Latin and Classical Humanities, MA (Greek/Latin track)

Greek and Latin Courses (30 credits)

A minimum of twelve credits to be earned in Latin, chosen from among graduate Latin classes and seminars, and a minimum of twelve credits to be earned in graduate Greek classes.

Six additional credits to be chosen from among either graduate Greek or Latin classes.

By invitation of the faculty only, a 3-credit final paper or a 6-credit Master’s thesis in either Latin of Greek may count toward this requirement; to be eligible for this option, students should normally have completed a minimum of eighteen credits toward the degree and be carrying a GPA of 3.6 or higher (final paper) or 3.75 or higher (thesis). Both the final paper and the thesis are prepared under the guidance of an individual faculty advi­sor and defended before a committee or three faculty members.

Electives

Electives may be drawn from among graduate Latin, Greek, classical studies, methods, applied linguistics, and history classes.

The Capstone

A set of three rigorous comprehensive exams is required. Two will test facility in Latin and Greek languages, respectively; the third will be an essay exam based on selected readings lists in Latin and Greek literature. These exams must be taken by all candidates, including those who complete a final paper or Master’s thesis.

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.