MA Classics and Ancient History

CLAM043: Dissertation in Classics and Ancient History

This module gives you the opportunity to pursue an independent research project on a topic of your choice in the field of Classics and Ancient History, supervised by a member of academic staff.

The module aims to give you the opportunity to:

carry out independent research on a subject in Classics and Ancient History.

synthesise the different aspects of the MA which are studied separately in the coursework modules.

present the findings of research in an extended piece of analytical writing in academic prose.

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CTHM007: Research Skills in Classics, Ancient History and Theology

This module focuses on developing the advanced research skills required for the MA programmes in Classics and Ancient History, and Theology and Religion. It will inform you of key issues and debates within the disciplines, and introduce you to a range of subject-specific research skills. It will also support you in formulating, planning and disseminating your ideas for your dissertation, guiding you through the process of planning a major research project and helping you to communicate the aims, methodology and outcomes of your research effectively.

The module aims to:

• Deepen your understanding of the place of the disciplines of Classics and Ancient History and Theology and Religion in the modern world
• Develop your subject-specific research skills by introducing you to a range of methodological approaches and conceptual frameworks
• Provide training in formulating and developing a major research project
• Improve your ability to critically evaluate the methodology, arguments, and communication skills of others working within your discipline
• Develop your own skills in the practice of research communication, both written and oral

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CLAM088: Classical Language and Texts Greek I (A)

Ancient Greek includes the forms of the Greek language used in ancient Greece and around the ancient world, from the islands of the Aegean Sea to Greek colonies in the Western Mediterranean, Asia and Africa. More Greek texts survive than any one individual could read in a lifetime, making it one of the best documented languages of ancient societies and providing us with fundamental first-hand knowledge about the ancient world. Through the coinage of new words, ancient Greek continues to be a productive language nowadays. This module, designed for those with no previous experience of the language, introduces you to the fundamentals of ancient Greek morphology, syntax and vocabulary. It will particularly appeal to those who have encountered the classical world through texts in translation and wish to know more about the languages in which these works were composed. By the end of the module, you will be able to read, comprehend and translate simple sentences and short passages of ancient Greek.

This module aims to:

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CLAM089: Classical Language and Texts Greek I (B)

Building on a solid foundation of learning in Classical Language and Texts: Greek I (A), this post-beginner module introduces further Greek morphology, syntax and vocabulary with a view to equipping you with the skills to read longer and more complex texts. By the end of the module, you will be able to read, comprehend and translate GCSE-level sentences and passages, and will be well-prepared, should you wish, to proceed to Greek II.

This module aims to:

• Build upon your pre-existing knowledge of basic Greek morphology, syntax, and vocabulary
• Develop your language-learning skills
• Enhance your understanding of how knowledge of Greek can enrich our understanding of the culture of ancient Greece
• Deepen your appreciation of the relationship between Greek and other Indo-European languages, including English

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CLAM090: Classical Language and Texts Latin I (A)

There is arguably no better way to get beneath the skin of the cultures of the ancient world than through the ancient languages. Latin was originally the language of a small area of Italy called Latium, in which the city of Rome was located, but as Rome's power grew the reach of the language expanded right across the Roman empire. Even after the fall of the Roman empire, Latin remained alive, while also becoming the root language for many modern languages in turn (including English). This module, designed for those with no previous experience of the language, introduces you to the fundamentals of Latin morphology, syntax and vocabulary. It will particularly appeal to those who have encountered the classical world through texts in translation and wish to know more about the languages in which these works were composed. By the end of the module, you will be able to read, comprehend and translate simple sentences and short passages of Latin.

This module aims to:

• Introduce you to some basic Latin morphology, syntax, and vocabulary
• Equip you with the language-learning skills required to proceed further with your study of Latin
• Draw attention to the ways in which knowledge of Latin enhances our understanding of Roman culture
• Illustrate the relationship between Latin and other Indo-European languages, including English

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CLAM091: Classical Language and Texts Latin I (B)

Building on a solid foundation of learning in Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (A), this post-beginner module introduces further Latin morphology, syntax, and vocabulary with a view to equipping you with the skills to read longer and more complex texts. By the end of the module, you will be able to read, comprehend and translate GCSE-level sentences and passages, and will be well-prepared, should you wish, to proceed to Latin II.

This module aims to:

• Build upon your pre-existing knowledge of basic Latin morphology, syntax, and vocabulary
• Develop your language-learning skills
• Enhance your understanding of how knowledge of Latin can enrich our understanding of Roman culture
• Deepen your appreciation of the relationship between Latin and other Indo-European languages, including English

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CLAM202: Classical Language and Texts: Greek II

This module will build on your knowledge of Greek from Greek level I or equivalent. You will learn to read and understand un-adapted passages from Greek texts, without assistance. You will also complete some English to Greek work. You will be taught to use grammatical aids which will enable you to follow linguistic structures to help you to solve problems of syntax and grammatical structure. You will have regular practice at translating text and will be assessed through the year. This module will prepare you for higher level Greek classes at stage 3.

The aims of the module are:

• To develop your linguistic confidence.
• To develop your ability to read extracts without adaptation from the most important and influential Greek authors.
• To encourage you to appreciate the style of different authors and the relationship between language and literary content.

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CLAM252: Classical Language and Texts: Latin II

This module will build on your knowledge of Latin from Latin level I or equivalent (e.g. GCSE). You will learn independently to read and understand passages without adaption from Latin texts. You will be introduced to grammar and syntax not covered at previous levels of study. Texts will be chosen from various authors of prose and poetry to encourage you to appreciate the style of different authors and the relationship between language and literary content. Building on developing your knowledge of Latin grammar and syntax, study of language and literature will progressively be introduced as your confidence increases.

• To develop your linguistic confidence, the ability to read extracts without adaptation from the most important and influential Latin authors, and to encourage you to appreciate the style of different authors and the relationship between language and literary content.

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CLAM204: Greek III

This module will build on your existing knowledge of Greek. It will increase your fluency in reading whole Greek texts and strengthen your linguistic abilities. You will focus on studying a main set text and supplementary and supporting texts which will be complemented with classes dedicated to language and syntax work.

• This module aims to study set texts, Greek language work and the practice of literary criticism together in a single integrated module.

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CLAM205: Greek IV

This module offers you the opportunity to really get to grips with Greek literature in the original language. By reading a themed selection of texts within their historical, intellectual and literary-cultural contexts, as well as engaging with modern interpretations of these works, you will broaden your knowledge of Greek literature, develop sophisticated skills of literary analysis and enhance your understanding of the Greek language. At the end of the year, you will have gained an appreciation for the subtleties of literary texts and will be able to regard yourself as 'reading', rather than 'translating' classical literature. The module will therefore be an excellent way to round off your study of Greek literature if you are finishing at this point, as well as providing vital preparation for those who will be going on to take Greek V.

• Building on CLA1204/3204, this module aims to develop a deeper understanding of Greek literature and language. In each term one or more main set texts and a number of supplementary texts are studied, while you also engage in language work to improve your translation skills. Detailed study of the themed set texts, including the discussion of relevant modern scholarship and the writing of critical commentaries and a summative essay, is designed to enhance knowledge of Greek literature and to develop skills of close reading and literary interpretation that can only be acquired through close analysis of the nuances of the original language of texts. Translation of passages from Greek into English aims to develop further your mastery of grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Set texts, literary analysis and language/translation are taught together by one lecturer as a single integrated module that encourages you to see the connection between language-learning and sophisticated reading of literature.

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CLAM254: Latin III

This module will build on your existing knowledge of Latin. You will need to have completed CLA2252 Classical Language & Texts: Latin II (or equivalent). This module will increase your fluency in reading whole Latin texts and strengthen your linguistic abilities. You will focus on studying a main set text in each term and supplementary and supporting texts which will be complemented with classes dedicated to language and syntax work.

• To study set texts, Latin language work and the practice of literary criticism together in a single integrated module.

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CLAM255: Latin IV

This module offers you the opportunity to really get to grips with Latin literature in the original language. By reading a themed selection of texts within their historical, intellectual and literary-cultural contexts, as well as engaging with modern interpretations of these works, you will broaden your knowledge of Latin literature, develop sophisticated skills of literary analysis and enhance your understanding of the Latin language. At the end of the year, you will have gained an appreciation for the subtleties of literary texts and will be able to regard yourself as 'reading', rather than 'translating' classical literature. The module will therefore be an excellent way to round off your study of Latin literature if you are finishing at this point, as well as providing vital preparation for further study.

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CLAM227: Classical Language and Texts: Greek V

This module – the highest level on our Classical Language and Texts ladder – is designed for experienced readers of Greek, building on Greek IV or equivalent. The module seeks to enhance your skills as a Hellenist through the detailed study of a themed selection of challenging set texts within their historical, intellectual and literary-cultural contexts. You will develop further your linguistic mastery of the language and your interpretative abilities through a combination of close reading and discussion of modern scholarship. You will also have the opportunity to develop more advanced skills in literary criticism, from relevant theoretical approaches to understanding the apparatus criticus.

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CLAM228: Classical Language and Texts: Latin V

This module – the highest level on our Classical Language and Texts ladder – is designed for experienced readers of Latin, building on Latin IV or equivalent. The module seeks to enhance your skills as a Latinist through the detailed study of a themed selection of challenging set texts within their historical, intellectual and literary-cultural contexts. You will develop further your linguistic mastery of the language and your interpretative abilities through a combination of close reading and discussion of modern scholarship. You will also have the opportunity to develop more advanced skills in literary criticism, from relevant theoretical approaches to understanding the apparatus criticus.

This module seeks to:

• Further your mastery of the Latin language, including more advanced grammar and syntax.
• Broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of Latin literature and the contexts in which it was produced.
• Develop your skills in close reading and literary interpretation to prepare you to read texts independently.
• Equip you with the advanced skills required for the interpretation of challenging texts.
  

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