schedule].
LAT 5701 - Latin Prose Composition
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Latin grammar, syntax, diction, and prose style. Graduated exercises in prose composition. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
RELS 5001 - Theory and Method in the Study of Religion: Critical Approaches to the Study of Religion
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: RelS 3001/5001/5521
Typically offered: Every Spring
Theoretical/methodological issues in academic study of religion. Theories of origin, character, and function of religion as a human phenomenon. Psychological, sociological, anthropological, and phenomenological perspectives. prereq: Sr or grad student or instr consent
RELS 8190 - Comparative Seminar in Religions in Antiquity
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Topics vary. Major cultural movement as it developed over several centuries. Draws on evidence in literature, archival records, inscriptions, documentary papyri, and archaeological remains. Artistic media such as wall painting, architectural ornament, funerary sculpture, or manuscript illumination. prereq: Grad student in relevant field
ANTH 8004 - Foundations of Anthropological Archaeology
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Typically offered: Every Spring
Theoretical foundations of anthropological archaeology in historical and contemporary perspective. prereq: 8001, 8002
ANTH 8112 - Reconstructing Hominin Behavior
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Anth 5112/Anth 8112
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Spring Even Year
Consider major hypotheses regarding evolution of human behavior. Evidence/arguments used to support or reject hypotheses. Consider link between bone biology/behavior. Archaeological record for more holistic understanding of evidence.
ANTH 8230 - Anthropological Research Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Training seminar on research development, coordination, grant management, field/laboratory research management, fundraising. prereq: Anth grad student or instr consent
ANTH 8244 - Interpreting Ancient Bone
Credits: 3.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Anth 5244/8244
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
To Interpret Ancient Bone we must sharpen observational skills, read about observations and analysis by previous workers, and learn to record and analyze complex information. The class combines seminar/discussion formats, in which we read literature about how to best accomplish this type of research, and laboratory time, to give students the opportunity to observe and record modifications to bones that form the basis of archaeological and forensic observations. Students analyze different kinds of tool marks on bone, weathering, carnivore modifications, eco-morphology, ages of death, bone tools, and bones from archaeological sites to infer the "life history" of a bone. We recommend you take the Human Skeleton or Zooarchaeology Laboratory before you take this class, but it is not absolutely required.
ANTH 8510 - Topics in Archaeology
Credits: 3.0 [max 9.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Seminar examines particular aspects of archaeological methods and/or theory. Topics vary according to student and faculty interests.
ANTH 5027W - Archaeology of Prehistoric Europe (HIS, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Anth 3027W/Anth 5027W/Hist 306
Typically offered: Every Fall
How archaeologists/historians analyze/interpret artifacts to develop knowledge about formation of European society, from earliest evidence of human occupation to Roman Period. Interpreting archaeological evidence from specific sites to understand broad trends in human past.
ANTH 5221 - Anthropology of Material Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
The course examines material culture as a social creation, studied from multiple theoretical and methodological perspectives (e.g., social anthropology, archaeology, primatology, history of science). The course examines the changing role of material culture from prehistory to the future.
ANTH 5269 - Analysis of Stone Tool Technology
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
The course offers practical lab experience in analyzing archaeological collections of stone tools to learn about human behavior in the past. Students gain experience needed to get a job in the cultural resource management industry.
ANTH 5401 - The Human Fossil Record
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Anth 3401/Anth 5401
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Fossil evidence paleoanthropologists use to reconstruct human evolutionary history. Taxonomy, phylogeny, behavior, ecology, tool use, land use, and biogeography. Examination of fossil casts, readings from primary/secondary professional sources. prereq: 1001 or instr consent
ANTH 5402 - Zooarchaeology Laboratory
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
How archaeologists reconstruct the past through the study of animal bones associated with artifacts at archaeological sites. Skeletal element (e.g., humerus, femur, tibia), and taxon (e.g., horse, antelope, sheep, bison, hyena) when confronted with bone. Comparative collection of bones from known taxa.
ANTH 5980 - Topics in Anthropology
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall, Spring & Summer
Topics specified in Class Schedule.
ANTH 5448 - Applied Heritage Management
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Contexts of cultural heritage applicable to federal/state protection. Approaches to planning/management. Issues of heritage/stakeholder conflict.
CNRC 8513 - Scripture and Interpretation
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 5513W/JwSt 5513W/RelS 551
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even, Spring Odd Year
Ideas of divine revelation. Impact upon religion/literature. How history of Bible's creation, transmission, interpretation helps us think critically about role of revelation in history of religious traditions. prereq: Grad student
CNRC 5071 - Greek and Hellenistic Religions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 3071/CNES 5071/RelS 3071/
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Greek religion from Bronze Age to Hellenistic times. Literature, art, archaeology. Homer/Olympian deities. Ritual performance, prayer, sacrifice. Temple architecture. Death/afterlife. Mystery cults. Philosophical religion. Near Eastern salvation religions. Meets with 3071.
RELS 5071 - Greek and Hellenistic Religions
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 3071/CNES 5071/RelS 3071/
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Greek religion from Bronze Age to Hellenistic times. Literature, art, archaeology. Homer/Olympian deities. Ritual performance, prayer, sacrifice. Temple architecture. Death/afterlife. Mystery cults. Philosophical religion. Near Eastern salvation religions. Meets with 3071.
CNRC 5204 - The Dead Sea Scrolls
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 3204/RelS5204/JwSt 3204/
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduction to Dead Sea Scrolls and Qumran. Contents of Dead Sea Scrolls, significance for development of Bible. Background of Judaism and Christianity. Archaeological site of Qumran. Open to graduate students across the college; knowledge of classical Hebrew will not be required. The course is open to upper level undergraduate students with permission of the instructor.
RELS 5204 - The Dead Sea Scrolls
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 3204/RelS5204/JwSt 3204/
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduction to Dead Sea Scrolls and Qumran. Contents of Dead Sea Scrolls, significance for development of Bible. Background of Judaism and Christianity. Archaeological site of Qumran. The course will focus on the material in translation and academic scholarship on the literature and archaeological site. Open to graduate students across the college; knowledge of classical Hebrew will not be required. The course is open to upper level undergraduate students with permission of the instructor.
HEBR 5300 - Post-Biblical Hebrew: Second Temple Period
Credits: 3.0 [max 18.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Readings in late-/post-biblical Hebrew literature of Persian, Hellenistic, and early Roman periods (e.g., Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, Ecclesiastes, Daniel, Dead Sea Scrolls, apocrypha, pseudepigrapha). Focuses on historical development of Hebrew language and literature in relation to earlier biblical sources. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
RELS 5072 - The Birth of Christianity (AH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 3072/CNES 5072/RelS 3072/
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Early Jesus movement in cultural/historical setting. Origins in Judaism. Traditions about Jesus. Apostle Paul, controversies/interpreters. Authority, religious practice, structure. Emergence of canon. Contemporary methods of New Testament study. Biblical writings as history/narrative. CNES 3072/CNES 5072/RELS 3072/RELS 5072 meet together.
CNRC 5072 - The Birth of Christianity (AH)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: CNES 3072/CNES 5072/RelS 3072/
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Early Jesus movement in cultural/historical setting. Origins in Judaism. Traditions about Jesus. Apostle Paul, controversies/interpreters. Authority, religious practice, structure. Emergence of canon. Contemporary methods of New Testament study. Biblical writings as history/narrative. CNES 3072/CNES 5072/RELS 3072/RELS 5072 meet together.
GRK 5200 - Advanced Readings in Greek Prose
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
The primary material for this course will be a selection of readings from three or more different Greek prose authors connected by genre (e.g. historical writing, philosophy, oratory, novel), theme (e.g. medicine, Athenian politics of the 5 th /4 th centuries, religious innovation), period (e.g. classical period, Second Sophistic), or the like. Primary readings and critical approach will vary from year to year, making the course repeatable. Some modern secondary reading will be assigned to provide a basis for discussion and a model for student written work. prereq: [GRK 3004 or equiv], at least two yrs of college level Greek. Contact the Classical & Near Eastern Religions & Cultures Department (CNRC) with any questions.
GRK 8400 - Readings in Patristic Greek
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Reading/discussion of early Christian texts in Greek. prereq: Advanced grad student