Latin and Classical Humanities, MA (Applied Linguistics track)

The Classics Component (18 credits)

Eighteen credits to be earned in Latin, chosen from among graduate Latin semi­nars and Latin electives. Three credits may be earned in a Greek or classical studies graduate course. 

With prior approval of the graduate program director, a graduate course in an allied department may count toward this requirement.

Optionally, and upon invitation by the fac­ulty only, students may complete either a final paper (3 credits, approximately 30 pages in length) or a Master’s thesis (6 credits, approximately 60 pages in length, involving extensive original research/scholarship). Both the final paper and the thesis are prepared under the guidance of an individual faculty advi­sor and defended before a committee of three faculty members.

The Methods Component (6 credits)

With prior approval of the graduate program director, Latin 615 may be waived and a 3-credit elective in either applied linguistics or classics taken in its place.

• LATIN 615 Methods of Teaching in the Latin Language
• LATIN 670 Active Learning methodologies for Teachers of Latin

The Linguistics Component

Substitutions may be made with the prior approval of the graduate program director.

• APLING 601 Linguistics
• APLING 611 Methods and Materials in Foreign Language Instruction

• Choice of:

• APLING 603 Cross-Cultural Perspectives or
• APLING 621 Psycholinguistics or
• APLING 623 Sociolinguistics

Capstone

A set of two rigorous compre­hensive exams is required. One will test facility in Latin language; the other will be based on course work in linguistics, on a comprehensive reading list in Latin literature, and on required readings in Greek literature in English translation. These exams must be taken by all candidates, including those who complete a final paper or Master’s thesis.

• LATIN 690 Master of Arts Final Paper

Conventiculum Bostoniense

The Conventiculum Bostoniense is a full-immersion residential experience. It is specifically designed for teachers in schools and universities who want to gain some ability to communicate ex-tempore in living Latin on a wide range of subjects. Participants will enhance and develop their own abilities to express themselves in Latin, both orally and in writing, and at the same time will explore various ways to employ active Latin in the classroom to enhance the learning experience of their students. After the first evening’s arrival and orientation session, participants will speak Latin exclusively with one another and the faculty for seven days. Two different graduate-level courses are offered during the Conventiculum, one for first-time attendees and one for returning participants. Days are filled with instructional activities, including sessions focused on oral expression or prose composition; opportunities for social interaction (particularly at meals and in the dormitories); and excursions to the beach and local attractions, including museums and a brewery or winery.

Admission Requirements

Please see the general statement of admission requirements for all graduate studies programs in the “Admissions” section of this publication.

Applicants for the MA in Latin and Classical Humanities must meet the following additional requirements:

1. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point average in undergraduate work and any prior graduate-level work, with a minimum of 3.25 in the major field.
2. Applicants are expected to present an undergraduate major in classical language, or its equivalent. Students with deficiencies in their Latin preparation (and Greek preparation for applicants to the Greek/Latin track) may be admitted provisionally and required to take Latin (and/or Greek) courses at the undergraduate level before full admission to the program.
3. Applicants are required to present strong scores on the general Graduate Record Examination.
4. An interview should be arranged, whenever feasible.