Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas. The MSt in Syriac Studies is a one-year taught degree. It has been designed to give students experience in reading and interpreting a wide range of Syriac texts, from a choice of genres and in all the major scripts, as well as a broad knowledge of Syriac literature and history, and an ability to use key research tools. It is can thus be either a stand-alone qualification or a solid foundation in the subject for those intending to go on to do doctoral research. You must choose to study texts in three of the following subjects:

• biblical versions

• exegetical literature

• early poetry

• liturgy

• historical literature

• secular literature

• monastic literature

• hagiography

• translations of Greek patristic texts

• theological texts

• any other subject approved by the Faculty Board

• text-classes (usually six hours per week), for which you are expected to prepare;

• seminars (usually one and a half hours per week), for which you are expected to prepare oral or written presentations on specified topics; and

• lectures on the general background of Syriac literature (normally one hour per week).

• Patristic studies

• Late Antique and Byzantine studies

• Armenian Studies

• Jewish Studies in the Greco-Roman Period

• Old Testament and New Testament

• Ancient Near Eastern studies.