- Demonstrate the ability to translate Latin and/or Ancient Greek accurately and fluently.
- Demonstrate a scholarly understanding of ancient texts covered in selected classes and of further texts studied in conjunction with those classes.
- Demonstrate the ability to construct clear, accurate, and comprehensive commentaries on key passages of ancient literature.
The general examinations in Ancient Greek and Latin literature and language (or “Generals”) test students’ mastery of two areas as a foundation for their work at the University of Wisconsin and for their future scholarship: (1) ancient texts covered in selected classes; (2) further texts agreed with the instructor of record and Director of Graduate Studies (DGS).
At the most basic level, students should demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of readings in Latin and Ancient Greek, a capacity to organize and explain their knowledge and understanding in scholarly commentaries, and an ability to render Latin and Ancient Greek extracts accurately and fluently.
A final goal of the Generals is the discovery of promising areas of inquiry and interest for research. As students work with the instructor of record and DGS to choose supplemental materials, they will do so with an eye to the sorts of texts that they might subsequently investigate in their research – whether in their second-year thesis, their dissertation, or in later projects.
Examinations that demonstrate impressive accuracy in translation or particularly perceptive analysis may receive the grade of Pass with Distinction.