The
Department of Archaeology offers a Master of Arts program in Anatolian art and archaeology. The program focuses on the archaeology, art, and architecture of Turkey within its Near Eastern and Mediterranean context, from the prehistoric to medieval times. The courses offered are designed to impart a broad knowledge of the field, but students develop knowledge of a particular area through their choice of courses and, especially, thesis topic. After completing this program, most students continue toward the Ph.D., enrolling at universities in Europe and North America as well as Turkey.
PREPARATORY YEAR
FALL SEMESTER
379. Byzantine & Islamic Art & Archaeology (C. Gates)
519. Research Directions for Anatolian Art & Archaeology
(M.-H. Gates, Coordinator)
Two department electives
Ancient or Medieval language I, III: Ancient Greek, Classical Arabic (History Department), or Latin [Ancient Greek III not offered in 2009-2010]
PREPARATORY YEAR
SPRING SEMESTER
208. Roman Art & Archaeology (Bennett)
222. Mesopotamian Archaeology (M.-H. Gates)
308. Greek Vase Painting (Ersoy)
436. Archaeological Method & Theory (Morin)
Ancient or Medieval language II, IV: Ancient Greek, Classical Arabic (History Department), or Latin [Ancient Greek II not offered in 2008-2009]
COURSES OFFERED
FALL SEMESTER
501. Current Issues in Archaeological Theory (Morin)
507. Pre-Classical Seminar (Zimmermann)
519. Research Directions for Anatolian Art & Archaeology
(M.-H. Gates, Coordinator)
515. Readings in Near-Eastern Archaeology (Özgen)
Ancient or Medieval language I, III: Ancient Greek, Classical Arabic (History Department), or Latin [Ancient Greek III not offered in 2009-2010]
599. M.A. Thesis
COURSES OFFERED
SPRING SEMESTER
504. Interpretation of Art Historical Materials (C. Gates)
508. Issues in Pre-Classical Art & Archaeology (M.-H. Gates)
Ancient or Medieval language II, IV: Ancient Greek, Classical Arabic (History Department), or Latin [Ancient Greek II not offered in 2008-2009]
599. M.A. Thesis
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:
The program is designed to be completed in two years. Requirements consist of a minimum of 9 semester courses (27 credits), and a thesis (75-100 pages). In addition, reading proficiency in French or German must be demonstrated, by test or by course. The required courses consist of three groups:
- Three core courses: Research Directions for Anatolian Archaeology and Art; Issues in Archaeological Theory; and Interpretation of Art Historical Materials.
- Three seminars in at least two of the following divisions: Pre-Classical, Classical, and Medieval art and archaeology. The topics of seminars vary from term to term, depending on the research interests of the instructors.
- Three electives: Electives can be additional seminars, ancient or medieval languages, selected fourth year undergraduate courses, or courses from other departments. Languages offered are Ancient Greek, Latin, Persian (Foreign Languages Unit), Classical Arabic, and Ottoman Turkish (the last two given in the History Department). In past years, Akkadian and Hittite have also been taught.
Preparing the thesis allows the M.A. student to take up an intellectual adventure, the investigation in detail of one aspect of the archaeology and art history of the eastern Mediterranean region, especially Turkey. The completed thesis should be a purposeful, clearly written and well organized work, supported by evidence, that demonstrates mastery of research techniques and scholarship in the chosen area of study.
Participation in a field project is considered a valuable component of a student’s training. Although not required, students are strongly urged to take part in an archaeological excavation, sponsored either by the Department or by another research institution. Research work in museums or laboratories may also provide a stimulating hands-on experience.
