Loyola University Chicago

Department of Classical Studies

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Yes, you CAN take Latin for your language requirement!!

Yes, you CAN take Latin for your language requirement!!

mosaic, Madonna della Strada chapel

Would you like to take Latin or ancient Greek? Maybe you already have some experience with one of those languages and would like to continue that experience?


The College of Arts & Sciences requires competency in a language other than English to earn your degree. Here are some ways you can achieve that competency using Latin or ancient Greek:

  • earn at least a C- in Latin 101 and 102 *OR* Greek 101 and 102
  • take a competency exam in Latin or ancient Greek through the CAS Dean's office: email CASLanguageTesting@luc.edu from your Loyola email to make an appointment
  • earn a 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam (this earns you 3 credit hours of Latin too!)
  • take Latin or ancient Greek at a higher level: if you've already taken some language and don't know what level is right for you, contact Dr. Jonathan Mannering, Undergraduate Programs Director, who will work with you to find the best Latin or ancient Greek class for you. You don't even have to take an exam!

Want to do more than just achieve competency? Here are some more opportunities for ancient language experiences at Loyola:

  • major or minor in Latin or ancient Greek
  • use Latin or ancient Greek courses towards a major or minor in Classical Civilization
  • use Latin or ancient Greek courses towards interdisciplinary minors including Medieval Studies, Rome Studies, or Shakespeare Studies
  • students who achieve at least a B at the intermediate language level (or higher) at Loyola are eligible for induction into Eta Sigma Phi, the classical language honor society
  • students who take at least four ancient language courses above the beginning level and achieve competency in another language of their choice fulfill the requirements for the Classics-BA degree distinction. This special distinction on your diploma is unique to Loyola, and represents a well-rounded, traditional Jesuit education.
  • students who are eligible for induction into Phi Beta Kappa, America's most prestigious honor society, must achieve intermediate competency in a second or non-native language. One course in Latin or ancient Greek at the 200-level or higher fulfils this requirement.

For introductory Latin, we currently use Keller and Russel, Learn to Read Latin. For introductory Greek, we will begin using Keller and Russel, Learn to Read Greek in the 2021-2022 academic year.