Requirements
The MAPH degree requires three quarters of study beyond the BA, as well as participation in the MAPH Core Course (Foundations of Interpretive Theory), which starts two weeks prior to the beginning of Autumn quarter. Over the course of the year, students must complete nine courses, one of which is a two-quarter thesis-writing workshop. Two of the courses are required: MAPH 30100 (the MAPH Core Course) in Autumn and MAPH 30200/30400 (Thesis Writing Workshops) in Winter and Spring. The other seven courses are electives.
MAPH can be done on a part-time basis, typically over the course of six quarters (two academic years). Students interested in this option should consult with MAPH's Associate Director. Beginning in Autumn 2007, the statute of limitations for eligibility to receive an MA through MAPH will be five years from a student's initial matriculation. So, for example, a student who begins the program in Autumn 2007 must have all courses (including the thesis) completed, and be in a position to receive the degree at the end of Summer Quarter 2012. After five years, students may no longer register for further coursework and incomplete coursework becomes permanently incomplete. Students who began MAPH before Autumn 20007 may no longer apply for the MA after Summer 2012.
Students may enroll in any course normally open to first-year graduate students at the University of Chicago. Some departments distinguish between lower-level courses open to first-year graduate students (normally classes numbered in the 30000s and 40000s) and higher-level graduate courses such as seminars and intensive reading classes (usually numbered in the 50000s and 60000s). Students who wish to enroll in a higher-level course must get permission from the instructor. It is sometimes desirable to take college courses (numbered in the 20000s); enrollment in these courses also requires permission of the instructor. By special arrangement with the non-English languages and literatures faculties, MAPH students may take undergraduate language instruction courses at any appropriate level. MAPH students must consult with departmental directors of graduate students for language course placement. Students who wish to take advantage of the University's summer language programs may count these courses towards their degree. Programs of study must be approved by the student's assigned Faculty Program Adviser, one of the MAPH Co-Directors, or a Preceptor.
All MAPH students must earn a 'B' or better in the Core, must maintain a 'B' average with no grade lower than 'B-', and must earn a 'B' or better on their thesis. The MAPH Classics Option augments the thesis requirement with passing the departmental examinations in both Greek and Latin.
