Latin phrases
As an institution founded before the 20th century, initially in the model of the great English universities, Columbia draws on a significant classical heritage. Nowadays, as a pretentious Ivy League school rather in love with itself and the alumni donations that such self-love brings, certain classical traditions are kept. This page attempts to collect and summarize all the Latin inscriptions and things of that nature associated with Columbia.
Latin in Academia
The Latin language has been the lingua franca of Europe, roughly from the time of Charlemagne to the eighteenth century. Universities taught primarily in Latin, as it was both the language of scholars and a common language through which students across Europe could converse. When Columbia was founded, more than half of its curriculum was in the Greek and Latin classics. As far along as the 1850s, 14 of Columbia's 32 courses required for the Bachelor of Arts degree had to do with Greek and Latin literature.
When Columbia's Morningside campus was being built, there was a huge disagreement over whether the inscription the frieze of Low Library would be in Latin or English. Around the same time, the College abolished the Greek entrance and curriculum requirements.
Latin has long ago left the day-to-day functions of this University, and in many ways is slowly being phased out of the ceremonial aspects as well. Harvard and Princeton, for example, still have a Latin oration given as part of the commencement ceremony. At Columbia, there was even talk recently of issuing English-only degrees for Columbia College, an arrangement that would oddly enough have made Barnard the only Columbia-associated school to still issue Latin degrees. Naturally, this was overwhelmingly voted down.
In the 1960s, Harvard switched to English-only degrees, a move that provoked the infamous "Diploma Riots", where angry, pretentious students dressed up in togas in the style of Roman orators, and traveled the campus, delivering disputations in Classical Latin on the "vile, dog-like, and incestuous qualities of the English language".
Both Columbia and Harvard continue granting honorary degrees (Honoris Causa) in Latin.
Academic Degrees
A.B. or B.A.
Artium Baccalaureus, or as it is known at Columbia, Baccalaureus in Artibus, meaning "Bachelor of Arts". Only the degrees of Columbia College, Barnard College, and Columbia Law School are granted in Latin.
The degree itself reads: Curatores Universitatis Columbia Noveboracensis Collegii Olim Regalis omnibus et singulis quos praesentes litterate pervenerint salutem sciatis nos [NAME] cum exercitationes omnes ad gradum BACCALEUREI IN ARTIBUS attinentes rite ac legitime peregerit ad istum gradum provexisse eique omnia iura privilegia et honores quae adsolent in tali re adtribui dedisse et concessisse in cuius rei plenius testimonium chirographis Praesidis huius Universitatis et Decani Collegii Columbiae nec non sigillo nostro communi diploma hocce muniendum curavimus [DATE]
Translated: "The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, of the College formerly known as King's, to all these letters come, greetings..."
More will be translated when I find the time.. or maybe someone with a CC BA handy could copy it from their envelope?
A.M. or M.A.
Artium Magister, meaning "Master of Arts".
M. Phil
Philosophiae magister, meaning Master of Philosophy.
Ph. D.
Philosophiae doctor, meaning "Doctor of Philosopy".
LL.B.
Legum Baccaleureus, meaning "Bachelor of Laws". The "LL" signifies a plural of the Latin lex or "law", hence the two L's. The LL.B. was a "first-professional" degree and usually could be earned only after already earning a Bachelor of Arts. Replaced with the J.D. in the 1970s.
J.D.
Juris doctor, or "Doctor of Law". Replaced the LL.B. in the 1970s because law students didn't want the world thinking they were undergraduates. It should be noted that the US Department of Education does not consider the J.D. a doctoral degree, even though it is denoted "Doctor", because there is no dissertation work associated therein. That being said, the M.D. degree is not considerd a doctoral degree either. Both are "first-professional" degrees. Both the J.D. and the J.S.D. are granted in Latin.
J.S.D.
Juris scientiae doctor, or "Doctor of the Science of Law". The Ph.D. equivalent of a law degree. As this does involve dissertation work, the J.S.D. degree is considered a doctoral degree. Both the J.D. and the J.S.D. are granted in Latin.
M.D.
Medicinae doctor, or "Doctor of Medicine". Not considered a doctoral degree by the US Department of Education, but rather a "first-professional' degree because of the lack of dissertation work.
D. Litt
Litterae doctor, meaning "Doctor of Letters", an "upper-level" doctorate, usually not granted in the United States. Used, however, for granting honorary degrees.
H.C.
Honoris causa, appended to the end of a degree, meaning "for the reason of honor (or merit)". Used to signify an honorary degree.
Inscriptions
Trustee's Room, Low Library
Will be added later when I can read it up close.
Translation: "The first stone of this college called King's established by Royal charter for the Honor of Almight God and the advancement of the public good both in Church and State, was laid by His Excellency Sir Charles Hardy, Kt., the very worthy governor of this province. August 23, A.D. 1756."
Low Plaza
Will be added later when I can read it up close.
St. Paul's Chapel, Frieze
Pro Eccelsia Dei
Translation: "For the church (congregation) of God"
Hamilton Hall, Exterior
Will be added later when I can read it up close.
Sundial, Inscription
Will be added later when I can read it up close.
Miscellaneous
Motto
In lumine tuo videbimus lumen.
Translation: "In thy light, we will see light."
Fight song
Some time ago, I translated "Roar, Lion, Roar" into Latin. I'll see if I can dig it up.
