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Classical Language and Texts: Latin I and II

Module description

Latin I and II is an intensive 60-credit fast-track module that brings you to Level 2 or A-level reading ability in Latin in a single year through an intensive programme of language classes and guided independent study. All are welcome on this module: there are no pre- or co-requisites, though some experience of successful language learning may be helpful. The module is particularly appropriate for launching students arriving in Exeter with little or no experience of Latin onto the full traditional BA Classics degree; it is also suitable for postgraduate students (in a variety of disciplines) who wish to gain a reading knowledge of Latin as quickly as possible.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide:

• A solid grounding in the principles of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary for those with no prior experience
• Confidence in reading a representative range of Latin texts in the original language without assistance
• Through preparation for progression to higher-level Latin modules

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Recognise, explain and apply the main principles of Latin grammar
• 2. Read and appreciate set texts in the original Latin
• 3. Demonstrate a good level of competency in the language by translating Latin from authors outside the set texts under exam conditions

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the nuances of an inflected language
• 5. Achieve reasonable fluency in a variety of texts in a foreign non-spoken language

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Demonstrate confidence in the use of a language other than English
• 7. Learn general linguistic rules and apply them independently to specific material
• 8. Learn grammar and vocabulary, improving cognitive and memory skills through systematic learning strategies

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that it will cover some or all of the following topics:

• intensive learning of grammar and syntax, working through Keller and Russell, Learn to Read Latin I and II and Workbook.
• consolidation of grammar, vocabulary and syntax, as well as development of critical and interpretative skills, through reading of texts from The Cambridge Latin Anthology.

There will be five hours of classes each week. In addition to this, you will be expected to invest a considerable amount of your own study-time in this course. During the first term, emphasis will be placed on the structured learning of language, grammar and vocabulary, with translation into and out of Latin. During the second term, the focus will be upon the consolidation of these skills through reading of passages of original Latin texts (as published in The Cambridge Latin Anthology).

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

• Carter and P. Carr, Cambridge Latin Anthology. Cambridge, 2004.
• Keller and S. Russell, Learn to Read Latin I and II. Yale, 2004.
• Keller and S. Russell, Learn to Read Latin I and II Workbook. Yale, 2004.
• Other material will be introduced by the lecturer during the course (in class or on ELE).

Key words search

Classics, Latin, language