宾夕法尼亚大学

This program is designed to deliver intensive intellectual and practical training in a range of skills in archaeology to students wishing to be immersed in the study of the visual and/or material culture of the Mediterranean, broadly defined – including, for example, the ancient Near and Middle East and extending from the third millennium BCE to the Late Antique, early Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. The program also aims to facilitate student engagement with the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

The M.A. Program is a terminal degree program lasting two years. During this time students have full access to Penn’s outstanding faculty and resources such as the Penn Museum, as well as all of the courses sponsored by AAMW and other programs and departments at Penn, and those offered at neighbouring universities with which Penn has reciprocal arrangements. Students admitted to the Mediterranean Archaeology M.A. program should not expect to receive admission after the M.A. into the AAMW Ph.D. program. Students admitted to the M.A. program normally do not receive financial aid from the University of Pennsylvania, although they may of course apply for outside awards to support their graduate study.

Degree Requirements

Ten course units. One specific course is required, the AAMW Pro seminar (AAMW 526) in the first year, and one course in digital media in archaeology chosen from a list of approved courses is also required. One 500-, 600- or 700-level seminar must be taken in each of the first three semesters. All other courses are electives, to be chosen with the advice of the student’s advisor.

Competency in one ancient language, relevant to the student's preferred cultural focus (Greek, Latin, Akkadian, etc.), to be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor. Competency is measured by an examination or by taking at least one course in that language at the 400 (advanced undergraduate/graduate) level or above with a final grade of “B” or better.

Competency in one modern foreign language of international scholarship, typically German or French; this language will be determined in consultation with the student’s advisor. Competency is measured by an examination or by passing one of Penn’s summer academic reading courses after the first year.

The program of study extends over four semesters: a minimum of three semesters in residence with full-time registration and coursework, and a fourth semester devoted to passing the comprehensive AAMW M.A. Examination and writing the M.A. Research Paper. In the final semester residence is encouraged but not required. A total of 10 courses is required: typically four course units in each of the first two semesters, including at least one 500-, 600- or 700-level seminar each semester. In the third semester students should take two course units in particular: a 500-, 600- or 700-level seminar and a 999 independent study for work on the M.A. Research Paper. In the fourth semester a student will take the Comprehensive M.A. Examination in the first month of the semester, and complete the Research Paper by the end of the semester. The M.A. degree will be awarded upon certification that all requirements have been met.