CLA2254 - Classical Language and Texts: Latin IV
2022/3 Module description
| Staff | Dr Chiara Meccariello - |
|---|---|
| Credit Value | 30 |
| ECTS Value | 15 |
| NQF Level | 5 |
| Pre-requisites | CLA1254/CLA3254 Classical Language and Texts: Latin III |
| Co-requisites | None. |
| Duration of Module | Term 1: 11 weeks; Term 2: 11 weeks; |
Module description
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 those who will be going on to take Latin V.
Module aims
Building on CLA1254, this module aims to develop a deeper understanding of Latin literature and language. In each term oneâ?¯or more main set texts and a number of supplementary texts are studied, while you also engage in language work toâ?¯improve your translation skills. Detailed study of the themed set texts, including the discussion of relevant modern scholarshipâ?¯and the writing of critical commentaries and a summative essay, is designed to enhance knowledge of Latin literature and toâ?¯develop skills of close reading and literary interpretation that can only be acquired through close analysis of the nuances of theâ?¯original language of texts. Translation of passages from Latin into English aims to develop further your masteryâ?¯of grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Set texts, literary analysis and language/translation are taught together by oneâ?¯lecturer as a single integrated module that encourages you to see the connection between language-learning andâ?¯sophisticated reading of literature.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of Latin through translation from Latin and through the close study of a number of classical texts
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 2. Comprehend a wide range of linguistic forms and structures and render Latin into English
- 3. Interpret and analyse works from an earlier culture and produce written arguments about them informed by critical scholarship
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 4. Methodically investigate the meaning of complex texts in an ancient language by applying a specific set of skills and knowledge to the material
- 5. Demonstrate skills in independent study through preparation for classes and essays, as well as the ability to work in groups in literary discussion and in working on translation and grammar
- 6. Demonstrate an ability to develop and communicate persuasive arguments about literary and scholarly material in both oral and written form
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:
- Terms 1 and 2: Classes devoted to the study of that term’s main set text(s) and a number of supplementary or supporting texts, translation and linguistic skills.
- You will be required to read the set texts independently; the sessions devoted to the set texts will involve interpretation, literary commentary and analysis guided by the module tutor. This will also be supported with occasional discussions of modern scholarship on the set texts. Language skills will be developed both through the reading of set texts and explanations by the module tutor of unusual linguistic features when they are encountered in the texts. In addition, some classes will involve the translation ofpassages (both as a group and individually), with the module tutor providing guidance on how to comprehend and interpret more difficult Latin authors.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | 234 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 66 | 3 x 1 hour seminars per week |
| Guided Independent Study | 234 | Independent study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practice translation exercise | 1 hour | 1-2, 4 | Mark and written comments |
| Two critical commentaries | Two weeks to complete each (maximum 1500 words each) | 1-6 | Mark and written comments |
| Participation in discussion | Weekly | 1-6 | Oral feedback from lecturer and peers |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 40 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | 40 | 2 hour | 1-2, 4 | Mark and written comments |
| Essay | 30 | 2000 words | 1-6 | Mark and written comments |
| Two critical commentaries | 30 | Two weeks to complete each (maximum 1500 words each) | 1-6 | Mark and written comments |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | Exam | 1-2, 4 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Essay | Essay | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral period |
| Critical commentary | Critical commentary | 1-6 | Referral/Deferral period |
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
Set texts to be confirmed by the module tutor.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Available as distance learning?
No
Origin date
2011
Last revision date
06/05/2021
Key words search
Classics, Latin, Language
Important please note
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the module descriptors for the Online Module Selection process, please be aware that on rare occasions it may be necessary to remove proposed modules for reasons beyond our control. In addition, there are still some new modules going through the accreditation process. These will be offered in due course by the relevant discipline.
All modules displayed below have been approved by the approval process but may require further minor amendments before the commencement of teaching.
We are committed to providing an outstanding education and high quality teaching. You can find out details of your modules and any potential changes on these pages. If you are a returning student, joining after the first year or a postgraduate student details of your module changes will be provided in August.
Foreign Language Centre modules
Term 1 module codes listed above ending with C, i.e. FLF1115C, are only available to outbound students who are away in Term 2. Students studying all year must select the standard module across both Term 1 and 2.