Ancient History
Convenor: Richard J. A. Talbert
Program Description:
UNC's ancient field program in the Dept. of History equips students for teaching and research focused on the civilizations of Greece and Rome, encompassing a chronological span at its broadest from the Minoan and Mycenaean periods in Greece (pre-1000 B.C.) to the rise of Islam in the early seventh century A.D. In addition, for teaching purposes, students are encouraged to gain a basic grasp of the history of the ancient Near East and the Middle Ages.
Normally the program has the capacity to admit only one or two students each year. Demonstrated aptitude for historical study is looked for among applicants. The writing sample (which need not relate to an ancient topic) is therefore an important part of any application. Applicants should also confirm explicitly that, as a minimum, they are qualified to proceed to graduate-level courses in either Greek or Latin language (or both) on entry, and that they have made good progress in whichever of these two ancient languages they have not yet brought to this level. Prospective applicants who anticipate being less advanced in their language study on entry should raise this ability -- before applying to the program -- through, for example, a postbaccalaureate offered for this purpose in the UNC-CH Dept. of Classics, or elsewhere. In addition, every student admitted to the program will find it important to acquire (as soon as practicable) sufficient knowledge of French, German and Italian to read the relevant modern scholarship published in those languages.
The program's coursework and preparation for comprehensive exam give students insight into a rich range of significant themes and developments in the history of Greek and Roman civilization, with a particular concern to explore them through the ancient sources. No less valuable is the chance offered to gain exposure to a variety of methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches. Many courses are seminars of one type or another, where great importance is attached to effective presentation of findings by participants, both orally and in writing. There is ample opportunity to integrate into the program courses offered by other UNC-CH History faculty and by other UNC-CH departments (such as Classics in particular, also Anthropology, Art, Geography, Religious Studies), as well as by departments at NC State University and Duke University. The program maintains a close, productive relationship with cognate faculty in all these departments and institutions; many assist it by serving on thesis or dissertation committees. Moreover, UNC-CH's library resources for ancient history are outstanding.
Thesis and dissertation topics chosen by students naturally reflect the areas where the two faculty members are best qualified to direct them. Thesis and dissertation topics of students currently or recently in the program include communal dining in Roman society, clubs and societies in the Latin West, unrest in the Roman army, Roman provincial administration, boundary disputes involving the Roman imperial authorities, lawcourts in the city of Rome under the Empire, and Roman attitudes to exile, insanity, poison, and public order.
The students in the ancient field program are a lively, friendly, diverse group, who do much to stimulate and reinforce one another. The program offers its students every encouragement to timely completion of requirements at each successive stage, as well as to acquiring a useful variety of teaching experience. The program is also active in assisting (successfully !) with plans for research visits in North America and abroad, conference-paper submissions, fellowship applications, and job searches. Altogether, the program is designed to be a formative, fulfilling experience of lasting value.
Potential applicants with appropriate background who anticipate that their interests will develop more in the direction of language and literature than history, may also wish to consider the doctoral program with historical emphasis" offered by the Department of Classics.
Click here for information about Comprehensive Exams in Ancient History.
Faculty
| Fred Naiden | Assistant Professor | Harvard | Ancient Greece, especially social history |
| Richard Talbert | William Rand Kenan, Jr. Professor | Cambridge |
Ancient Rome; cartography and world-view; |
Graduate Students