The Marco Institute
Summer Language Program
The Marco Institute offers non-credit medieval language training for six to eight weeks every summer. Previously the Marco Summer Latin Program, we are pleased to expand our offerings to include Syriac in 2025, and to transform the program into the 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.) Since Summer 2025, the Marco Institute has also offered Beginner Syriac as well!
The Summer Language Program is geared toward 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 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 class, participants should have a minimum of other commitments.
Registration for each summer’s program typically opens in March. 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/in-state participants. Fees are payable online prior to the beginning of class. Payment instructions will be emailed to you once registration closes.
If you have questions, please contact the Marco Program Coordinator at [email protected].
2026 Programs
2026 PROGRAM – REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Our 2026 Summer Language courses will all be held virtually via Zoom. All times are listed in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Information about each of our courses is listed below, followed by information on how to register.
Summer 2026 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 – LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Instructor: Luke Perez
Dates: May 26 – July 16
Times: 10:00-11:30am
BEGINNER/REVIEW SECTION 2 – LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Instructor: Rachel Rucker
Dates: May 26 – July 16
Times: 12:30-2:00pm
Both classes will meet on a MTWTh schedule except for in those weeks that have holidays (e.g., Memorial Day), in which case the class will meet during the four non-holiday days of the week. Instructors will inform you of any other necessary schedule changes.
Intermediate Readings in Medieval Latin – LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
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: Meredith Cutrer
Dates: May 27 – July 2
Times: 12:30-2:00pm
Classes will meet on a MTWTh schedule except for in those weeks that have holidays (e.g., Memorial Day), in which case the class will meet during the four non-holiday days of the week. Instructors will inform you of any other necessary schedule changes.
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 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: Mark Thakkar
Dates: June 2–18; June 30–July 16
Times: Tuesday/Thursday 10:00-11:30am
Advanced Latin meets two days per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please note that there will be a mid-term break the week of June 22. Because of the small group nature of our Advanced class, we may adjust the schedule based on enrollment and student needs (e.g., changing days or moving to a slightly different time). The instructor will make these arrangements with you.
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: George Kiraz
Dates: May 26 – July 16
Times: 11:00am-12:30pm
Classes will meet on a MTWTh schedule except for in any weeks that have holidays (e.g., Memorial Day, etc.), in which case the class will meet during the four non-holiday days of the week. Instructors will inform you of any other necessary schedule changes.
Intermediate Syriac
A rigorous six-week course furthering students’ abilities in reading Syriac. Suitable for those who have already completed our Beginner Syriac course, or a Syriac course at another institution. Textbook information will be available later from your instructor.
Instructor: George Kiraz
Dates: May 26 – July 2
Times: 1:00-2:30pm
Classes will meet on a MTWTh schedule except for in any weeks that have holidays (e.g., Memorial Day, etc.), in which case the class will meet during the four non-holiday days of the week. Instructors will inform you of any other necessary schedule changes.
Registration and Fees
To register your interest, please email the Marco Institute at [email protected] with the following information:
- Name (first & last)
- Email Address
- Departmental/Institutional Affiliation (if any)
- Status (BA/MA/PhD/Faculty/Staff/Other)
- Field (e.g., History, English, etc.)
- Course Title(s) and Section Number
REMINDER: Participants may take both a Beginner/Review and an Intermediate/Advanced course simultaneously for no additional charge!
If classes fill, you will be added to a waitlist. Once registration closes, you will receive an email on how to pay using our simple online store.
Questions?
Contact our Program Coordinator, Ryan T. Goodman!