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: cnrc@umn.edu
Website: https://cla.umn.edu/cnrc
  • Students will no longer be accepted into this program after Fall 2023. Program requirements below are for current students only.
  • Program Type: Master's
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2024
  • Length of program in credits: 30 to 43
  • 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 master's-level 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, the Center for Modern Greek Studies and the Program in Religious Studies. Note: Applications for the Greek and Latin tracks are not currently being accepted.
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 Classics track, 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. 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.
Special Application Requirements:
Note: Applications for the Greek and Latin tracks are not currently being accepted.
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 24 to 27 major credits, 6 credits outside the major, and 10 thesis credits. The final exam is written and oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires 24 to 27 major credits and 6 credits outside the major. The final exam is written and oral. A capstone project is required.
Capstone Project:The Plan B capstone comprises two research papers from departmental seminars, graded B+ or higher, that make 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 proficiency 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.
Outside Coursework (6 credits)
Select at least 6 credits in consultation with the advisor.
Plan Options
Plan A Requirements
Take at least 10 master's thesis credits.
CNRC 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's (1.0-18.0 cr)
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. 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)
Poetry Courses (12 credits)
Take 6 credits of LAT 5100 and 6 credits of GRK 5100.
LAT 5100 - Advanced Readings in Latin Poetry (3.0 cr)
GRK 5100 - Advanced Reading (3.0 cr)
Prose Courses (12 credits)
Take 6 credits of LAT 5200 and 6 credits of GRK 5200.
LAT 5200 - Advanced Readings in Latin Prose (3.0 cr)
GRK 5200 - Advanced Readings in Greek Prose (3.0 cr)
Seminar course (3 cr)
Students should take one 8xxx course (3 cr) in Latin or Greek
GRK 8xxx
LAT 8xxx
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. 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 Course (3 credits)
Take the following course. An alternative course may be applied to this requirement with director of graduate studies approval.
RELS 5001 - Theory and Method in the Study of Religion: Critical Approaches to the Study of Religion (3.0 cr)
Distribution Requirement (21 credits)
Select at least one course from three of the following four areas for a total of 12 credits, and the remaining 9 credits of the distribution requirement with approval by the director of graduate studies. At least one 8-level course is required. At least 12 of the 21 credits must involve substantial primary readings in an ancient language.
Hebrew Bible or Ancient Near East
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)
HEBR 5300 - Post-Biblical Hebrew: Second Temple Period (3.0 cr)
RELS 5204 - The Dead Sea Scrolls (3.0 cr)
New Testament and Early Christianity
CNRC 5072 - The Birth of Christianity [AH] (3.0 cr)
GRK 5200 - Advanced Readings in Greek Prose (3.0 cr)
GRK 8400 - Readings in Patristic Greek (3.0 cr)
RELS 5072 - The Birth of Christianity [AH] (3.0 cr)
Greek
Note: Applications for the Greek and Latin tracks are not currently being accepted. 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 Coursework (24 credits)
Language Courses (15 credits)
Select at least 15 credits from the following in consultation with the advisor. No more than 6 credits of 51xx and/or 52xx credits can be applied to this requirement.
GRK 5xxx
GRK 8xxx
Seminar Courses (6 credits)
Select two seminars, at least one of which must be GRK 8910, in consultation with the advisor.
GRK 8910 - Seminar (3.0 cr)
CNRC 8190 - Seminar: Issues in Ancient Art and Archaeology (3.0 cr)
Prose Composition Course (3 credits)
Take the following course:
GRK 5701 - Prose Composition (3.0 cr)
Latin
Note: Applications for the Greek and Latin tracks are not currently being accepted. 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 Coursework (24 credits)
Language Courses (15 credits)
Select at least 15 credits from the following in consultation with the advisor. No more than 6 credits of 51xx and/or 52xx credits can be applied to this requirement.
LAT 5xxx
LAT 8xxx
Seminar Courses (6 credits)
Select two seminars, at least one of which must be LAT 8910, in consultation with the advisor.
LAT 8910 - Seminar (3.0 cr)
CNRC 8190 - Seminar: Issues in Ancient Art and Archaeology (3.0 cr)
Prose Composition Course (3 credits)
Take the following course:
LAT 5701 - Latin Prose Composition (3.0 cr)
 
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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)
LAT 5100 - Advanced Readings in Latin Poetry
Credits: 3.0 [max 18.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
The primary material for this course will be a selection of readings from three or more different Latin poets connected by genre (e.g. epic, dramatic, lyric), theme (e.g. heroism and the hero, the body, the good life), period (e.g. Augustan, late Antique), 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: [3004 or equiv], at least two yrs of college level Latin. Contact the Classical & Near Eastern Religions & Cultures Department with any questions.
GRK 5100 - Advanced Reading
Credits: 3.0 [max 18.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Reading in Greek texts/authors. Texts/authors vary. prereq: [GRK 3004 or equiv], at least two yrs of college level Greek. Must contact Classical and Near Eastern Studies department for permission to register.
LAT 5200 - Advanced Readings in Latin Prose
Credits: 3.0 [max 18.0]
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
The primary material for this course will be a selection of readings from three or more different Latin prose authors connected by genre (e.g. historical writing, philosophy, religious texts), theme (e.g. Epicureanism and Stoicism, Christian apologetics, grammarians), period (e.g. Republican, Late Imperial), 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: [LAT 3004 or equiv], at least two yrs of college level Latin. Contact the Classical & Near Eastern Religions & Cultures department (CNRC) with any questions.
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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