The Department of Archaeology offers a Master of Arts program in Anatolian art and archaeology. The program focuses on the archaeology, art, and architecture of Turkey within its Near Eastern and Mediterranean context, from the prehistoric to medieval times. The courses offered are designed to impart a broad knowledge of the field, but students develop knowledge of a particular area through their choice of courses and, especially, thesis topic. After completing this program, most students continue toward the Ph.D., enrolling at universities in Europe and North America as well as Turkey.

ADMISSION:

Applicants are normally expected to have an undergraduate major in archaeology, history of art, anthropology, or a related subject, and must demonstrate a proficiency in English. Students from other disciplines are also eligible for the program, providing they remedy deficiencies in their academic background by completing a year of preparatory courses prior to beginning the Master`s program. Turkish students with a B.A. in Archaeology but with insufficient English can take a year of English language at Bilkent's School of English Language (BUSEL).

COURSES OFFERED FALL SEMESTER 2009-2010 501. Current Issues in Archaeological Theory (Morin) 507. Pre-Classical Seminar (Zimmermann) 519. Research Directions for Anatolian Art & Archaeology         (M.-H. Gates, Coordinator) 515. Readings in Near-Eastern Archaeology (Özgen) Ancient or Medieval language I, III: Ancient Greek, Classical Arabic (History Department), or Latin [Ancient Greek III not offered in 2009-2010] 599. M.A. Thesis

COURSES OFFERED SPRING SEMESTER 2009-2010 508. Issues in Pre-Classical Art & Archaeology (M.-H. Gates) 510. Issues in Classical Art & Archaeology (Bennett) 518. Supervised Research in Anatolian Archaeology (Özgen) Ancient or Medieval language II, IV: Ancient Greek, Classical Arabic (History Department), or Latin [Ancient Greek IV not offered in 2009-2010] 599. M.A. Thesis

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS:

The program is designed to be completed in two years. Requirements consist of a minimum of 9 semester courses (27 credits), and a thesis (75-100 pages). In addition, reading proficiency in French or German must be demonstrated, by test or by course. The required courses consist of three groups:

1. Three core courses: Research Directions for Anatolian Archaeology and Art; Issues in Archaeological Theory; and Interpretation of Art Historical Materials.
2. Three seminars in at least two of the following divisions: Pre-Classical, Classical, and Medieval art and archaeology. The topics of seminars vary from term to term, depending on the research interests of the instructors.
3. Three electives: Electives can be additional seminars, ancient or medieval languages, selected fourth year undergraduate courses, or courses from other departments. Languages offered are Ancient Greek, Latin, Persian (Foreign Languages Unit), Classical Arabic, and Ottoman Turkish (the last two given in the History Department). In past years, Akkadian and Hittite have also been taught.

Preparing the thesis allows the M.A. student to take up an intellectual adventure, the investigation in detail of one aspect of the archaeology and art history of the eastern Mediterranean region, especially Turkey. The completed thesis should be a purposeful, clearly written and well organized work, supported by evidence, that demonstrates mastery of research techniques and scholarship in the chosen area of study.

Participation in a field project is considered a valuable component of a student’s training. Although not required, students are strongly urged to take part in an archaeological excavation, sponsored either by the Department or by another research institution. Research work in museums or laboratories may also provide a stimulating hands-on experience.