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Classical Language and Texts: Latin I (A)

Module description

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.

Module aims - intentions of the module

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

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

• 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the designated grammar, syntax, and vocabulary appropriate to beginner level
• 2. Translate simple Latin sentences and short passages accurately and without assistance
• 3. Demonstrate a good enough foundation in morphology, syntax, and vocabulary to be able to proceed to higher-level Latin classes with confidence

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

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

• 4. Demonstrate an understanding of Roman ways of thought and expression
• 5. Demonstrate an appreciation of the challenges of translation
• 6. Deploy relevant tools and strategies for learning the ancient languages effectively

ILO: Personal and key skills

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

• 7. Demonstrate a capacity for logical and analytical thinking
• 8. Demonstrate an appreciation of the continuing influence of Latin on English and other Indo-European languages and an improved grasp of English grammar
• 9. Reflect critically on your learning

Syllabus plan

Whilst the content may vary from year to year, it is envisioned that the module will cover the grammar and vocabulary of Chapters 1-5 of Keller and Russell’s Learn to Read Latin (Yale University Press, 2006).

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

• Keller and Russell, Learn to Read Latin. Textbook (Yale University Press, 2006).
• Keller and Russell, Learn to Read Latin. Workbook (Yale University Press, 2006).
• Goldman and Szymanski, English Grammar for Students of Latin.

Key words search

Classics, Latin, language, beginners, ancient