LfA Classical Latin Elementary - LFA00290L

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Module summary

This module allows students to reinforce their knowledge of the basic principles of Latin grammar, as well as building on that knowledge through an introduction to some of Latin’s complex sentence constructions. By the end of the course, students will be able to translate a range of primary source material (e.g. short texts in both prose and poetry). Students will also be introduced to elements of Roman culture in order to develop an understanding of the culture in which such literature was produced.

Related modules

LFA Classical Latin Beginner / Classical Latin: Beginner or equivalent.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2024-25 to Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to examine and interpret a range of Classical Latin documents over the course of a semester, and develop a comprehensive knowledge of Latin translation skills at elementary level.

Students will engage, individually and in groups, in comprehension activities and tasks emphasising three core research skills:

1. reception activities (reading comprehension);
2. production activities (prose composition);
3. analytical activities (cultural context & literary style).

The mediums of instruction are English and Latin.

Module learning outcomes

• The ability to recognise and employ a range of both basic and more specialised Latin vocabulary, as well as a heightened appreciation of the basics of Latin morphology and the historical relationship between the Latin and English languages.
• The ability to understand and deploy both the basic principles of Latin grammar and syntax, as well as some complex sentence constructions in order to engage with and interpret a range of Latin source material.
• The ability to compose sentences from English into Latin that incorporate a range of both basic and complex syntactical constructions, in order to support and develop grammatical learning.
• An understanding of Roman civilisation and literature, which enables the student to critically evaluate a range of source material in relation to the politics and culture of the society in which it was created.

Module content

Translation Passages

This module aims to build translation confidence through exposure to a range of Latin texts, which will include:

• Modern adaptations of Classical Latin texts that allow students to practice specific grammatical constructions
• Short extracts of Classical Latin prose from authors such as Cicero, Petronius and Seneca.
• Short extracts of Classical Latin poetry from authors such as Catullus, Martial, Propertius and Ovid.

Grammar topics at Elementary Level:

• A review of the grammar covered at Beginners level (nouns, adjectives and active verbs etc.)
• Group 4 & 5 nouns
• The formation and use of the future perfect tense
• Pronouns (demonstrative, personal and relative)
• Passive and deponent verbs (all tenses)
• The formation and use of participles (present, past and future)
• The formation and use of the ablative absolute
• Indirect statements

Seminars will include a range of different exercises including both translation (Latin to English) and prose composition (English to Latin) to help explain and build grammatical knowledge, with plenty of opportunities for revision as the semester progresses.

Latin Culture: Life, Love and Laughter in the City of Rome

The course will provide students with an interdisciplinary introduction to the social dynamics of the city of Rome during the height of the Roman Empire. Through integrating archaeological, historical, and literary evidence, this module will explore not only the practicalities of daily life in Ancient Rome, but also the concerns and hopes of individual Romans from this period. From the perceived dangers of watching gladiatorial combat, to the trials and tribulations of falling in love, the letters and poems of those who once inhabited the city of Rome provide a fascinating window onto the reality of living in one of Classical Antiquity’s greatest cities.

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Departmental - attendance requirement	100

Special assessment rules

Pass/fail & Non-reassessable

Additional assessment information

The course is non-assessed but students will receive an LFA Certificate of Completion if they participate in at least 13 sessions out of 18.

Indicative reassessment

None

Module feedback

Regular homework tasks will provide opportunities for ongoing feedback on progress.

In addition, students will have the opportunity to complete coursework. Its purpose is not to provide a summative assessment of students’ performance but to provide the basis for relevant tutor’s feedback and feedforward.

Indicative reading

Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the year.