Yale Handbook

7/29/2019 Yale Handbook

1/35

1

Department of Classics, Yale University

A Guide to the Graduate Programs

(Revised August 2011)


2/35

2

Table of Contents

I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 3

1. Research Culture of the Department .................................................................................................... 4

II. General Outline of the Programs .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... .... 4

1.Classical Philology ........................................................................................................................................ 4

2. Classics and Ancient History .................................................................................................................... 6

3. Classical Art and Archaeology .............................................................................................................. 74. Classics and Philosophy........................................................................................................................... 7

5. Classics and Comparative Literature ................................................................................................... 9

6. Classics and Renaissance Studies ......................................................................................................... 9

III. Mentoring .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... .. 10

IV. First-Second-Year Tests and Examinations .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... . 10

1. The Language Proficiency Examinations ........................................................................................ 10

2. Seminars and Courses............................................................................................................................ 11

3. Selecting Courses.................................................................................................................................... 11

4. Course Work and Written Assignments........................................................................................... 12

5. Grading and Good Standing ................................................................................................................ 12

6. Temporary Incompletes ........................................................................................................................ 137. The Modern Language Examinations ............................................................................................... 13

V. The Third-Year Qualifying Examinations .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .... 14

1. Planning and General Regulations..................................................................................................... 14

2. Written Examinations in Separate Years ......................................................................................... 14

3. The Written Translation Examinations ............................................................................................ 15

4. Policies and Regulations for Written Qualifying Examinations ............................................... 15

5. The Oral Examinations: Greek and Latin Literature .................................................................... 16

6. The Oral Examinations: Greek and Roman History..................................................................... 17

7. The Reading Lists ................................................................................................................................... 17

8. The Special Field Examinations ......................................................................................................... 25

VI. The Dissertation ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... ......... 26

1. The Dissertation Prospectus ................................................................................................................ 26

2. Advancement to Candidacy ................................................................................................................. 26

3. The Dissertation Progress Report....................................................................................................... 26

4. Dissertation Submission ....................................................................................................................... 27

VII. Teaching ........................................................................................................................................................ 27

1. Timing and types of teaching .............................................................................................................. 27

2. Training and support for Teachers..................................................................................................... 28

VIII. Funding and Support ......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... ......... 28

IX. Graduate School Polices and Regulations .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .... 30

X. The Job Search ............................................................................................................................................ 31Appendix1a: A typical five-year plan (Class of 2008-2009) .............................................................. 33

Appendix 1.b A typical five-year plan (class of 2010 and onwards) .......... ........... .......... ........... .... 34

Appendix 2a. Schedule of Examinations (Class of 2011- ) ................................................................. 35

Appendix 2b. Schedule of Examinations (Class of 2008-2009) ....................................................... 35


3/35

3

I. IntroductionLetter from the Chair:

Welcome to Yale and a very warm welcome to the Department of Classics! We are

delighted that you have chosen to pursue doctoral research with us. In joining YalesDepartment of Classics you are entering a vibrant and multi-faceted research environment.We are committed to academic excellence and our various doctoral programs in Classics,Ancient Art, Ancient History, and Ancient Philosophy, exist to promote original researchand to train scholars who will make important contributions to the discipline in the future.

Graduate training in the Classics Department revolves around three foci: research, teaching,and professional development. All members of the faculty and staff are available to answeryour questions and to help you in your graduate careers; the first step, however, should beto consult this Handbook, which is designed as a reference document for all those involvedin the Graduate Programs in Classics at Yale. Take time to read carefully the informationprovided in this Handbook, and do not hesitate to ask for clarification on any matter.

The Handbook orients you in the programs both by explaining the requirements for thePh.D. and giving more detail about how to meet those requirements. It also outlines thefacultys expectations and responsibilities; departmental rules and guidelines; and the manyresources that enrich the Department and the University.

We have created for you a special page on the Yale Classes V2 server where you will findsamples of old Greek and Latin proficiency and qualifying exams as well as samplemodern language exams, syllabi from previous courses and a guideline to writing adissertation prospectus. You can access this resource here:https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/site/124a1ddd-b523-4a48-893e-ed051e078638

You are advised to refer to this on-line version of the Handbook rather than to any printedversions, since upgrades will be made continuously as the programs evolve. The Directorof Graduate Studies (DGS) is the first port of call for specific advice, and you shouldconsult with the DGS about your courses and progress, as appropriate; the GraduateCommittee and the Graduate Liaison, a peer who is elected to serve as the bridge betweenfaculty and the graduate students, are also available to listen to and discuss your reactions,concerns, and suggestions.

Throughout your studies here we will do all we can to ensure that you receive the besteducation and guidance we can provide. You are warmly invited to join in all theDepartments activities. In particular, you are actively encouraged to attend Departmentlectures and other research events, and to take every opportunity to widen your intellectualhorizons.

Again, let me, on behalf of all my colleagues, extend to you a warm welcome to Yale andto the Classics Department.

Chris Kraus
https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/site/124a1ddd-b523-4a48-893e-ed051e078638https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/site/124a1ddd-b523-4a48-893e-ed051e078638https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/site/124a1ddd-b523-4a48-893e-ed051e078638


4/35

4

I. Research Culture of the DepartmentAs a member of the Department of Classics at Yale you are considered to be part of anengaged and engaging academic community that meets at seminars, conferences and otherformal or less formal gatherings. Attending research events is an essential and enrichingpart of academic life and academic learning. As a graduate student, you are expected toattend the special lectures organized by the Research Committee, so that you can learnfrom cutting-edge research, enter into intellectual dialogue with researchers from outside ofYale, and join with Faculty and other graduate students in discussion. You are also stronglyurged to participate in other research events organized by the department (visiting lecturesand conferences). All Department events will be announced in the Calendar section of thewebsite:http://calendar.yale.edu/cal/classics/We are also on Facebook(Yale Classics) andyou are encouraged to contribute to the Departments presence there.

You are also encouraged to attend seminars and lectures in other Yale departments.Information about lectures can be obtained from the Yale Bulletin (published weekly), byconsulting the websites of other departments and, where applicable, by signing up for emailnotification of forthcoming events. Yale aims to provide a dynamic and thriving intellectualand scholarly environment, and is in the fortunate position of being able to attract leadinginternational scholars and authors to give talks in all disciplines. Attending occasionallectures hosted by other departments will enable you to stay informed about broaderresearch trends and developments in the humanities and the social sciences, and may alsoinform your own research.

II. General Outline of the ProgramsThe programs in Classics comprise three stages: (i) the seminar stage (the first two years);(ii) the qualifying examination stage (the third year); (iii) the dissertation stage (the fourthand fifth years). For the relation of these stages to funding, seeVIII.1. Below is thebreakdown of requirements for the main program in Classical Philology and for each of thecombined degree programs. (See also:http://www.yale.edu/bulletin/html/grad/degree-granting-departments-and-programs.html).

1.

Classical Philology

(1) Proficiency sight translation examinations in Greek and Latin (these are taken beforethe beginning of the first term and at the beginning of the second year in residence)are given to assess the student's progress in both languages.

(2) A proseminar offering an introduction to the discipline of Classics and its varioussubdisciplines.
http://calendar.yale.edu/cal/classics/http://calendar.yale.edu/cal/classics/http://calendar.yale.edu/cal/classics/http://www.yale.edu/bulletin/html/grad/degree-granting-departments-and-programs.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/bulletin/html/grad/degree-granting-departments-and-programs.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/bulletin/html/grad/degree-granting-departments-and-programs.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/bulletin/html/grad/degree-granting-departments-and-programs.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/bulletin/html/grad/degree-granting-departments-and-programs.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/bulletin/html/grad/degree-granting-departments-and-programs.htmlhttp://calendar.yale.edu/cal/classics/


5/35

5

(3) Departmental reading examinations in French (or Italian) and German. The first (ineither language) is to be passed by the end of the first year, the second by the end ofthe second year in residence.

(4) A minimum of fourteen term courses, at least eight of which must be seminars(including four courses in the history of Greek and Latin literature, two literaryseminars in one language, and one in the other); one course in historical or

comparative linguistics; one course in ancient history (either an 800-level seminar ora 600-level materials course), and one in classical art and archaeology.

(5) Greek and Latin composition (this requirement may but need not be satisfied bycourses taken under [4] above).

(6) Translation examinations in Greek and Latin, based on the Classics Ph.D. reading list,at the beginning of the fifth term in residence.

(7) Oral examinations in Greek and Latin literature, based on the Classics Ph.D. readinglist, by the end of the fifth term in residence.

Starting from the class of students in the Classical Philology track entering in 2010this requirement is as follows:

Oral examinations in Greek and Latin literature, based on the Classics Ph.D.reading list, as well as in Greek and Roman history, at the beginning of the sixth

term in residence. The timing of requirements (6) and (7) is currently being revised.

(8) Special fields oral examinations by the end of the sixth term, consisting of two areasof special concentration in each ancient language (four topics in total) selected by thecandidate in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies. One of the specialfields is normally related to the students chosen dissertation topic.

Starting from the class of students entering in 2008 this requirement is as follows:

Special fields oral examinations by the end of the sixth term, consisting of three

areas of special concentration selected by the candidate in consultation with the

Director of Graduate Studies. One of the special fields is normally related tothestudents chosen dissertation topic; the two other fields are in each of the two

ancient languages.


Special fields oral examinations will occur at the end of the sixth term, and

consist of three areas of special concentration selected by the candidate in

consultation with the DGS. One of the special fields should be related to the

students chosen dissertation topic; the two other fields are in each of the two

ancient languages. In addition to the oral exam, the student will be asked to

write a short summary of the dissertation topic and submit this summary and a

working dissertation title to the special fields examiners and to the dissertation

adviser (who may or may not have worked on the project as a special topic

with the student). The summary should discuss where the students work stands

at the end of the term and how the student expects research will progress over

the course of the summer as he or she writes the formal dissertation

prospectus. A prospectus defense will take place in September of the seventh

term.


6/35

6

(9) A dissertation prospectus by the end of the seventh term in residence.(10) A dissertation.

2. Classics and Ancient History

(1) Proficiency sight translation examinations in Greek and Latin (these are taken beforethe beginning of the first term and at the beginning of the second year in residence)are given to assess the student's progress in both languages.


(3) Departmental reading examinations in French (or Italian) and German. The first (ineither language) is to be passed by the end of the first year, the second by the end ofthe second year in residence.

(4) A minimum of fourteen term courses, including

two courses in the history of Greek or Latin literature one seminar in Greek or Latin literature six courses in Greek and Roman history (three of these must be either seminars or

materials courses, two in one language, one in the other)

two courses in another period of history.(5) A translation examination in Greek and Latin, based on the Ancient History Ph.D.

reading list, by the beginning of the fifth term in residence.(6) An oral examination in Greek and Latin literature, based on the Ancient History

Ph.D. reading list, by the end of the sixth term in residence.(7) Oral examinations in Greek and Roman history on four topics (two for each

civilization) in consultation with the DGS, by the end of the sixth term in residence.One of the topics studied will normally be related to the students dissertation topic.


Special fields oral examinations will occur at the end of the sixth term, and

consist of three areas of special concentration selected by the candidate in

consultation with the DGS. One of the special fields should be related to the

students chosen dissertation topic; the two other fields are in each of the two

ancient languages/cultures. In addition to the oral exam, the student will be

asked to write a short summary of the dissertation topic and submit this

summary and a working dissertation title to the special fields examiners and to

the dissertation adviser (who may or may not have worked on the project as aspecial topic with the student). The summary should discuss where the

students work stands at the end of the term and how the student expects

research will progress over the course of the summer as he or she writes the

formal dissertation prospectus. A prospectus defense will take place in

September of the seventh term.

(8) A dissertation prospectus by the end of the seventh term in residence.


7/35

7

(9) A dissertation.

3. Classical Art and Archaeology

(1) Proficiency sight translation examinations in Greek and Latin (these are taken

before the beginning of the first term and must have been passed at the latest by

the end of the second term in residence).(2) A proseminar offering an introduction to the discipline and its various subdisciplines.(3) Departmental reading examinations in Italian (or French) and German. The first (in

either language) is to be passed by the end of the first year, the second by the end ofthe second year in residence.

(4) A minimum of fourteen term courses:

A minimum of six courses in Greek and/or Roman Art and/or Archaeology (atleast four must be seminars).

A minimum of two courses should be in a related field of the History of Art, forexample Medieval or Renaissance.

A minimum of two courses should be in Greek or Roman history, Numismatics,or Papyrology.

Students must demonstrate a competence in Greek and Latin, usually by passingat least one 400/700-level course in each language.

Of the remaining four courses, at least two should be seminars in Greek or Latinliterature.

(5) A written examination in Classical Art and Archaeology (identifications of works ofart and architecture, essays, and a twenty-four hour research paper), followed by anoral examination in four areas of concentration, guided by the following topics set inadvance by consultation with the faculty adviser and approved in consultation withthe DGS in Art: period (for example, the fourth century B.C.), genre (for example,Roman painting), site or geographical area (for example Mycenae or Roman Africa),free topic, normally by the end of the sixth term in residence.

(6) A dissertation prospectus, normally by the end of the seventh term in residence.(7) A dissertation.

4. Classics and PhilosophyThe Classics and Philosophy Program is a joint program, offered by the Departments ofClassics and of Philosophy at Yale, for students wishing to pursue graduate study in ancientphilosophy. Suitably qualified students may apply for entry to the program either through

the Classics Department for the Classics Track, details of which are given below, orthrough the Philosophy Department for the Philosophy Track, details of which may befound at:

http://www.yale.edu/philos/grad_classics.html

Applicants for the Classics Track of the Joint Program must satisfy the generalrequirements for admission to the Classics Graduate Program, in addition to therequirements of the Classics Track of the Joint Program. Applicants for the Philosophy
http://www.yale.edu/philos/grad_classics.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/philos/grad_classics.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/philos/grad_classics.html


8/35

8

Track of the Joint Program must satisfy the general requirements for admission to thePhilosophy Graduate Program, in addition to the requirements of the Philosophy Track ofthe Joint Program.

The Program is overseen by an interdepartmental committee currently consisting ofProfessors Susanne Bobzien, Verity Harte, and Barbara Sattler, together with the Directorof Graduate Studies for Classics and the Director of Graduate Studies for Philosophy.

Requirements of the Classics Track of the Classics and Philosophy Program:

(1) Proficiency sight translation examinations in Greek and Latin (these are taken beforethe beginning of the first term and at the beginning of the second year in residence) aregiven to assess the student's progress in both languages.


(3) Departmental reading examinations in French (or Italian) and German. The first (ineither language) is to be passed by the end of the first year, the second by the end of the

second year in residence.

(4) A minimum of 14 term courses, of which (i) at least 4 should be in ancient philosophy,including at least two involving original language work; (ii) Of 10 remaining courses 5should be in Classics, 5 in Philosophy, including (a) Of 5 in Classics, 2 terms of historyof Greek or Latin literature, 2 courses at 700/800 level in Greek or Latin; and (b) Of 5in Philosophy, 1 in history of philosophy other than ancient philosophy, 3 in non-historical philosophy. It is recommended that students without formal training in logictake a logic course appropriate to their philosophical background.

(5) Translation examinations in Greek and Latin, based on the Classics and PhilosophyPh.D. Reading List, by the beginning of the fifth term in residence.

(6) Oral examinations in Greek and Latin literature, based on the Classics and PhilosophyPh.D. Reading List, by the end of the fifth term in residence.

(7) One of the two qualifying papers required for the Ph.D. in Philosophy submitted by theend of the sixth term in residence; this paper should be on a philosophical topic otherthan Ancient Philosophy.

(8) Oral examinations/Special Fields in two areas of concentration, one of which must bein ancient philosophy and which will in addition include a written component, while theother must cover a Classical topic other than ancient philosophy, by the end of the sixthterm in residence.

(9) A dissertation prospectus, by the end of the seventh term in residence.(10) A dissertation.


9/35

9

5. Classics and Comparative Literature(1) Proficiency sight translation examinations in Greek and Latin (these are taken before

the beginning of the first term and must have been passed at the latest by the beginningof the second term in residence).


(3) Fifteen term courses:

at least seven in Classics, including two courses in the history of Greek or Latinliterature and two seminars

at least six courses in Comparative Literature; of these at least four courses shouldbe on post-classical European literature, and at least two courses in literary theoryor methodology.

(4) Literary proficiency in German and in one other modern language to be passed by theend of the second year in residence.

(5) Translation examinations in Greek and Latin, based on the Classics Ph.D. reading list,by the beginning of the fifth term in residence.

(6) Oral examinations in Greek and Latin literature, based on the Classics Ph.D. readinglist, by the end of the fifth term in residence.

(7) An oral examination in the Comparative Literature department on six topics appropriateto both disciplines, selected in consultation with the two Directors of Graduate Studies,by the end of the sixth term. One of the topics studied will be related to the studentsdissertation topic.

(8) A dissertation prospectus by the end of the seventh term in residence.(9) A dissertation.

6. Classics and Renaissance Studies(1) Proficiency sight translation examinations in Greek and Latin (these are taken before

the beginning of the first term and must have been passed at the latest by the end of thesecond term in residence).


(3) Sixteen term courses, eight of which will be courses in Classics and will include at leastfour courses in Greek and Latin literature, a course in historical or comparativelinguistics, and at least three seminars; the eight remaining courses making up theRenaissance Studies portion of the degree will be broken down as follows:

two terms of the Renaissance Studies Core Course

six additional term courses to be taken in at least two disciplines (such asLiterature, History, History of Art, Music, Religious Studies, etc.)

one of these courses should meet the normal Classics requirements of a course inclassical art or archaeology.

(4) Literary proficiency in Italian, as examined by Renaissance Studies, and in a secondlanguage, normally German or French.


10/35

10

(5) Translation examinations in Greek and Latin, based on the Classics and RenaissanceStudies Ph.D. reading list, by the beginning of the fifth term in residence.

(6) Oral examinations in Greek and Latin literature, based on the Classics and RenaissanceStudies Ph.D. reading list, by the end of the fifth term in residence.

(7) Oral examinations on special fields appropriate to both disciplines. 75 minutes on threeor four topics in classical Greek and Latin literature and 60 minutes, 3 15-minute

questions on Renaissance topics to be divided between at least two disciplines, i.e.,literature, history, history of art, etc., selected in consultation with the Directors ofGraduate Studies in both disciplines, by the end of the sixth term in residence. One ofthe fields studied will be related to the students dissertation topic.

(8) A dissertation prospectus, by the end of the seventh term in residence.(9) A dissertation.

III. MentoringThe faculty fully endorses Yales efforts to strengthen the ties between student and facultymentors (see: http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/2-4project.html, where youmay also consult the Classics Departments plan). The entire faculty is ready to assist youat any stage of your Yale careers and beyond. The Department also offers workshops onvarious topics of professional development.

Upon entering the program you will be assigned a graduate student who, along with theDGS, will help you as you begin your coursework. At the end of your first year, you will bematched with a faculty mentor who will be the principal adviser through the exam stage ofthe program. Selection of the faculty mentor will be made in consultation with you. Youare urged to consult faculty about the comprehensive exams and expectations about them.You are also urged to stay in close touch with both the DGS and your mentor throughoutyour time with us.

IV. First & Second-Year Tests and ExaminationsNote: students enrolled in a joint degree program should consult with their DGS, facultymentor, or (in the case of Classics and Philosophy) the Program Committee, as some of theguidelines in sections IV-VII will need slight modification in their case.

Note: For the examination schedule for all exams, see Appendix 2.

1. The Language Proficiency ExaminationsThe Greek and Latin Proficiency Examinations are meant to ensure that you have sufficientreading knowledge of the languages at an early stage in the program. The exams consist of
http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/2-4project.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/2-4project.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/2-4project.html


11/35

11

four short passages to be translated at sight, that is, without the help of a dictionary,grammar, or commentary: two passages in Greek and two in Latin, one prose and onepoetry passage for each language. Each examination takes one hour.

In order to pass the proficiency exams, you have to demonstrate a command of basicvocabulary and elementary constructions.

Authors regularly drawn upon for this exam include Herodotus, Euripides, Plato, Lysias,Aeschines for Greek, and Virgil, Ovid, Cicero, Nepos, or Caesar for Latin. Samples will bemade available on the Classes V2 site:https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/site/124a1ddd-b523-4a48-893e-ed051e078638

The exams are taken before the beginning of the first term and at the beginning of thesecond year in residence. to assess the student's progress in both languages. Thetranslations are graded by two faculty members. For policies and regulations regardingwritten examinations in the Graduate Program, see V.4 below.

2. Seminars and CoursesCourse offerings are of three types: graduate school seminars (designation level 800) andcourses shared with undergraduates (designation level 700 for graduate students, 400 forundergraduates). In addition, there are the materials courses of designation level 600(papyri, coins, inscriptions, manuscripts), which count as seminars.

The program requires you to take a minimum number of graduate level courses (seeoutlines of the programs above), but it may be profitable, especially for language study, toinclude a number of 700-level courses in ones transcript. The instructor of such courses

may assign graduate students extra work (e.g., more reading, a more substantial paper,etc.).

The central course in any of the four semesters of course work should be the Greek or LatinSurvey, the year-long overview of Greek and Latin literature. The survey courses providethe best opportunities for preparing for the third-year qualifying examinations in Greek andLatin language and literature.

3. Selecting CoursesAt the beginning of each new semester students submit their course selections (typicallythree or four choices) to the DGS (as well as to the Director of Graduate Studies in theother program for students in combined programs) and discuss their plan of study for thesemester. Course selection is made online (http://www.yale.edu/sis/); help with the onlineregistration process is available at:http://www.yale.edu/sfas/registrar/YCOCS_instructions_reg_packet.pdf.
https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/site/124a1ddd-b523-4a48-893e-ed051e078638https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/site/124a1ddd-b523-4a48-893e-ed051e078638http://www.yale.edu/sis/http://www.yale.edu/sis/http://www.yale.edu/sis/http://www.yale.edu/sfas/registrar/YCOCS_instructions_reg_packet.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/sfas/registrar/YCOCS_instructions_reg_packet.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/sfas/registrar/YCOCS_instructions_reg_packet.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/sis/https://classesv2.yale.edu/portal/site/124a1ddd-b523-4a48-893e-ed051e078638


12/35

12

In choosing courses, you should seek the advice of your faculty mentor as well as the DGS.A wide range of courses is offered each year and students should carefully consider boththeir specific interests and the breadth of the offerings so that they come away with a goodgrounding preparing them for their exams and dissertation while at the same time havingcovered some of the broad range of subjects on offer in the Department and at Yale.

It is normal that you should be attracted to the offerings that are most interesting to you andthat fall within the general field in which you intend to write their dissertation, but otherfactors are important as well. The Departments programs strive for comprehensivenessand for a balanced all round training, and it is expected that you make your selection in thatsame spirit.

4. Course Work and Written AssignmentsEach instructor determines what kind of paper (or papers) is required for a given seminar,

but certain things should apply to all the papers that you write during the four seminarsemesters. Papers are double-spaced and should be accompanied by adequatebibliographical references. For seminar papers:

(1)State the issue addressed very clearly; if the paper is a reading or interpretation of apassage, make very clear what prompts the reading and in what ways existing literaturedoes not address the problem or treats it unsatisfactorily;

(2)Make pertinent use of secondary literature; citing all the available literature on a givenproblem is often less important than making good and critical use of a number ofcentral books, chapters, or papers.

5. Grading and Good StandingThe Graduate School uses a grading scale of H (Honors), HP (High Pass), P (Pass), and F(Fail). The Department of Classics adopts a policy to reserve the right to award the grade ofH for work that makes an original and well-argued contribution to scholarship and thatprovides evidence that the student is capable of independent research and criticalassessment of secondary literature and ancient sources. In courses in which both graduatesand undergraduates participate, there is no direct equivalence between graduate andundergraduate grades, i.e., H is not automatically equivalent to an undergraduate A, HP toB, etc.

The Graduate School has a policy of good standing by which you are required to achieve agrade of H in at least two courses by the end of your fourth semester. In addition to theGraduate Schools good standing, the Department of Classics requires you to have anaverage of HP in the remaining courses. So if at the beginning of the fourth semester youhave only two grades of H and also a grade of P from the previous three terms, you willneed a third H in the fourth semester to achieve good standing. (For the purposes of theaverage, an HP is defined as the mean between H and P.) Students who are not in good


13/35

13

standing at the end of the fourth term after the 14 graded term courses cannot register forthe fifth term and so cannot continue in the program.

6. Temporary IncompletesIn some cases it can be necessary to petition for an extension of the deadline for writtenwork beyond the date on which the instructor has to submit the grade for the semester. Thishas to be approved by the course instructor, who submits TI (Temporary Incomplete) asgrade. There is a form for this, which can be obtained from the Classics office, the DGS, ordownloaded at:http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/forms/Incomplete_Grade_Form.pdf. Thereare two things to be kept in mind, however, with respect to TIs: (i) only one TI persemester is allowed, so if a situation arises that you fall behind in more than one course,you should talk to the DGS; (ii) any TI, regardless of the term in which it was incurred,should be converted into a real grade by September 30 of the following year. If thisdeadline is not met, the TI turns into a permanent incomplete (I), which cannot be deleted.

In that case, in order to receive the required credit for the work due, you would need toenroll in a Directed Readings course for which the assignment is the same as for the coursein question. Students are therefore advised to petition for a TI only if circumstances preventthem from finishing the work for the course.

7. The Modern Language ExaminationsClassical scholarship is not possible without knowledge of modern foreign languages,German, French, and Italian in particular. In order to make sure at an early stage that youare comfortable with reading foreign scholarly literature, the program has a modernlanguage requirement. By the end of the first year in residence (late August/earlySeptember) you must pass a translation exam on a passage of German or French or Italianscholarly literature. (Students in the Classics and Renaissance Studies program typicallytake an exam in Italian, which is administered by Renaissance Studies.) Dictionaries maybe used. By the end of the second year (late August/early September) you should havepassed a second exam in one of the two remaining suggested languages.

You are responsible for attaining the desired level of reading competence. You may enrollin a German/French for reading course at Yale or do summer study in the language(s) inquestion. The Department can, under certain conditions, help with the cost of summerstudy (see furtherVIIIbelow). Native speakers of any of the modern languages in question

are excused from the exam for obvious reasons.

For the exam schedule, see Appendix two. You may only have two opportunities to passeach exam. If you have not demonstrated sufficient proficiency at the second attempt, youwill not be allowed to continue in the program
http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/forms/Incomplete_Grade_Form.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/forms/Incomplete_Grade_Form.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/forms/Incomplete_Grade_Form.pdf


14/35

14

V. The Third-Year Qualifying Examinations1.Planning and General Regulations

The qualifying examinations, which take up the third year of study, aim at an adequatereading knowledge of the ancient languages and a comprehensive familiarity with theliteratures and the history of the ancient world. You are encouraged to start preparing forthe written and oral examinations (based on the reading lists, see V.7 below) as early aspossible, preferably using the two yearlong survey courses as a springboard for anexploration of the reading list.

You are allowed up to two efforts for each of the written and oral examinations.

At the end of their fourth semester (late April), second-year students meet with the DGS todiscuss details of the examinations of the third year. Since advice will be given on how tostudy for the exams, the finishing first-year students are encouraged to attend the meetingas well. In the meeting, the precise dates for the events in question will be determined:

i. the written translation examinations (mid- to late September); the examinations areusually taken on two consecutive Fridays

ii. the retake of the translation examinations, if necessary (mid-December)iii. NOTE: The retake must consist of the full examiv. the oral literature examinations (mid-December)v. in the event that you fail either of these exams, the retake of the translation exam will

take place in mid-December. The retake of the oral examinations, if necessary, andthe oral examinations for those who passed the written examination in December willtake place in early February

Beginning with the group of students in the Classical Philology track entering the

program in 2011, the oral examinations, comprising Greek and Latin literature andGreek and Roman history, take place in the third week of January of the third year.

2. Written Examinations in Separate YearsQualified students can, with permission of the DGS, do the Latin or Greek writtenexaminations a year early, at the beginning of their third semester (on the same dates asthe students writing in their fifth semester). This option is reserved for students with morethan average pre-graduate preparation and demonstrably strong skills in one of the twolanguages, who had excellent results in the literature survey they took in their first year;performance in other relevant courses may be taken into consideration as well.


15/35

15

3. The Written Translation ExaminationsThe written translation examinations are based on Section A of the graduate ReadingLists for Greek and Latin literature, the part that has to be read in the original language(see V.7 below). The Survey courses in the two languages are a good way to structure thepreparation for the examinations.

The examinations take place in successive weeks in the third week of September in thestudents third year (5th semester) in the cycle and take up to three hours for eachlanguage.

4.Policies and Regulations for Written Qualifying ExaminationsThe dates and times for the written translation examinations are set out in Appendix 2.

Two faculty members set and grade the examination, selecting five passages (three poetry,two prose) from the Ph.D. reading list. To these 5 passages one sight passage will be added.

The DGS administers the exam and assigns candidates a number with which their work willbe identified, so that their writing will be anonymous to the evaluators.

You will write for three hours, without the use of a dictionary; students whose first languageis not English may use a dictionary of their language into English.

The two evaluators grade each candidates six passages, marking each single passage forpass or fail.

Criteria for failing a passage: repeated significant syntactic errors; any translation errors thatdemonstrably distort or miss the meaning of a passage; vocabulary problems when theyhave the same effect.

The evaluators will not communicate with each other about the grading, to ensure anindependent evaluation. Each of them will report the results for each candidates sixpassages to the DGS.

In case of a difference of opinion between the evaluators on any passage the DGS will ask athird evaluator to break the tie.

Candidates have a right to see the evaluation of their work; the evaluators therefore give theDGS a copy of the work with their annotations, or they provide a list of the studentstranslation errors on which their evaluation was based. Candidates can look at the evaluationin the DGS office but may not remove it from that room.


16/35

16

5. The Oral Examinations: Greek and Latin LiteratureThe oral examinations take place by mid-December(mid-January for Classical Philologystudents entering in or after 2011) and comprise both Greek and Latin literature (unlessthe student has to retake the written translation examination in either of the languages).Each language takes up an hour. The examination is conducted by two faculty members ineach literature. The four faculty members as well as the DGS are present throughout theentire examination.

The oral examinations are based on the Reading Lists A and B (see V.7). While somefamiliarity with broad trends in secondary literature is expected, students are encouraged todevelop their own opinions on the basis of the texts themselves.

The purpose of the comprehensive oral exams in Greek and Latin literature is to teststudents general knowledge of the contents, development and overall history of (includingmajor trends within) the literary productions of Greece and Rome. Specific attention willbe focused on examining students knowledge of, and facility in understanding, using and

explaining the texts included on the PhD Reading Lists in Greek and Latin.

Each exam is one hour long, split (in a roughly even balance) between topics of prose andpoetry. In the course of the exam students will be expected to: 1) answer questions specificto authors and texts that are included on the PhD Reading Lists in Greek and Latin,demonstrating a solid grasp of the contents of those works (i.e. their subject matter), theirprogrammatic statements, their argumentation, overall plan, and so on; 2) provide basichistorical and literary contextualization for these authors and texts -- that is, by supplyingthe basic information that can be derived from the standard handbooks of Greek and Latinliterature; 3) demonstrate an understanding of the overall trends of theme, cultural focus,technique, terminology, and so on, that mark various periods of ancient literature; 4) be

able to substantiate claims made in the course of the exam by providing specific examplesand illustrations from the texts that they have mastered and that best illustrate the point inquestion; 5) demonstrate a grasp of the basic scholarly issues that the literature in questionhas raised.

Rather than a battery of questions and short (informational) answers, the ideal exam willhave the form of an ongoing conversation, with ideas flowing from one to the next by beingpicked up on and expanded in new directions, largely (though not exclusively) at thestudents own initiative. Typically you will be given some opportunity to lead theconversation, and to show not only that they can provide the basic informationalrequirements of a question, but that you have ideas about where you think such a question

naturally leads, and thus where the conversation should go next.

To prepare for the exams you should: 1) study the texts in the Greek and Latin ReadingLists not just by reading the works in question, but by reading them with an up-to-date andinformed commentary (such as the Green and Yellows), along with the introduction tothat commentary; 2) read the standard handbooks in Greek and Latin literature, as well asthe standard histories of Greece and Rome, taking notes on names, periods, technical terms,dates, and so on; 3) sketch out the basic generic histories of, and develop a standard set of


17/35

17

questions asked about, the various works of literature on the reading list; and 4) attenddepartmental lectures and take an active part in the question-and-answer sessions thatfollow. This will help you hone your skills of informed, critical conversation.

6. The Oral Examinations: Greek and Roman HistoryStarting with the class entering in 2011 students in the Classical Philology program pass anoral examination in Greek and Roman history. The history exam is added to the Greek andRoman literature examinations and lasts up to an hour, so that the entire examination laststhree hours. The exam will be conducted by two faculty members in Ancient History andthe DGS.

The new oral comprehensive examinations (Greek and Latin literature, Greek and RomanHistory) take place in mid-January.

You should prepare for the history section of the examination by taking a seminar in a topicin ancient history (or a materials course); by auditing, if desired, the Survey courses inancient history CLSS 445b, CLCV 204b, CLCV 205a, CLCV 206a, CLCV 207b, CLCV405a, CLCV 407); and by consulting with the ancient historians on the faculty for adviceon additional reading. The exams are meant to test your general knowledge of events andof the basic problems and methodologies encountered in the study of ancient history.Sample exams and syllabi with recommended current reading lists are posted on theClasses V2 server.

7. The Reading ListsGREEK LITERATURE (PHILOLOGY)

Section A: To be read in Greek

Homer:Iliad1, 3, 6, 9, 11, 16, 18, 22-24Homer: Odyssey 1 -12, 21-23Homeric Hymns: Demeter, ApolloHesiod: TheogonyParmenides: B1-8 fragmentsHeraclitus: B fragments

Pindar: Olympian 1, 7; Pythian 1, 2, 4;Nemean 7;Isthmian 2Lyric poetry: All texts in D. Campbell, (Greek Lyric Poetry, 2nd ed.)Aeschylus: Septem, OresteiaSophocles:Ajax, Oedipus Tyrannus, Antigone, Oedipus at ColonusEuripides:Medea, Hippolytus, Helen,BacchaeAristophanes:Acharnians, Clouds, FrogsHerodotus: Books 1 and 7Thucydides: Book 1.1-23; 2.1-65; 5.25-26, 84-116; 6.1-41; 7.57-87


18/35

18

Plato:Apology,Republic 6, 7, 10; Symposium, PhaedrusAristotle: Poetics, Nicomachean Ethics 1Gorgias:HelenAntiphon: TetralogiesLysias: On the Murder of Eratosthenes (1),Against Eratosthenes (12)Demosthenes: Philippics 1-3

Menander: SamiaIsocrates:Against the SophistsApollonius:Argonautica 3Callimachus:Hymn 10 (Apollo) and all selections in N. Hopkinson,A HellenisticAnthology

Theocritus: 1-7, 11, 15, 22Dionysius of Halicarnassus: On the Ancient OratorsLucian: True Stories + selections in N. Hopkinson,LucianDio Chrysostomus: Seventh Oration (Euboicus)Longus:Daphnis and ChloeEpigrams all in N. Hopkinson, Greek Poetry of the Imperial Period

Section B: May be read in translation

Homer allAeschylus allSophocles allHerodotus allEuripidesAlcestis, Ion, Iphigeneia in Aulis, CyclopsThucydides allAristophanes Knights, Wasps, Lysistrata, Wealth, ThesmophoriazousaiXenophon Oeconomicus

Plato Phaedo, Gorgias, RepublicAristotle PoliticsTheophrastus CharactersPlutarch Parallel Lives of Alcibiades and Coriolanus (with Synthesis),How to Read thePoets (Moralia)Chariton Chaereas and CallirhoeAchilles TatiusLeucippe and Clitophon

LATIN LITERATURE (PHILOLOGY)

Section A: to be read in Latin

EnniusAnnales lines 3450, 7291, 175179, 183190,268286, 391398 (Skutsch),Medea frr. 103116 (Jocelyn)Plautus Pseudolus, MenaechmiTerenceAdelphoeCatullus allLucretiusDe Rerum Natura 1CaesarCivil War1, Gallic War5


19/35

19

CiceroIn Catilinam 1, Pro Caelio, Phillipic 2; Shackleton Bailey, ed., SelectLetters; fragments fromDe Re Publica as in ZetzelSallustBellum CatilinaeHorace Sermones 1.1, 46, 810; 2.1, 6, 8;Epodes 1 & 6; Odes 13;Epistulae1.1, 19, 20; 2.1VergilEclogues, Georgics ,Aeneid

Tibullus Book 1Sulpicia allPropertius Book 1 (all); 3.15; 4.1, 2, 7, 8, 11Livy Books 1 & 21AugustusRes Gestae Diui Augusti (Brunt and Moore)OvidAmores 1, Fasti 4,Metamorphoses 1,Ars Amatoria 1Seneca ThyestesLucanBellum Civile 1.197; Books 2 & 7Persius Satire 1SenecaApocolocyntosis;Epistulae Morales, as in Seneca: 17 Letters (ed. Costa)Petronius Cena Trimalchionis

MartialEpigrams Book 1Statius Silvae 1.1; 2.2; 4.13; 5.1, 5.4Pliny Fifty Letters (ed. SherwinWhite)TacitusAgricola,Annales 14,Historiae 2Suetonius Claudius

Juvenal Book 1 (= Satires 1-5)ApuleiusMetamophoses Preface to Book 1; Cupid & Psyche (ed. Kenney)Ammianus 18.419.8 (Seyfarth et al.)Augustine Confessions 1.6 (8)20 & 8.6 (14)12 (30) (Skutella)ClaudianIn Eutropium 1Boethius Consolatio Philosophiae (Moreschini)

Section B: may be read in translation

PlautusAmphitryoLucretius allSallust War with JugurthaCiceroBrutusHorace allOvidHeroides 7,MetamorphosesLivy Book 22Seneca MaiorSuasoriae 6, 7

Seneca Phaedra,Medea, and [Seneca] OctaviaLucanBellum CivilePetronius SatyricaStatius ThebaidQuintilianInstitutio Oratoria 10.1TacitusDialogus,Annals (all),Histories 1Juvenal Satires 6, 8, 10Suetonius Divus Augustus, DivusTiberius


20/35

20

ApuleiusMetamorphoses

PHILOSOPHY & CLASSICS JOINT PROGRAM PH.D. READING LIST

(CLASSICS TRACK):

GREEK


Homer:Iliad1, 6, 9, 16, 18, 22, 24Homer: Odyssey 1, 5-12Homeric Hymns: ApolloHesiod: Theogony 1-239Parmenides: B fragmentsHeraclitus: B fragments

Empedocles B fragments & new fragment (Martin & Primavesi)Atomists: Leucippus B fragments. Democritus B fragments except 19-20, 29-29a,120-123,128-141, 150-151, 162, 163, 209, 271, 298. Testimonia: DK 67A 6,7,9,28 & DK 68 A 37, 38, 43, 48, 49, 58Pindar: Olympian 1, 7; Pythian 1, 2Lyric poetry: Most texts in D. Campbell, (Greek Lyric Poetry (2nd ed.)(skip Callinus, Phocylides, Demodocus, Pratinas, Timocreon, Praxilla,Carmina Popularia, Scolia)Aeschylus: OresteiaSophocles:Ajax, Oedipus Tyrannus, AntigoneEuripides:Medea, Hippolytus, Bacchae

Aristophanes: Clouds, FrogsHerodotus: Books 1-131 and 7Thucydides: Book 1.1-23; 2.1-65; 5.25-26, 84-116; 6.1-41; 7.57-87Plato:Apology, Phaedo, Symposium, Phaedrus Republic I, II, IV, V 471c-480a, VI-VII, X,Laws XAristotle: Categories 1-5,De Interpretatione, Physics I.5-8, II,De Anima I.1, II.1-5, 12,III.1-5,Nicomachean Ethics I, II-III.5, X.6-8,Metaphysics I.1-2, 12.1, 6-7, 9-10, PoeticsGorgias:HelenAntiphon: Tetralogy 2Lysias: On the Murder of Eratosthenes (I),Against Eratosthenes (12)Demosthenes: Philippics 1

Menander: SamiaIsocrates:Against the SophistsApollonius:Argonautica 3Callimachus:Hymn 10, Apollo and all selections in N. Hopkinson,A HellenisticAnthology

Theocritus: 1-7, 11Lucian: True Stories + selections in N. HopkinsonLucianLongus:Daphnis and Chloe 1&2


21/35

21

Epigrams all in N. Hopkinson, Greek Poetry of the Imperial PeriodDiogenes Laertius VII.43-82


Homer all

Presocratics material in Barnes,Early Greek Philosophy not on A listAeschylus allSophocles allHerodotus allEuripidesAlcestis, Iphigenia in Aulis, CyclopsThucydides allAristophanes Knights, Wasps, LysistrataXenophon OeconomicusPlato Protagoras, Phaedo, Gorgias, Republic, TimaeusAristotle Politics, RhetoricTheophrastus Characters

Epicurus The three lettersPlutarch Parallel Lives of Alcibiades and Coriolanus (with Synthesis)Chariton Chaereas and CallirhoeLongusDaphnis and Chloe, 3 & 4

LATIN

Section A: to be read in Latin

EnniusAnnales lines 34-50, 72-91, 175-79, 183-90, 268-86, 391-98(Skutsch)TerenceAdelphoe

Catullus 1-51, 64, 76, 101LucretiusDe Rerum Naturabooks 1-3CaesarBellum Civilebook 1SallustBellum CatilinaeCiceroIn Catilinam 1, Pro Caelio, Philippic 2, Select Letters (ed.Shackleton Bailey), Somnium Scipionis,De Finibus I, III, V;De FatoHorace Sermones Book 1.1, 4-6, 8-10, Odes Books 1 & 3,Epistulae 2.1(Epistle to Augustus)VirgilAeneidTibullusElegiesbook 1PropertiusElegiesbook 4.1, 2, 7, 8, 11

OvidFastibook 4,Metamorphosesbook 1Livy Book 1AugustusRes Gestae Diui AugustiSeneca Thyestes, Epistulae Morales as in 17 Letters (ed. Costa),De Ira

LucanBellum Civile 1.197; book 2Petronius Cena TrimalchionisStatius Siluaebook 1.1, book 2.2, book 4.1-3, book 5.1, 4


22/35

22

MartialEpigramsbook 1Pliny Fifty Letters (ed. Sherwin-White)TacitusAgricola, Annalesbooks 1-4Juvenal Book 1 (= Satires 1-5)SuetoniusLife of ClaudiusApuleiusMetamorphoses: pref. to Book 1 andCupid and Psyche (ed.

Kenney)Ammianus 18.419.8 (Seyfarth et al.)Augustine Confessions 1.6 (8)20 & 8.6 (14)12 (30) (Skutella)Boethius Consolatio Philosophiae 1

Section B: may be read in translation

PlautusAmphitryoLucretius allCicero, Tusculan Disputations 1 & 4HoraceArs Poetica

VergilEcloguesLivy Book 21Seneca MajorSuasoriae 6, 7SenecaDe Tranquillitate AnimiLucan Civil WarallQuintilianInstitutio Oratoria 10.1TacitusAnnals (all),Histories 1Juvenal Satires 1 and 10ApuleiusMetamorphoses (all)

ANCIENT HISTORY

GREEK


Homer lIiad1 6, 9, 16, 18, 22, 24HomerOdyssey 1, 5-12Homeric HymnsApolloHesiodWorks and DaysPindarOlympian 1, 7; Pythian 1, 2Lyric poetry: Most texts in D. Campbell, (Greek Lyric Poetry (2nd ed.)

(skip Callinus, Phocylides, Demodocus, Pratinas, Timocreon,Praxilla, Carmina Popularia, Scolia)Aeschylus PersaeSophocles Oedipus Tyrannus, AntigoneEuripidesMedea,BacchaeAristophanesAcharnians, LysistrataMenanderSamiaHerodotus Books 1.1-131 and 7


23/35

23

Thucydides Book 1.1-23; 2.1-65; 5.25-26, 84-116; 6.1-41; 7.57-87PlatoApology, Republic 6.504e4-7.521b11, 10, SymposiumAristotleNicomachean EthicsAntiphon Tetralogy 2Lysias On the Murder of Eratosthenes (1),Against Eratosthenes (12)XenophonHellenica 1, 2

Demosthenes Philippics 1IsocratesAgainst the SophistsOld Oligarch allAnon.Athenaion PoliteiaCallimachusHymn 10 (Apollo) and all selections in N. Hopkinson,

A Hellenistic Anthology

TheocritusIdylls 1-7, 11Polybius Books 3, 6Diodorus Book17HippocratesAirs, Waters, PlacesLucianDe Historia Conscribenda

Plutarch Pericles, Alexander, de Herodoti MalignitateCassius DioRoman History 73.15-24; 77.2-9

Supplementum Epigraphicum Graecum (SEG) IX.1Edgar & Hunt Select Papyri 1&2, [Loeb, various texts in a papyrological edition]


Homer allAeschylus allSophocles allHerodotus all

EuripidesAlcestis, Iphigenia in Aulis, Cyclops, IonThucydides allAristophanes Knights, WaspsXenophon OeconomicusPlato Phaedo, Gorgias, Republic, SymposiumAristotle PoliticsTheophrastus CharactersPlutarch Parallel Lives of Alcibiades and Coriolanus (with Synthesis)Cassius Dio Books 42-58Herodian allJulian Caesars

LATIN

Section A: To be read in Latin

XII Tables (Loeb, ed. Warmington)EnniusAnnales lines 34-50, 72-91, 175-79, 183-90, 268-86, 391-98 (Skutsch)TerenceAdelphoe


24/35

24

LucretiusDe Rerum Naturabook 1CaesarBellum Civile 1Catullus 1-51, 76, 101Cicero in Catilinam 1, Pro Caelio, Philippics 2, Select Letters (ed.Shackleton Bailey), Somnium ScipionisSallust de Coniuratione Catilinae

Nepos Vita AtticiHorace Sermonesbook 1.1, 4-6, 8-10, Carminabooks 1 and 3.30,Epistulaebook 2.1 (Epistle to Augustus)VirgilAeneid1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12TibullusElegiesbook 1PropertiusElegiesbook 4.1, 2, 7, 8, 11OvidFastibook 4Livy Book 1AugustusRes GestaeSenecaApocolocyntosis, Epistulae Morales 17 Letters (ed. Costa)LucanBellum civile 1.197, book 2

Petronius Cena TrimalchionisStatius Silvaebook 1.1, book 2.2, book 4.1-3, book 5.1, 4MartialLiber de SpectaculisPliny Fifty Letters (ed. Sherwin-White)Juvenal Book 1 (= Satires 1-5)ApuleiusApologia, Metamorphoses: pref. to Book 1, Bk. 10.23-35 and Bk. 11Tacitus Agricola,Annales 1,Historiae 1, 5SuetoniusDivus Iulius, Divus AugustusPanegyrici Latini V (VIII)Ammianus 14.6, 18.419.8, 28.4Augustine Confessions 1.6 (8)20 & 8.6 (14)12 (30) (Skutella)

Historia Augusta Vita Septimii SeveriGaiusInstitutiones Bk. 1. on PersonsDigest 1.16De Officio Proconsulis; 48.19De PoenisS.C. de Bacchanalibus

S.C. de Cn. Pisone Patre (ed. Ecket al.)The Passion of Perpetua and Felicitas


CaesarGallic WarLivy all

Virgil allTacitus all

NB. Reading list for Classics and Renaissance Studies is being rewritten at the time ofpublishing.


25/35

25

8. The Special Field ExaminationsThe examination stage in the program ends with the Special Field examinations. Inconsultation with the DGS you choose four topics for independent research, two in Greek(literature, history, or philosophy, depending on ones program of study) and two inLatin/Roman literature, philosophy or history. One of these four topics is typically (thoughnot necessarily) your projected dissertation topic.

Starting with the students in the Classical Philology track entering in 2008, students

choosethree topics, two in their principal language/culture and one in the other; one

of these three topics is typically, though not necessarily, the students projected

dissertation topic. Students in other tracks should consult the details of their

programs.


Special fields oral examinations will occur at the end of the sixth term, and consist of

three areas of special concentration selected by the candidate in consultation with the

DGS. One of the special fields should be related to the students chosen dissertation

topic; the two other fields are in each of the two ancient languages/cultures. In

addition to the oral exam, the student will be asked to write a short summary of the

dissertation topic and submit this summary and a working dissertation title to the

special fields examiners and to the dissertation adviser (who may or may not have

worked on the project as a special topic with the student). The summary should

discuss where the students work stands at the end of the term and how the student

expects research will progress over the course of the summer as he or she writes the

formal dissertation prospectus. A prospectus defense will take place in September of

the seventh term.

A special field project consists of the compilation and critical assessment of a bibliographyof the field in question, more thorough and extensive reading than was possible or requiredfor the qualifying examinations, and the in-depth study of one or more questions orproblems. The level of preparation reached is not too different from the critical knowledgerequired to teach an advanced undergraduate course in the subject. Students work with afaculty member for each of their special fields and meet with her/him on a regular basis.

You must pass an oral examination in the chosen special fields toward the end of the sixthsemester of study. Typically the faculty with whom you have worked will be the

examiners. The DGS may or may not also be present.


26/35

26

VI. The Dissertation1. The Dissertation Prospectus

Based on work done for the Special Fields exams, your most important task for the summerand beginning of your seventh semester is the preparation of the Prospectus, a documentbased on preliminary research toward the dissertation. The Prospectus should be preparedin conjunction with your faculty advisor and presented at the Prospectus Colloquium. Thedissertation prospectus is meant to give the faculty a realistic idea of the (kind of) researchyou wish to undertake for the dissertation. A good prospectus is expected to provide:

(1) a motivation for the research proposed, e.g., a lacuna in the scholarship, a correctionof earlier and outdated ideas, etc.

(2) an outline of the research proposed: an argument or exploration of a given field ofstudy; the kind of data to be used, etc.

(3) a breakdown in chapters proposed and in general an idea of the form the dissertationis expected to take;(4) an up to date bibliography of the subject.(5) Guidelines for writing a prospectus are posted on the Classes V2 server.

2.Advancement to CandidacyWhen a prospectus has been approved and when the DGS has verified that all the otherdegree requirements have been fulfilled, the Department will indicate to the GraduateSchool that you can be advanced to candidacy. This is an important step, since the

candidacy status qualifies you for certain types of funding (including the UniversityDissertation Fellowship) and in certain cases for the teaching of more advanced courses.

3. The Dissertation Progress ReportDuring the preparation of the dissertation you are required to report to the Graduate

School on the progress of your dissertation annually, with May 1 as the deadline. The

process is now entirely online and can be initiated at:http://www.yale.edu/sis/dpr/.

You should report on any progress made during the year and can upload finished

chapters and other materials. The form will be automatically sent to the dissertation

supervisor and the DGS, who can each make recommendations or suggest changes, if

necessary.
http://www.yale.edu/sis/dpr/http://www.yale.edu/sis/dpr/http://www.yale.edu/sis/dpr/http://www.yale.edu/sis/dpr/


27/35

27

4.Dissertation SubmissionThe University awards academic degrees twice a year: December and May. Petition for thePh.D. degree involves the submission of the finished dissertation, for which the deadlinesare October 1 (for degree awarding in December) and March 15 (for a May degree).

The dissertation will be evaluated by at least three qualified readers, at least two of whomare ladder faculty at Yale. One reader will normally be from outside the University.Normally the student or the dissertation supervisor first establishes informal contact with afaculty member of another institution whom he or she would like to be the outside reader.The DGS will then invite that person more formally to be an outside reader.

All the dissertation readers are listed on the Notification of Readers Form, which isavailable from the Departmental Registrar. The form contains all necessary information onthe readers (academic rank, department, institution, contact information) and has to beincluded in the submission of the dissertation along with the dissertation submission packetthat is available from the Graduate School Information Office (Room 140, HGS). For more

information on the dissertation, including guidelines for formatting, downloadhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/forms/dissbook.pdf

VII. TeachingIn keeping with Yale Universitys emphasis on excellence in undergraduate teaching, theDepartment of Classics is committed to ensuring that all the teaching that it delivers meetsa very high standard. You will be offered guidance and support to help you prepare for anyundergraduate teaching that you do, as well as both verbal and written feedback on your

teaching to enable you to develop as an instructor.

1. Timing and types of teachingIn line with general practice in the Graduate School, you are expected to teach in your thirdand fourth years of study (see also section VII below). The Teaching Fellow office in theGraduate School distinguishes a number of ranks (depending on workload), of which thefollowing are relevant for teaching in the Classics Department:

Teaching Fellow (TF) 2: leading and grading one discussion section. In Classics this rank

is used for the lab accompanying Beginning Greek (GREK 110a and 120b, see below)

TF 3.5: leading and grading one discussion section in language and literature courses. InClassics this appointment is used for discussion sections for courses that satisfy YaleColleges writing (WR) distributional requirement. Most courses in Greek and RomanHistory and the two Introductions to Greek and Latin Literature are offered with the WRoption.
http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/forms/dissbook.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/forms/dissbook.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/forms/dissbook.pdf


28/35

28

TF 4: leading and grading two discussion sections for students not taking the course for theWR-credit; in Classics this appointment level is also used for the three lab sectionsaccompanying Beginning Latin (LATN 110a and 120b).

Part-Time Acting Instructor (PTAI): PTAIs are responsible for an entire introductorycourse. In Classics the PTAI appointment is used for Beginning (1st-year) and Intermediate

(2nd

year) Greek and Latin (GREK 110a/120b and 131a/141b; LATN 110a/120b and131a/141b. Guidelines of departmental expectations for beginning and intermediatelanguage courses are available from the Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) anddistributed to new teachers of these courses.

Classical Civilization (CLCV) courses that require TF support (TF 3.5 and 4, numbersdepending on enrolment) include:

CLCV 115 Introduction to Greek MythCLCV 205 Introduction to Greek HistoryCLCV 204 Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic World

CLCV 206 Roman RepublicCLCV 207 Roman EmpireCLCV 254 Introduction to Greek LiteratureCLCV 255 Introduction to Latin Literature

Other CLCV courses may also require TF support, depending on enrollment.

2. Training and support for TeachersThe Graduate Teaching Center at Yale

http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/teaching/index.htmloffers a variety of services for new and experienced teachers, including in-classobservation, individual consultation, review of teaching statements, and workshops run bygraduate and professional instructors. Help with writing and training on teaching studentsin writing sections, but also including dissertation-writing advice and guidance for studentswhose native language is not English, is available. You are encouraged to make great useof the Center as a means of developing your teaching skills and enhancing yourprofessional development. Each Fall semester, for example, the Center collaborates withGraduate Career Services to help graduate students prepare for the academic job marketwith the Academic Job Search Series. Sessions are free and do not require advanceregistration. The Department of Classics offers a teaching seminar in the Spring to help

prepare those who will begin their teaching careers in the Fall.

VIII. Funding and SupportYou are guaranteed five years of support from the Graduate School, which in the 2010-2011 academic year is $26,000 for a twelve-month period. In the teaching years (3rd-4th
http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/teaching/index.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/teaching/index.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/teaching/index.html


29/35

29

year) the salary corresponding with your specific TFA assignment will be topped up tothe amount of the 12-month stipend. Eligible students receive the University DissertationFellowship (UDF) in their fifth or sixth year, which allows them to work full-time on theirdissertation. In order to qualify for the UDF, you should have advanced to candidacy. Theapplication form for the UDF can be downloaded athttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial/forms/UDF_Form.pdf. Please note that it is

necessary to apply for the UDF by the end of the semester after which you want it to start.The deadline for applications is May 1 for the following Fall term, December 1 for thefollowing Spring term. For payment and check details, seehttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial/stipend.html.

You are encouraged to apply for internal and external dissertation fellowships. The mostprestigious source of internal funding is the Yale University Whiting Fellowship. Note,however, that it is not possible to apply for the Whiting Fellowship if you currently hold, orhave already held the UDF. All graduate students may apply for the Mellon Foundation/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellowship and the Harvard Society of Fellows JuniorFellowship. Other external fellowships carry restrictions according to citizenship, the focus

of the dissertation, etc. You should check the Yale GSAS fellowship database athttp://bin.yale.edu/~etb6/fdb-index.html.

In addition to funding supplied by the University and the Graduate School, the Departmentis in a position to provide some conference and research travel funding for its graduatestudents. The following guidelines are intended to apply to requests made for money overand above any agreements already in force to provide money for specific projects. Theseguidelines apply only as long as the department income from endowment continues to behealthy; no funding should be considered guaranteed. Before committing to a venture, youshould consult with the DGS about the appropriateness of the activity and the Chair aboutthe availability of funding.

Conferences, travel, and other funding

The following revised guidelines, which were approved by the faculty of the Departmenton 5/18/11, are intended to apply to requests made for money over and above anyagreements already in force to provide money for specific projects. No funding should beconsidered guaranteed, and none will be granted if the student has not consulted with theDGS about the appropriateness of the activity and the Chair about the availability offunding before committing to a venture.

Graduate students in their pre-exam years are not encouraged to submit abstracts forconferences. Course work and the reading lists should come first.

1. Conference and other travel.

Graduate students may request money to attend conferences (up to a reasonable limit peryear) if they are participating in some way (i.e. giving a paper, chairing a session, orserving on a committee meeting at the conference), or if attendance at the conference
http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial/forms/UDF_Form.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial/forms/UDF_Form.pdfhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial/stipend.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial/stipend.htmlhttp://bin.yale.edu/~etb6/fdb-index.htmlhttp://bin.yale.edu/~etb6/fdb-index.htmlhttp://bin.yale.edu/~etb6/fdb-index.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial/stipend.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial/forms/UDF_Form.pdf


30/35

30

would materially benefit their dissertation research. The APA is included in suchconferences. Aside from these trips, the Department will automatically cover APAexpenses in the year a graduate student makes their major job search.

In order to familiarize students with the APA, the Department will cover expenses for asingle trip to the annual meeting before the job market year, whether or not the student is

participating in the conference, up to $500.00.

Matriculating graduate students may apply for money to fund modern language studyduring the summer before they arrive at Yale, in a program approved by the DGS.

In the current economic climate, the Department will fund summer travel only when thereis a pressing reason for a student to do dissertation research in collections (etc.) abroad.Anyone whose dissertation work is archaeologically related is urged to apply for theRostovtzeff Fellowship (deadline mid-May for the following year; could potentially beused in the summer).

In order for an application to be considered, the student must consult with the DGSand the Chair. Proposals for conference attendance will be funded only for travel

that is relevant to the student's research interests and career goals and only if the

student can demonstrably afford to spend the time needed for the preparation of a

conference paper. That is, there cannot be interference with the fulfillment of

program requirements. Proposals for more extended summer travel will be

considered in light of the above considerations.

2. Hosting conferences, lectures, etc.The Department has funds that may be tapped to host special events, particularly

conferences, but also including visits by scholars outside the normal lecture schedule, theClassics and Theory graduate reading group, etc. Graduate students requesting such fundsshould clear their projects with the DGS, and then should discuss their requests with theChair, who can give advice on additional possible sources of money. Each year thegraduate students chose and host an outside lecturer whom they are responsible forchoosing and hosting as part of the normal departmental lecture schedule.

IX. Graduate School Polices and RegulationsFor various polices and forms, please consult the Graduate School website:

http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/home/forms.html
http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/home/forms.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/home/forms.htmlhttp://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/home/forms.html


31/35

31

X. The Job SearchAs you begin your dissertation you should also begin to think about getting a job. There aremany things to consider here, and once again you are encouraged to talk to faculty andalumni about your academic profile, the job market and the search. Remember that the

Yale Classics Faculty affords you a ready-made network of contacts both in the US and inother countries. Among other things, you should consider the kind of university or collegethat suits you best. As time and circumstances allow in your Yale career, you areencouraged to present papers at conferences and meetings.

As you prepare for the job market, you should do the following:

1. Make sure that your teaching dossier, including evaluations, and letters ofrecommendation are in good order. Check that all faculty for whom you taught havesubmitted written feedback on your performance for your file. At the very least, thisfeedback should include brief write-ups of your teaching, based on observation by therelevant faculty.

2. Take a student membership in the APA (the American Philological Association).http://www.apaclassics.org/APAMENU.html.

3. Sign up for the placement service in the fall of your fifth year.

4. Plan on attending the APA meeting in January of your fifth year. Consult Section VII onfunding.

5. It is highly advisable that you consider reading a paper at the APA meeting the year youbegin your job search. Abstracts for the APA are normally due in the May of the previousyear. The rules for the submission of abstracts are to be found at the APA website. Createa buzz!

6. Positions are posted on the 15th of the month during the Fall on the APA website. In theSpring, one-year and/or two-year teaching appointments are usually advertised.

7. The Chair of the Department and the DGS will forward announcements of otherpositions, including jobs abroad, when they become known. You should also befollowing job announcements in other publications such as the Chronicle of HigherEducation where jobs in the Humanities, including Classics, Ancient History and generalpositions, are posted(http://www.chronicle.com). For jobs in the UK, consulthttp://www.jobs.ac.uk(for Classics and Ancient History jobs, search under Languagesand Humanities).

8. If you receive an interview, which would normally come in December, you shouldcertainly do some mock interviews in the department to get ready for the actualinterview.

9. At the interview, dress professionally, bring a dossier with sample syllabi just in case you
http://www.apaclassics.org/APAMENU.htmlhttp://www.chronicle.com/http://www.chronicle.com/http://www.chronicle.com/http://www.jobs.ac.uk/http://www.jobs.ac.uk/http://www.jobs.ac.uk/http://www.chronicle.com/http://www.apaclassics.org/APAMENU.html


32/35

32

are asked for this, and be prepared to discuss your work and ideas with people who arenot experts in your particular field. Know the university or college who is interviewingyou.

8. Your cover letter is a very important part of your dossier: think carefully about how youpresent yourself and consult with the DGS and/or your advisor before sending on how to

make your letter create the most positive (and true) impression of who you are.

For a more robust guide to the job hunt, see Joy Connollys excellent Going on the Market.An Affable Guide :http://www.wccaucus.org/connolly_jobmarket.pdf
http://www.wccaucus.org/connolly_jobmarket.pdfhttp://www.wccaucus.org/connolly_jobmarket.pdfhttp://www.wccaucus.org/connolly_jobmarket.pdfhttp://www.wccaucus.org/connolly_jobmarket.pdf


33/35

33

Appendix 1a: A typical five-year plan (Class of 2008-2009)

Year One

Fall Spring

Exams Sept: Greek/Latinproficiency Exams Jan: Greek/LatinproficiencyApr: Greek/Latinproficiency

Courses Survey Greek/Latin IComp. Grammar G/LGreek StylisticsSeminar (chose 1)Proseminar

Courses Survey Greek/Latin IILatin CompositionSeminar (chose 2)

Year Two

Fall Spring

Exams Sept: French/German Exams Jan: French/GermanCourses Survey Latin/Greek I[Comp Grammar L/G][Greek Stylistics]

Courses Survey Latin/Greek II[Latin Composition]

Year Three

Fall Spring

Exams Sept: Translation GreekSept: Translation LatinDec: Oral comprehensives[Greek/Latin lit.]

Exams Jan: Oral Comprehensive[Greek/Latin Lit; Gr/Lat.History]March: Oral Comprehensive[Greek/Latin Lit; Gr/Lat.

History]May: Four Special Fields

Teaching Course 1 Teaching Course 2

Year Four

Fall Spring

Exams Sept: [Special Fields]Dec. DissertationProspectus

Dissertation


Year Five

Fall Spring

Dissertation Dissertation


34/35

34

Appendix 1b: A typical five-year plan (class of 2010 and onwards)

Year One

Fall Spring

Exams Sept: Greek/Latin

proficiency

Exams Jan: Greek/Latin

proficiencyApr: Greek/Latinproficiency

Courses Survey Greek/Latin IComp. Grammar G/LGreek StylisticsSeminar (chose 1)Proseminar

Courses Survey Greek/Latin IILatin CompositionSeminar (chose 2)

Year Two

Fall Spring

Exams Sept: French/German Exams Jan: French/German

Courses Survey Latin/Greek I[Comp Grammar L/G][Greek Stylistics]

Courses Survey Latin/Greek II[Latin Composition]

Year Three

Fall Spring

Exams Sept: Translation GreekSept: Translation Latin[Dec: Translation Greek][Dec: Translation Latin]

Exams Jan: Oral Comprehensive[Greek/Latin Lit; Gr/Lat.History]March: Oral Comprehensive[Greek/Latin Lit; Gr/Lat.History]

May: Three Special FieldsTeaching Course 1 Teaching Course 2

Year Four

Fall Spring

Exams Sept: [Special Fields]Sept. DissertationProspectus

Dissertation


Year Five

Fall Spring

Dissertation Dissertation


35/35

Appendix 2a. Schedule of Examinations (Class of 2011- )This schedule assumes a regular progression (i.e. without a leave of absence) through to thedegree.

Year 1-2GREEK/LATIN PROFICIENCY EXAMS: early September

MODERN LANGUAGE EXAMS: Third Week in September, Third week in January

Year 3WRITTEN TRANSLATION EXAMS: Greek/Latin: Third and Fourth week in September

ORAL EXAMS, Greek/Latin Literature, Greek and Roman History Third Week in January

RE-TAKE OF ORAL EXAMS: second week in February

SPECIAL FIELD ORAL EXAMS: Second week of May

Year 4DISSERTATION PROSPECTUS: By the end of the seventh term of residence.

Appendix 2b. Schedule of Examinations (Class of 2008-2009)This schedule assumes a regular progression (i.e. without a leave of absence) through to thedegree.

Year 1

GREEK/LATIN PROFICIENCY EXAMS: early September, early January, late April

Years 1-2MODERN LANGUAGE EXAMS: Third Week in September, Third week in January

Year 3WRITTEN TRANSLATION EXAMS: Greek/Latin: Third and Fourth week in September

ORAL EXAMS, Greek/Latin Literature, Greek and Roman history Mid-December

RE-TAKE OF ORAL EXAMS: second week in February

SPECIAL FIELD ORAL EXAMS: Second week of May

Year 4DISSERTATION PROSPECTUS: By the end of September of the seventh term of residence.

Documents

Yale Handbook