Department of Classical StudiesOverview
Students who have not previously studied Latin or Greek will want to enroll in the introductory course, 0100. See here for an overview of Latin and Greek courses at Penn.
Students who have previously studied Latin or Greek usually seek admission to a higher-level course:
An SAT-II score of 450 qualifies you for admission to LATN/GREK 0200; a score of 550, admission to 0300; a score of 600, admission to 0400. An SAT-II score of 650, or an AP score of 4 or 5, qualifies you for admission to 3000-level courses — though in some cases you and your instructor may agree that LATN/GREK 0300 or 0400 is more appropriate. Admission is ultimately at the discretion of the language program supervisor in consultation with the undergraduate chair and the course instructor. If in doubt (especially in the case of Greek, where there is no standardized test), please contact the undergraduate chair.
Latin Placement Test
If you do not already have a Latin AP score or SAT score prior to matriculating at Penn, you will need to take the department's Latin Placement Test, which is held in the first week of each semester. The test is in the SAT-II format. For further information, see the College Board's practice resources page.
Time and place of next Latin placement test:
- The Latin Placement Test is made available for students ONLINE during these periods: June 15–September 7; December 15–first day of classes. The test can be taken at any time during those periods. Please email Prof. James Ker to arrange for access to the test.
Foreign Language Requirement (SAS)
The Penn School of Arts and Sciences Foreign Language Requirement, part of the requirement in General Education, may be filled in any of the following ways: an AP score of 4 or 5; a score of at least 650 on SAT-II or Penn's Latin Placement Test; completion of LATN/GREK 0400 or equivalent with a grade of C- or higher.
Foreign Language Requirement (Wharton)
The Wharton School's Foreign Language Requirement may be filled in any of the following ways: an AP score of 4 or 5; a score of at least 550 on SAT-II or Penn's Latin Placement Test; completion of LATN/GREK 0200 or equivalent with a grade of C- or higher.