“Dubitando enim ad inquisitionem venimus;
inquirendo veritatem percipimus.”– Peter Abelard, Sic et Non, c. 1120
Overview:
The Marco Institute offers non-credit medieval language training for six to eight weeks every summer. Previously the Marco Summer Latin Program, we have, since 2025, offered other premodern languages (e.g., Syriac), and rebranded as Marco Summer Language Program!
We offer three levels of medieval Latin classes each summer: Beginner/Review Latin, Intermediate Readings in Medieval Latin, and Advanced Readings in Medieval Latin. (Students with previous Latin experience are invited to take both the beginner/review course and one of the readings courses; students may not take both readings courses.) We currently also offer Beginner Syriac. We hope to increase our language choices further in the coming years — please check back later for updates!
The Summer Language Program is geared toward our graduate students, but registration is open to anyone. Students working toward a Graduate Certificate in Premodern Studies, or who are planning to take the Toronto Level One or Level Two Latin Examination, will find the program particularly helpful. Incoming UT graduate students are also encouraged to attend, as these courses will provide an excellent opportunity to get to know UT and the Marco community before the start of fall classes.
Please be advised that all of these courses require a substantial amount of preparation (3-5 hours) for each class session; particularly in the Beginner classes, participants should have a minimum of other commitments.
2026 PROGRAM
Information about our 2026 Summer Language Program will be available later in the Spring semester! Please check back later for dates, times, and registration information!
Our 2026 Summer Language courses will all be held virtually using Zoom. All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). We are offering two sections of the beginner/review level course and one section each of the intermediate and advanced courses for Latin; and one section of beginner Syriac.
Summer 2025 Latin Courses
Beginner/Review Latin
A rigorous eight-week overview of all the major features of Latin morphology and most of Latin syntax. Suitable for the energetic and committed beginner, or as a review for students of any level who want to brush up. Students are responsible for obtaining their own copies of the textbook, Moreland & Fleischer’s Latin: An Intensive Course.
BEGINNER/REVIEW SECTION 1
Instructor: TBA
Dates: TBA
Times: TBA
BEGINNER/REVIEW SECTION 2
Instructor: TBA
Dates: TBA
Times: TBA
Both classes will meet on a MTWTh schedule except for in those weeks that have holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day), in which case the class will meet during the four non-holiday days of the week.
Intermediate Readings in Medieval Latin
A six-week class intended for students with at least one to two years of college Latin or equivalent. Covers distinctive features of medieval Latin in a variety of authors. This course prepares graduate students to take the Toronto Level One Latin exam. Students are responsible for obtaining their own copies of the sourcebook, Keith Sidwell’s Reading Medieval Latin. Additional texts will be provided by the instructor.
Instructor: TBA
Dates: TBA
Times: TBA
Intermediate Latin will meet on a MTWTh schedule except for in those weeks that have holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day), in which case the class will meet during the four non-holiday days of the week.
Advanced Readings in Medieval Latin
A six-week course intended for students who have already passed the Toronto Level One exam or equivalent. Covers a range of very difficult medieval Latin prose and poetry and prepares graduate students to take the Toronto Level Two Latin exam. Texts are provided by the instructor.
Instructor: TBA
Dates: TBA
Times: TBA
*Because of the small group nature of our advanced class, we may adjust the schedule based on enrollment and student needs (e.g., moving to M/W or a slightly different time).
Beginner Syriac
A rigorous eight-week overview of the basics of Syriac. Suitable for the energetic and committed beginner, or as a review for students of any level who want to brush up. Textbook information will be available later from your instructor.
Instructor: TBA
Dates: TBA
Times: TBA
Beginner Syriac will meet on a MTWTh schedule except for in those weeks that have holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day), in which case the class will meet during the four non-holiday days of the week.
“The experience has been rewarding and enlightening. I definitely have a new perspective on my Latin studies and feel better equipped to help my beginner high school Latin students.”
– Jeana Partin, 2018 attendee
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Registration & Fees:
Registration for Summer 2026 will open later this Spring. Please check back for more information later in the year!
To register your interest, please email the Marco Institute at marco@utk.edu with the following information:
- Your name (first & last)
- Your email address
- Departmental/Institutional affiliation
- Status (BA/MA/Ph.D. student/Faculty/Staff/Other) and field (e.g., History, English, etc.)
- Course title(s) and section number that are you are signing up for (Participants may take both a Beginner/Review and an Intermediate/Advanced course simultaneously for no additional charge)
The program is free of cost for current and incoming UT Knoxville students, faculty, staff, and alumni! There is a program fee of $500 for other participants (or a reduced fee of $250 for UT System/Board of Regents participants), payable online prior to the beginning of class. Payment instructions will be emailed to you once registration closes.
If classes fill, you will be added to a waitlist.
Questions?
Contact our Program Coordinator, Dr. Ryan T. Goodman!