New Testament/Christian Origins Area: Languages

MODERN LANGUAGES. Candidates for the Ph.D. in New Testament/Christian Origins must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two of the following modern research languages: French, German, Spanish, or another language approved on petition to the faculty. International students may petition for their native language to count in the last category. Either French or German must be one of the languages on which to be tested.

ANCIENT LANGUAGES. Each student is required to demonstrate an advanced proficiency in Greek and a substantial knowledge of Hebrew. The facility in Hebrew is to be certified by an instructor on the faculty. While not required, the study of Aramaic is strongly encouraged.

The Greek requirement can be satisfied by successfully completing the course in the Department of Classical Studies, Intermediate Greek I: Classical and Koiné Greek (Greek 203), or by passing an examination in Koiné Greek administered by the New Testament Area.

GREEK LANGUAGE EXAMINATION. The departmentally administered examination is a written exercise, four hours in length, designed to demonstrate ability both to work with the language and to teach it. Language examinations are given twice a year, ordinarily at the beginning of each semester, and must be passed before the student may take the Qualifying Examinations or be considered for appointment to a teaching fellowship in Greek. Prior to taking this examination a student should consult with the adviser in the field about its scope and format. Use of a lexicon during the examination is permitted, but all work must be completed within the four-hour period.

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES. Each student should be prepared to learn such other languages, ancient or modern, as may appear requisite for the pursuit of her or his scholarly interests.

NOTE: This description of requirements supplements The Bulletin of Vanderbilt University Graduate School and "The Guidelines and Policies of the Graduate Department of Religion." Students are expected to meet all of the common requirements of the graduate program as described in those publications.

Revision date: 21 September 2003

NOTE: This description of requirements supplements The Bulletin of Vanderbilt University Graduate School and "The Guidelines of the Graduate Department of Religion." Students are expected to meet all of the common requirements of the graduate program as described in those publications.