Latin, the foundation of the Romance languages and a major influence on English (over 50% of English words come from Latin!), is crucial for understanding Western history and literature. Its study sharpens analytical skills, particularly in fields like law, medicine, and theology, due to its extensive use in specialized terminology. Learning Latin also enriches engagement with classical literature and philosophy, making it a valuable asset for academic research in the humanities. Even Stephen Colbert knows Latin!
At Carleton we offer:
- Elementary, intermediate, and advanced courses in Latin
- A flexible major in Classics that allows focus in either Greek or Latin, or the civilizations (history, literature, archaeology) more generally
- Minors in Latin or Classics
- Latin courses in authors of interest to students in History, Political Science, Philosophy and Literature
- Off-campus study programs in Rome through the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies and other organizations
- An intimate community of faculty and students passionate about the ancient world
To learn more about Latin at Carleton, visit the Department of Classics!
Latin Placement Testing
If you have had Latin in high school, please take the placement test electronically by July 15. The Latin placement test is located in a “course” on the college’s learning management system, Moodle. When you follow the link below, you will be taken to the Moodle log-in page where you will need to enter your Carleton username and password. Then you be asked if you want to enroll in the course “Latin Placement Test.” Click “enroll” and it should take you to the top page where you can read further instructions for taking the test. Although you can only take the placement test once, you will remain enrolled for 30 days. So, after you enroll you can take the test at any point in the 30-day period. You can also come back and review your actual results at a later point if you are interested.
We will e-mail you your placement before registration. If your placement test result indicates that you may be exempt from the language requirement, we will ask you to confirm that placement by taking another test when you arrive on campus during New Student Week.
- Latin Placement Test (Moodle)
If you have questions about Latin or Greek or the placement exams over the summer, email Professor Clara Hardy or call 507-222-4230.