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Language Requirement

CLS/Classics students fulfill the CLS Language Requirement by taking written translation exams in Latin and Greek. Each exam is administered by two members of the Classics Department (appointed by the Chair). A Classics faculty member may serve on more than one exam committee for any given student.

1. The translation exam in the major language (Greek or Latin) is based on the department reading list.


2. The translation exam in the minor language (Greek or Latin) is based on a subset from the reading list chosen by the student in agreement with the exam committee.

Each exam lasts for three hours and involves the translation of five passages, four from the reading list (half prose and half verse) and one at sight passage. Dictionaries are allowed. Students sit in language proficiency exams as soon as they are ready but in no case later than the end of the third year.

A pass requires both examiners to agree.  In the case of a disagreement regarding a written exam, the chair will appoint a third examiner.