This interdiciplinary program provides a carefully integrated course of studies in the early Christian period. Although degrees are awarded within the School of Arts and Sciences, students take courses in a range of schools and departments, drawing upon historical, linguistic, literary, philosophical, and theological disciplines and methods.<br><br>There is a strong emphasis on equipping students with the languages and technical skills necessary for their programs of study. Among the ancient Christian languages, Greek, Latin, Coptic, and Syriac are of particular importance. Before being accepted into the program, students are expected to have completed graded courses in Greek through the intermediate level and at least one year of another ancient Christian language. German, French, and other modern languages are also important, and ideally students will have studied one or more of these at the B.A. level. Progress in languages both ancient and modern is regularly tested.