Classical Armenian Studies
Master
In Oxford
Description
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Type
Master
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Location
Oxford
About the course
This is an intensive one-year taught degree course which is intended to give students experience in reading and interpreting a wide range of Armenian texts, from a choice of genres, either as a stand-alone qualification or as a solid foundation in the subject for those intending to go on to do doctoral research.
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Start date
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Subjects
- Supervisor
Course programme
Within the long span of Armenian history, the study of Armenia at Oxford concentrates on the period when Armenian sources give valuable information not only about Armenian culture itself, but also about neighbouring peoples of the Near East. Emphasis is therefore given to the study of the classical and medieval forms of the language and to Armenian literature from the fifth to the seventeenth centuries.
After an initial introduction to the grammar and syntax of classical Armenian, you will read a variety of texts. An understanding of the literary culture of the period and the historical background is thus obtained directly from the original sources.
You will prepare for four three-hour papers. The first is a core course on the language, literature, history, and culture of Ancient and Medieval Armenia, with the examination paper consisting of essay questions. You are generally required to answer three questions out of ten or so that are set.
The remaining three papers are core courses on key Armenian literary genres. For these papers you must choose to study texts in three of the following subjects: biblical texts; homiletic and polemical literature; hagiographic texts; historical literature of the 5th-9th centuries; historical literature of the 10th-14th centuries; religious and secular verse; or any other subject approved by the Faculty Board. The examination of these papers will consist of passages to be translated in the three types of text chosen by you, with brief questions on the background, content or grammar of the passages set. Every candidate will be examined by oral examination (viva voce) unless they have been individually excused by the examiners.
Teaching offered consists of classes and tutorials and may include lectures and seminars.
SupervisionThe allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Oriental Studies and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Oriental Studies.
Graduate destinationsOriental studies graduates have found employment in many and diverse fields including business, finance, law, civil service, journalism, government and industry.
Many graduates have also undertaken further research into subjects linked with Oriental studies and have pursued successful careers in the academic world, education and in museums.
Changes to this course and your supervision The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study. Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment. For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.
Other courses you may wish to consider If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.
Courses suggested by the faculty
Eastern Christian Studies MPhil
Syriac Studies MSt
Oriental Studies MSt
Oriental Studies DPhil
Late Antique and Byzantine Studies MPhil
Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics MPhil
All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Oriental Studies
Bible Interpretation MSt
Buddhist Studies MPhil
Classical Armenian Studies MSt
Classical Hebrew Studies MSt
Classical Indian Religion MPhil
Contemporary Chinese Studies MSc
Cuneiform Studies MPhil
Eastern Christian Studies MPhil
Egyptology MPhil
Islamic Art and Archaeology MSt
Islamic Art and Archaeology MPhil
Islamic Studies and History MPhil
Islamic Studies and History MSt
Japanese Studies MPhil
Japanese Studies MSc
Jewish Studies MPhil
Jewish Studies MSt
Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period MSt
Jewish Studies in the Graeco-Roman Period MPhil
Korean Studies MSt
Modern Chinese Studies MPhil
Modern Middle Eastern Studies MSc
Modern Middle Eastern Studies MPhil
Modern South Asian Studies MSc
Modern South Asian Studies MPhil
Oriental Studies DPhil
Oriental Studies MSt
Syriac Studies MSt
Tibetan and Himalayan Studies MPhil
Traditional China MSt
Traditional East Asia MPhil
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Entry requirements
Classical Armenian Studies