Medieval Latin

Doctor of Philosophy in Medieval Latin

For the 2027 admissions cycle, Classics is not accepting applications for our program in Medieval Latin.

Prerequisites. Competence in both Greek and Latin sufficient to allow the student to take courses numbered above 100 upon entering Graduate School. 

Academic Residence. Minimum of two years of full-time study (16 courses, or 64 credits). Students are not normally permitted to take more than two courses numbered 301 before sitting for their General Examinations.

Program of Study.

  1. The methodology covered in the Proseminar, Classic 350, or its equivalent in Medieval Studies. (one course)
  2. Classical Latin language and literature. To this end, candidates must pass the courses Latin 112a and Latin 112b. (two courses)
  3. Medieval Latin language and literature. To this end, candidates must pass two courses labeled Medieval Latin or 301. (two courses)
  4. Advanced interpretation. To this end, before taking the Special Examinations, candidates must pass two courses designated "primarily for graduates" and given by faculty of the department or courses on medieval topics given outside the department. One of these courses will normally be in classical Latin, one in Medieval Latin. (two courses)
  5. Syntax and stylistics. This requirement is met by passing Latin 175 (or the equivalent); it must be fulfilled before the Special Examinations are taken.
  6. Historical linguistics. This requirement is met by passing Latin 134 or equivalent work; it must be fulfilled before the Special Examinations are taken. (one course)
  7. Medieval history or art history. (one course)
  8. Classical reception in the Middle Ages. (one course)

Students are also encouraged to take courses in Greek at the appropriate level, and will be advised on opportunities to pursue training in Latin palaeograpy, either through coursework or summer study.

Modern Languages. The demonstration of a reading knowledge of German and of either French or Italian, to be tested by the department (with the aid of dictionaries). Students may petition the graduate committee to replace one of the latter two languages with another language by submitting a written proposal outlining academic rationale. This requirement must be fulfilled before the dissertation prospectus is approved. Tests are normally administered in October and April.

Pedagogy. Students take a practicum course (Classic 360) in the craft of teaching, normally in their third year. Strategies will be applicable to courses taught in translation as well as language courses.

General Examinations. All students will take General Examinations comprising four parts, namely:

  1. Two examinations of three hours each in the translation of classical Latin and Medieval Latin authors; each examination will consist of six passages from the reading list (half prose and half verse). Students must translate four (two prose and two poetry). In addition, they must translate two sight passages (i.e., not from the reading list): one prose and one poetry. Candidates will use the classical Latin reading list for the Classical Philology track, and develop their own Medieval Latin reading list, to be approved by the graduate committee. The exams may be taken separately and both must be passed by the fall of the third year.
  2. Two oral examinations of forty-five minutes each, on the history of classical and Medieval Latin literature. The classical Latin literature oral exam will normally be taken at the end of the survey courses (Latin 112a/b). The contents of the classical Latin literature exam will be based on the material covered in those courses. The examining committee will normally consists of the instructors from the 112 courses along with an additional faculty member to moderate the proceedings and to intervene at his or her discretion. The Medieval Latin literature oral exam will normally be taken at the end of the second year.

These examinations may only be repeated once in the event of failure. If a student fails only one part of the examination, then they need only repeat that part.

Special Examinations. Normally, by the end of the third year, the candidate must take a two-hour oral examination devoted to

  1. An ancient Latin author, with attention to the author's influence on medieval literature or thought;
  2. A major Medieval Latin author (e.g. Alcuin, Peter Abelard, John of Garland, or Thomas Aquinas) or text (e.g., the Carmina Burana), including the manuscript tradition and historical background; and
  3. A special subject to be selected from fields such as medieval history; philosophy; theology; law; art; Latin palaeography; Latin grammar and metrics; literary and cultural interactions between Latin Christendom on the one hand and medieval Byzantium, Islam, or Judaism on the other; a period of special interest (e.g., the Carolingian era, the long twelth century, scholasticism); a major genre (such as epic, lyric, letters, or drama); the classical tradition in the Middle Ages; or the passage of Medieval Latin from script to print.

The choice of authors and subject should be submitted for approval at the time of the General Examinations or within a month following them (unless they are taken right before the start of the term, in which case they should be submitted immediately). Preparation for this examination will be by independent study, with regular supervision by a faculty member for each part of the examination (Classic 302). These examinations may be repeated only once in the event of failure.

Dissertation Regulations. See the Dissertation Regulations page.