The Catholic University of America - Department of Greek and Latin

MA Programs

This program provides the strongest possible foundation for additional work in the broader field of classics. Its graduates gain high linguistic competence in both Latin and Greek, receive training in research methodologies, and accumulate a portfolio of credentials which includes the study of prose composition, the passing of translation and essay examinations, the acquisition of reading skills in a modern foreign language, and the preparation of formal papers which can be employed in future applications to doctoral programs.

List of Requirements for the MA in Greek and Latin

1 GR 511, Greek Prose Composition 3 cr

2 LAT 511, Latin Prose Composition 3 cr

3 GR 655, Survey of Greek Literature 3 cr

4 LAT 655, Survey of Latin Literature 3 cr

5 6 other approved courses 18 cr

6 Modern language examination in French or German

7 MA comprehensive examinations in Greek and in Latin (preceded by sight exams)

8 Submission of 2 approved research papers

Total hours 30 cr

Language placement upon entrance

All graduate students in this program take placement exams in both Greek and Latin prior to beginning their coursework. The exam results are used to place students in appropriate classes; it is therefore advisable to arrange with the departmental administrative assistant to take them during the summer prior to entrance, or at least when they are offered during the orientation days prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Click here to learn more about language placement, and about the placement exams themselves.

Modern language examination in French or German

Competence in French or German is demonstrated by passing a departmental examination. The examination is one hour long and consists of a single passage of academic French or German. A dictionary may be used. To pass the examination, students must be able to translate approximately one full page into standard English with a high level of accuracy. Students who have not previously studied the language at the college level should first take and pass the graduate-level reading courses offered by the Department of Modern Languages (French 500 or German 500).

Masters comprehensive examinations

Prerequisite: sight-translation exams
To qualify for taking their translation examinations in Latin or Greek, graduate students must pass a sight examination in that language.

Sight examinations are one hour long in each language, and consist of a single passage in prose and a single passage in poetry. They are taken without a dictionary in October or March by arrangement with the graduate adviser.

Comprehensive exams

A passing grade on comprehensive examinations is B minus (80%). Each examination is graded separately and awarded a high pass (90–100), pass (80–89), or failure (below 80). Students who fail any examination may retake that examination a second time. Comprehensive examinations are offered on the days set in the university's academic calendar.

1. TWO 3-hour translation examinations, one in Greek and the other in Latin, based on official departmental lists of Greek and Latin texts:

Greek MA reading list (pdf)
Latin MA reading list (pdf)

2. TWO 3-hour essay examinations, in Greek and in Roman Literature/History, based on official departmental lists of secondary scholarship, with essay questions (one or more required) drawn from official departmental lists of questions known in advance:

Greek MA secondary scholarship list (pdf)
Greek MA essay questions (pdf)
Latin MA secondary scholarship list (pdf)
Latin MA essay questions (pdf)

MA in Latin

This program provides the necessary training for future teachers of Latin to become skilled, self-motivated readers and researchers, and polishes their language skills to a high level to ensure that they will always feel comfortable and confident in the front of the classroom. Students who enter this program may also elect the study of Greek to enrich their work, although this is not required.

List of Requirements for the MA in Latin

1 LAT 511, Latin Prose Composition 3 cr

2 LAT 655, Survey of Latin Literature 3 cr

3 8 other approved courses 24 cr

4 Modern language examination in French or German

5 MA comprehensive examinations in Latin (preceded by sight exam)

6 Submission of 2 approved research papers

Total hours 30 cr

Language placement upon entrance

All graduate students in this program take a placement exam in Latin prior to beginning their coursework. The exam results are used to place students in appropriate classes; it is therefore advisable to arrange with the departmental administrative assistant to take it during the summer prior to entrance, or at least when it is offered during the orientation days prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Click here to learn more about language placement, and about the Latin placement exam itself.

Masters comprehensive examinations

Prerequisite: sight-translation exam
To qualify for taking their translation examinations in Latin, graduate students must pass a sight examination in that language.

Sight examinations are one hour long, and consist of a single passage in prose and a single passage in poetry. They are taken without a dictionary in October or March by arrangement with the graduate adviser.

Comprehensive exams

A passing grade on comprehensive examinations is B minus (80%). Each examination is graded separately and awarded a high pass (90–100), pass (80–89), or failure (below 80). Students who fail any examination may retake that examination a second time. Comprehensive examinations are offered on the days set in the university's academic calendar.

1. ONE 3-hour translation examination in Latin, based on an official departmental list of Latin texts:

Latin MA reading list (pdf)

2. ONE 3-hour essay examination in Roman Literature/History, based on an official departmental list of secondary scholarship, with essay questions (one or more required) drawn from an official departmental list of questions known in advance:

Latin MA secondary scholarship list (pdf)
Latin MA essay questions (pdf)