Classics Readings Lists

The Department of Classical, Near Eastern, and Religious Studies believes that Reading Lists constitute the best way to prepare students in Classics with the general background of the field, by reading the original authors, literary, historical, and philosophical. The process results in an identifiable and useful body of knowledge that is objectively examinable and fills the gaps in the candidate’s reading of central authors. Since these are comprehensive examinations, the lists are not tailored to individuals: they represent a canon that draws from many genres and time periods. Other readings will usually be required for a candidate’s individual area of study, but these are not examined in the comprehensive examinations. While it may be that some works on these lists are covered as part of the candidate’s coursework, there is no expectation that they will be: students in the program should have the ability to work through all these texts on their own in addition to their coursework.

The texts on the Greek and Latin PhD in Classics Reading Lists are available as coursepacks from the UBC Bookstore. Examination passages for the relevant exams will be taken from these coursepacks. 

Candidates for the M.A. in Classics will be examined on the M.A. Classical Language and Literature Reading List.

Candidates for the Ph.D. in Classics will be examined on the Ph.D. Classical Language and Literature Reading List.

Candidates for the Ph.D. in Classics: Ancient History will be examined on either the Ph.D. in Classics: Ancient History Reading List (Emphasis Greek) or the Ph.D. in Classics: Ancient History Reading List (Emphasis Latin).