Admissions and Requirements

Coursework

• 24 credits must be completed in Greek and Latin graduate-level coursework
• 6 credits must be completed in graduate seminars, including 3 credits in pro-seminar (Classics 900 or equivalent as approved by Director of Graduate Studies)
• 6 credits additional coursework, which may include
  • Additional coursework in Greek and Latin
  • Coursework in a modern language
  • Coursework toward the Doctoral Minor

Total: 36 credits

Read more details in The Guide
Transfer credit information

Language Requirements

• General Greek language/literature examination, or “Greek General“
• General Latin language/literature examination, or “Latin General“
• Modern language examination in German or French and Italian, or equivalent coursework.
  • Coursework in one modern language (German, French, or Italian) may be completed in one of the following ways:
    • through the 300-level, or
    • one to two courses in German, French, or Italian “for graduate reading knowledge” (varies by department), or
    • graduate reading knowledge exam, offered through Continuing Studies (these must be discussed with the DGS and requested through Bill Bach; do NOT register on your own).
  • Note: Non-language courses in related fields must be approved by Director of Graduate Studies.

Assessments and Examinations

• Two ancient language examinations (the Greek & Latin Generals) and one modern language examination (or equivalent).

Learning Outcomes, Aims, Criteria: General Exams
Information on Preparation: General Exams
Information on Execution: General Exams
Criteria for Passing/Protocol for Failing: General Exams

Continuation in Ph.D. Program

Any candidate who wishes to continue in the doctoral program must complete a thesis (for more information see below) and present a formal application to the Director of Graduate Studies before the final department meeting of their fourth semester in the program. The faculty will then vote on the application and notify the candidate of their decision by letter.

Each application must contain the following materials:

• the final version of the thesis
• a completed “Continuation in PhD” form
• a cover letter that addresses the following
  • capacity for original and creative contributions to classical scholarship;
  • ability to work with feedback and develop scholarly contributions in a systematic, independent, and timely fashion;
  • plans for a tenable research program going forward; and
  • research interests compatible with the specializations of current faculty.

Thesis Details

• Form a provisional thesis committee no later than the end of their third semester in the program. The committee should consist of the thesis advisor (committee chair) and two other faculty members from Classics or affiliated with Classics.
• Meet with a thesis committee no later than the end of the third week in their fourth semester. In order to evaluate the viability of the thesis topic, candidates should submit a prospectus to the committee. This meeting should be scheduled by the thesis advisor and scheduled through the graduate program coordinator.
  • Prospectus: In 1-2 pages (single-spaced) or 2-4 pages (double-spaced), present a prospectus that includes the following:

1. 1. 1. Your thesis (i.e., the position that you will defend).
      2. A statement of the problem and/or research question to be addressed.
      3. A review of previous scholarship
      4. An outline of the evidence to be consulted
      5. A summary of your proposed argument, including references to key evidence to support your points.
      6. Bigger conclusions, future directions, or identification of possible problems or points in need of clarification/guidance.

• Present a paper, typically 25-35 double-spaced pages, written under the supervision of the thesis advisor. The paper should be written in a scholarly manner following the stylistic guidelines specified by the thesis adviser, and demonstrating familiarity with the appropriate bibliographical resources. The thesis is usually developed out of a graduate seminar paper.
• Take an oral examination and defend thesis, set by the thesis advisor and scheduled through the graduate program coordinator. The completed thesis should be delivered to all three committee members at least one week in advance of this oral defense. Oral defenses will not be scheduled during the summer semester.

Note: All students seeking to continue in the Ph.D. program after receiving the M.A. are required to complete a program thesis and an application before the end of the fourth semester. For information on how to do so, click here.

Coursework

General Ancient Greek and Latin Language and Literature Examinations (or “Generals”)

Taken in the course of preparing for the M.A. degree, usually in the first two years of the program, the General Ancient Greek and Latin Language and Literature Exams or “Generals” assess mastery of language and stylistic analysis based on six credits’ worth of classes (usu.= 2 classes) with a graduate attribute, including “course material” assigned in the class and “supplementary materials,” read in conjunction with the class, selected in consultation with the Instructor of Record and Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), on the basis of department reading lists or approved substitutes.

The format of the Generals is a three-hour, closed book exam taken in the Department at the beginning of the semester following completion of preparation, comprising 2/6 translation of course and supplementary materials, 3/6 linguistic and stylistic commentary on the same material, 1/6 sight reading of material relevant in genre, period, author, topic, etc., from the reading lists.

For more information on preparation, execution, and criteria for passing, see the following links:

Learning Outcomes, Aims, Criteria: General Exams
Information on Preparation: General Exams
Information on Execution: General Exams
Criteria for Passing/Protocol for Failing: General Exams

Modern Language Exams

The minimum amount of study required in one of the modern languages includes a “for reading knowledge” course in one of the relevant languages (French 391, German 391, Italian 301, e.g.), more comprehensive study (through a minimum of four semesters of study), and/or independent study. The required languages are German and French or Italian, but students may substitute another modern language with permission of the Director of Graduate Study (DGS) for reasons related to their individual research trajectory. If students have completed sufficient course work in one modern language, or acquired proficiency by other means, they may take a modern language proficiency exam to fulfill the requirement for one of the languages through Continuing Studies for a fee of $65. Students who require assistance with the fee should contact the DGS and Graduate Program Coordinator.

Special Ancient Greek and Latin Literature and Scholarship Examinations (or “Specials”)

Taken after completing each “General” in the same language, usually in the third and fourth years of the program, after receiving the M.A., the Special Ancient Greek and Latin Literature and Scholarship Exams, or “Specials,” assess mastery of stylistic analysis and ability to engage critically with established scholarship for a selection of authors, based on nine credits’ worth of classes (usu.=3 classes) with a graduate attribute, including “course material” assigned in class and “supplementary material,” read in conjunction with the class, selected on the basis of department reading lists or approved substitutes, in consultation with the Instructor of Record and Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), and prepared under the direction of the Instructor of Record or other qualified adviser in a minimum of three half-hour meetings over the course of each semester in which the student is preparing for the exam.

The format of the Specials is a 72-hour (three day), open book exam, administered by email at the beginning of the semester following completion of preparation. The format includes 40% commentary on select passages of course and supplementary material and 60% essays (2-3 in number) on issues of interpretation in the same material, with a special emphasis on common, dominant, and/or historically significant scholarly contributions. Essay options: two essays of approximately 2700 words each OR three essays of approximately 1800 words each, accompanied by a bibliography of two to three double-spaced pages of secondary scholarship for each topic (chapters from monographs count as separate entries).

For more information on preparation, execution, and criteria for passing, see the following links:

Learning Outcomes, Aims, Criteria: Special Exams
Information on Preparation: Special Exams
Information on Execution: Special Exams
Criteria for Passing/Protocol for Failing: Special Exams

Exam format details, including guidelines for faculty responsible for developing the exam.

Satisfactory progress while completing the MA and PhD is defined by fulfillment of all the following criteria within the maximum stipulated time of two years per degree (excluding time taken to complete the dissertation): 

• Completing course work sufficient to obtain all the credits and kinds of credits commensurate with the student’s time in the program; 
• Completing all graduate exams and the thesis (for students seeking to continue into the PhD from the MA program);  
• Upholding a GPA of at least 3.25 after two or more semesters of graduate work;  
• Maintaining no more than one Incomplete from semester to semester. 
• For dissertators, unsatisfactory progress (U) reported for no more than one semester (more below)

If a student is making unsatisfactory progress according to any one of these criteria, they enter academic probation.  Academic probation is defined as the following: 

• A hold on enrollment and the requirement of permission to enroll; 
• Loss of funding guarantee; 
• Under the supervision of the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Program Coordinator, the development of a specific plan with dates in place to remove probationary status. 

Students who succeed in removing their probationary status return to good standing: any remaining funding is guaranteed, and they no longer require permission to enroll.  Students who, on the other hand, remain in academic probation for two semesters are subject to the following: 

• Withdrawal of funding; 
• Dismissal from the program. 

If you have questions about this policy, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies. 

Satisfactory progress for dissertators

Progress is graded as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) at the end of each semester. If a student is on track to complete their dissertation in a total of two years and can demonstrate such momentum through regular submission of written drafts to their adviser, they are making satisfactory progress. If the adviser finds that a student has failed to achieve satisfactory progress in a semester, the student receives a grade of U for that semester; assignment of a U in the semester immediately following this results in academic probation; assignment of a U in a third consecutive semester will result in withdrawal of funding and dismissal from the program.  The student has the right to submit an appeal in writing to the Director of Graduate Studies for review by the whole faculty after each assigned U. If a student earns a grade of S in any semester after the assignment of a U, they will return to good standing.

Leaves of Absence

The graduate school requires that students who are not enrolled for one or more semesters to re-apply in order to continue their studies. See this page for the policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1227

CANES will allow a student to be absent from the program (i.e., not enrolled in classes) for up to four consecutive semesters without losing their status. This means that a student who reapplies will be guaranteed admission, will have their standing as of last enrollment (satisfactory or unsatisfactory progress) restored, and will retain their original funding guarantee.

Details:

• The graduate school allows students to re-enter their program in the fall, spring, or summer terms. See this page for the graduate school’s application deadlines: https://kb.wisc.edu/grad/138105.
• For a student to reclaim their funding guarantee, they must apply to be readmitted in the fall semester and must meet the CANES departmental deadline (usually January 5).
• If an unenrolled student applies after the CANES deadline to re-enter in the fall semester or applies to re-enter in the spring semester or summer term, the department cannot guarantee funding, including tuition remission, until the next fall semester.
• Funding here refers to graduate appointments (teaching assistantships and fellowships), which include a stipend, tuition remission, and benefits. Other elements of a student’s funding package, such as research travel grants, may be available immediately regardless of when a student re-enters the program. Please consult with the department administrator for more information.

Candidates for Ph.D. may select from the following minors offered by CANES:

Students who seek to appeal a grade should familiarize themselves with the policy governing grade appeals in the College of Letters & Science. In brief, this policy only permits changes to grades in cases of clerical error, miscalculation, or discrimination against individuals based on their protected status or affiliation with someone of protected status. For students who believe they have been discriminated against in the grading process, please see UW information on allegations of discrimination in the awarding of a grade.

Once students have familiarized themselves with L&S policy, if they still wish to appeal their grade, the first person whom they should consult is the person who assigned the grade. Appeals for final grades must occur no later than the first semester after the semester in which the course has been completed. If the student and instructor do not come to an agreement, the student will provide a formal written grade appeal to the chair of the department. The written appeal must include: the class, instructor, copy of the course syllabus showing grading guidelines, grade received, date and conclusion of meeting with instructor, the specific reason(s) for appealing the grade, and email address and telephone number where they can be reached for follow-up. The documentation must demonstrate how the student was either incorrectly graded for the work they did or treated in a way that was inconsistent with the standard grading policy/practice for all students taking the same course.

Students who are dissatisfied with the result of this initial consultation may consult the instructor’s supervisor. If the person who assigned the grade is a teaching assistant in 100-300 level Latin classes, this is the Supervisor of the Latin Program; otherwise, it is the Instructor of Record for the course. If the grader is a lecturer or professor, their supervisor is the Chair of the Department.

Once the supervisor has received the appeal, they will request relevant information from the person who assigned the grade, including grading criteria and the reason for denying the student’s request. If the supervisor determines that there are grounds for a change of grade, that decision will be determining.

In the rare case that the dispute cannot be settled in the Department, the Associate Dean of the Humanities determines the outcome. Students will be apprised of how to proceed to this level of appeal by the Chair of the Department.