Welcome to the website for the Classical Literacy Exam!
The testing dates for the 2012 CLE are February 6 – 10, 2012.
Click here for the registration form
Click here for the List of Terms for all levels
The CLE is a chance for students to learn about the classical world and its connections to our world today. Students learn about specific topics for each level and then show what they’ve learned. Recognition is awarded for the highest scores in each level.
The exam is open to students everywhere and on any level. No specialized knowledge of the Latin language is required, though Latin teachers routinely include the topics of the CLE in their curriculum.
Students will be tested on their knowledge of terms found on the lists of classical literacy terms (e.g. sine qua non, Forum, SPQR, crossing the Rubicon, mens sana in corpore sano, Beware the Ides of March). The list includes all classical civilization (mythology, history, culture, a few derivatives, Latin phrases and abbreviations, and literature with an emphasis on Roman civilization but we include terms like agora, Parthenon, and Acropolis on Level I and some philosophical references on Level II and III — What Greek philosopher claimed to be wise precisely because he knew he was not wise?, What was the name of Aristotle’s school?, etc.).
Our guiding idea is to include everything that educated people should know about the classical world, even if they have unfortunately never had a Latin class. If they have had a Latin class, the CLE will be a reward and a delight.