Unit information: Latin Language Level D1 in 2018/19

Unit name	Latin Language Level D1
Unit code	CLAS30073
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Lyndsay Coo
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	CLAS22407 or equivalent
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Classics & Ancient History
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

In this unit we will immerse ourselves in close analysis of one of the most influential of all literary works, Virgil’s Aeneid. The course will focus on reading selections from books 7-12, the so-called ‘Iliadic’ half of the poem. Through detailed engagement with both the Latin text and the vigorous critical debates that it has generated, we will explore the complex ways in which this epic tackles issues of character, fate, patriotism, civil war, loss, and sacrifice. This unit aims to develop skills in the sophisticated literary analysis of texts. The text read in Latin will amount to 1200-1500 lines, with the whole poem to be read in English.

Aims:

Upon conclusion of this unit students will have developed knowledge of the issues raised in relation to the texts studied and their interpretation, and the relevance of these for wider theoretical issues. They will have developed a detailed appreciation of the literary style of the texts studied and improved their fluency in reading and stylistic translating of Greek/Latin.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. developed skills in reading, translating and interpreting a Greek/Latin text and in evaluating translations of it;

2. close familiarity with current debates about the texts studied, and their historical and cultural significance;

3. skills in constructing coherent, relevant and sophisticated critical arguments, and in relating their readings of the texts to wider theoretical issues, as appropriate to level H;

4. developed and enhanced skills in oral and written communication by contributing to discussion in seminars, presenting short papers, and producing an essay and a written examination to a standard appropriate to level H.

Teaching Information

3 hours of seminars per week.

Assessment Information

• 1 essay of 3000 words in length (50%), and

• 1 two hour examination (50%).

Both will assess ILOs 1-4.

Reading and References

Texts are specified on an annual basis according to the author being studied. Texts and references are detailed on the course handout.