Many students have shared with us that their summer at the Latin/Greek Institute was not only one of their most challenging, but also most rewarding academic experiences. In the Basic programs, the pedagogy focuses on equipping students with no previous background to read classical Latin or Greek prose and poetry accurately, fluently, and with syntactic precision in ten weeks. Our classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, with optional classes at 8:30 a.m. and on Sunday afternoons prior to exams on Monday mornings. Students often spend six to eight hours on homework each evening. The full-time nature of the program immerses students in the structure of the language, allowing them to cover a week's worth of material from a college class each day.
The following are questions frequently asked by students interested in the Basic- and Upper-level Programs at the Latin/Greek Institute. Should you have an inquiry that is not answered below, e-mail Suklima Roy.
What courses are offered for Summer 2021?
The Upper-level Programs in Latin and Greek will be offered online for summer 2021. Learn More.
Why are the Basic Programs not offered online?
Due to its intensive and immersive nature, the Basic Programs in Latin and Greek cannot be replicated online. We hope to be back in person for summer 2022.
Where should I send my application materials (transcripts, letter of recommendation, etc.)?
If possible, please e-mail all application materials to lg_inst@gc.cuny.edu. In the event an electronic copy cannot be sent, please address all mail to:
Latin/Greek Institute
CUNY Graduate Center
365 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Mail will be checked periodically as staff continue to work remotely.
Over 45 years of experience have demonstrated that certain principles are necessary for this ambitious endeavor. At the core of our pedagogy are:
Constant and consistent accountability—cold-calling in drill settings, daily quizzes, and weekly exams
Systematic knowledge—the presentation and memorization of entire grammatical concepts or systems together
Active and out-loud engagement with the language—reading the text, creating verb and noun forms, and transforming sentences
Immediate practice of new material—from lecture material to drill, and from drill to increasing longer translations until the second half of the program, students are reading long excerpts of continuous prose and poetry
The environment of the institute may offer other, less tangible benefits. Many students appreciate the program's high standards of excellence and feel pride in mastering so much material in such an intensive environment. In contrast with a busy semester juggling multiple classes, summer intensive study furnishes an opportunity for students to fully devote themselves to doing one thing, and doing it well. You are also likely to meet like-minded folks from an array of backgrounds and form bonds with them based on this shared experience. Finally, this program employs a unique group of faculty—who are available for support and help 24 hours/day, 7 days/week—are just as committed as the students to the program.
Can I apply to the Basic programs if I have previous background in that language?
The Basic programs are designed for beginners and should not be taken as a “refresher course.” We typically do not accept students who have taken more than an introductory semester elsewhere.
Do you require official or unofficial transcripts?
Please send official transcripts.
Whom should I list as a reference?
Please list a recent classroom instructor who can attest to your work in a foreign language and your ability to persevere in challenging circumstances.
What if I haven't been in a classroom in more than 10 years?
List a recent employer who can attest to your seriousness and commitment to the program.
Will my recommender be notified automatically?
Basic Programs—Your recommender will not be notified automatically. Request permission to list your instructor's name and contact information in your application. For the Basic programs, a recommendation is not required (unless you are a high school student).
Upper-level Programs—Your recommender will receive an auto-generated e-mail to submit a reference on your behalf. Follow up with your recommender that he or she he has submitted by the deadline.
Scholarship Applicants (all programs)—Your recommender will receive an auto-generated e-mail to submit a reference on your behalf. Follow up with your recommender that he or she he has submitted by the deadline. High school students and Upper-level Program applicants need only submit one letter of recommendation.
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
One. A letter of recommendation is required for students applying for a scholarship, admission to the Upper-level program, or if they are high school students. Only a single recommendation letter is required for applicants who fall into into more than one of these categories.
When will I be notified of my acceptance?
All students will be notified by mid-April 2021.
Am I considered in-state or out-of-state?
To qualify for in-state tuition rates, you must be able to provide the in-state documentation required to the Brooklyn College Registrar's Office. The staff of the LGI is not involved in determining in-state status.
Will I need to apply for a J-1 visa?
International students who are currently on an F-1 visa studying in the U.S. do not need to apply for a J-1 visa.
Applying for Financial Aid
FAFSA is not applicable for summer programs. We strongly encourage applying for other sources of funding, including other scholarship options.
Is the entirety of the tuition due prior to beginning of classes?
Yes. However, installment plans are available, and proof of first installment will be considered as complete payment.
How do I register for my class?
Upon confirming your acceptance to the program, complete the Brooklyn College admission and registration packet as soon as possible. This step will take at least two weeks to process before you can be successfully registered.
Why am I seeing extra charges on my student account?
Submit payment for the amount of your tuition plus the application fee only. The amount of your tuition will be determined by your status as an in-state or out-of-state resident, and the program to which you have applied.
Why don't I see my scholarship reflected in my student portal?
If you have been awarded a scholarship by the Latin/Greek Institute, the amount will be applied directly to your account at the Bursar's Office. It will not be reflected on your student portal site, CUNYfirst. Submit payment for the tuition for which you are responsible.
I will have to miss class because I am a member of the bridal party in a friend's wedding/my family has scheduled a vacation/I have travel plans/my school runs late or begins early. Is that okay?
No. The course is a full-time commitment, and every day is mandatory. We have a no make-up policy for exams.
I need to finish my master's thesis/complete a graduate seminar paper/work part-time/apply for graduate school over the summer. It'll be fine, right?
Please arrange to clear your schedule so that you can focus only on the program. Every day in the program covers a week’s worth of material. Because the work is cumulative, it is very difficult to catch up once you fall behind.
I have a documented disability. What kind of accommodations can be arranged?
Before the program begins, contact Clare Wilson, manager of student disability services at the CUNY Graduate Center, 212.817.7413, to be registered for disability-related academic accommodations. Provide Suklima Roy and director Katherine Lu Hsu with your course accommodation form and set up an appointment to discuss how to address your specific accommodations.
What is the schedule of a typical day like?
In the first half of the program, a typical day runs like this:
8:30 a.m.: optional, drop-in review session
9:30 a.m.: daily diagnostic quiz
9:40 a.m.: drill hour #1
10:30–10:40 a.m.: break
10:40 a.m.: drill hour #2
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.: lunch break
12:15–12:45 p.m.: optional grammar review or optional sight reading
1–3:20 p.m.: grammar lecture
3:30–4 p.m.: vocabulary notes
I withdrew during the liability period and paid my tuition. Where do I receive my refund?
The best method for receiving your refund is to set up direct deposit in your CUNYfirst portal with a national bank account. International accounts will not be accepted. Ensure that your CUNYfirst mailing address is up-to-date.
Where am I earning credits?
All LGI students are enrolled as Brooklyn College students, therefore earning credits at Brooklyn College upon completion of the respective course.
