- Demonstrate mastery of methods and materials covered in selected classes and areas of specialization studied in conjunction with those classes
- Demonstrate scholarly understanding of methods and materials covered in selected classes and in chosen areas of specialization
- Discover promising areas of inquiry and useful models of scholarship, including a range of material and theoretical and methodological approaches to materials
The special examinations in Ancient Greek and Latin literature and scholarship (or “Specials”) test students’ mastery of two areas as a foundation for advanced research: (1) methods and materials covered in selected classes; (2) chosen areas of specialization developed in conjunction with those classes.
At the most basic level, students should demonstrate strong knowledge and understanding of both ancient and modern readings and a developed capacity to organize and explain their knowledge and understanding; this entails command of evidence, balanced attention to different aspects of texts and context, and a solid foundation in scholarship, methods, and theories relevant to the material. At a higher level, within the limits imposed by the exam, students should engage critically with modern scholarship and show the potential to make innovative contributions to scholarly debates.
A final goal of the Specials is the discovery of promising areas of inquiry and useful models of scholarship. As students prepare for exams, they will be exposed to different materials as well as theoretical and methodological approaches to different materials. During this process, students should be on the lookout for work that will serve as models for their own scholarship; students who have already adopted such models, have begun innovating with them, and apply them to material in ways that show promise for future research may exceed the criteria of the exam and receive a grade of Pass with Distinction.