Greek and Latin Languages and Literatures, PhD
The Graduate Group in Greek and Latin Languages and Literatures trains students in the languages, literatures, cultures, and history of ancient Greece, Rome, and the Mediterranean. Students are encouraged to combine their linguistic and literary studies in Greek and Latin with the investigation of such related fields as archaeology, art history, comparative literature, gender and sexuality, linguistics, literary theory, medieval studies, philosophy, race and ethnicity, and religious studies.
All candidates for the Ph.D must take a series of exams including Modern Language Examinations, the Qualifications Evaluation Examination in Greek and Latin, and the Preliminary Examination on the literary history of Greece and Rome, along with special topics chosen by the student. The dissertation is normally completed by the end of the student's fifth year in the program.
All candidates for the Ph.D. are required to teach for at least two semesters under the supervision of the Graduate Group. In practice, students normally teach four semesters, during the second and third years of the program. During the first fall semester of teaching in Latin or Greek (typically in the second year of the program), students are required to complete the Language Pedagogy Workshop, a not-for-credit workshop that provides support and collaboration for first-time language instructors.
Information on coursework is provided below.
For more information: https://www.classics.upenn.edu/graduate/graduate-program-greek-and-latin-languages-and-literatures
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CLST 6000 | Materials and Methods: Proseminar in Classical Studies and Ancient History | 1 |
| GREK 6610 | Reading Greek | 1 |
| LATN 6610 | Reading Latin | 1 |
| GREK 5801 | Advanced Greek Language and Composition | 1 |
| or LATN 5801 | Advanced Latin Language and Composition | |
| CLST 9991 | Special Topic (twice) | 2 |
| CLST 9000 | Dissertation Prospectus Workshop | 1 |
| Additional Courses | 11 | |
| Students select research seminars and additional courses in consultation with the graduate chair, using these course-planning guidelines: https://www.classics.upenn.edu/graduate/graduate-program-classical-studies/coursework-requirements | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Ancient Language Requirement | ||
| Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in Greek and Latin | ||
| Modern Language Requirement | ||
| Students are required to demonstrate proficiency in any two of the following: French, German, Italian | ||
| Teaching Requirement | ||
| Two semesters of teaching are required | ||
| Total Course Units | 18 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.