HH7002, 7003, 7004 Latin language for beginners

Course Overview & Aims

This course is designed for students with no previous experience of Latin. It consists of three compulsory modules, amounting to four contact hours per week in both semesters. It aims:

• To offer a comprehensive instruction in the Latin language.
• To bring students to a good reading knowledge of Latin prose and poetry.
• To develop language study skills.
• To complement the study of Classical topics and methodologies.
• To facilitate progression to research at PhD level on literary or historical subjects.

HH7002 Elementary Latin

Weighting: 10 ECTS
Contact hours: 44 (4 hours p.w.)
Coordinator: Prof. Anna Chahoud
Lecturer: Language Instructor
Duration: Semester I (Sept–Dec)
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: HH7003 and HH7004

Aims: This intensive module provides beginners with a comprehensive instruction in the Latin language and prepares students for the reading of unadapted Latin literary and documentary texts.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Manage a substantial Latin vocabulary.
• Identify and analyse all main grammatical forms.
• Identify and analyse all main syntactical structures.
• Translate passages of Latin prose and verse into idiomatic English with some vocabulary aid.
• Translate short passages of English prose into Latin with some vocabulary aid.

Working Methods & Requirements: The module is taught in small groups through four weekly classes in Michaelmas Term (Semester 1). Attendance and preparation for each class are compulsory.

Assessment: 20% continuous assessment (grammar and vocabulary quizzes during term) and 80% end of year three-hour written examination (translation).

Textbook: Wheelock’s Latin, revised by R. A. LaFleur (Harper)

HH7003 Reading Classical Latin

Weighting: 5 ECTS
Duration: Semester II (Jan–Apr)
Contact hours: 22 (2 hours p.w.)
Coordinator: Prof. Anna Chahoud
Lecturer: Language Instructor
Prerequisites: either HH7002 Elementary Latin or previous experience of Latin (subject to Coordinator’s approval).

Description: Building on previously acquired elementary language skills, this module aims to bring students to an intermediate level of proficiency in the reading of Classical Latin literary and documentary texts.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module students will be able to

• Manage an extensive Latin vocabulary.
• Recognise and analyse all the main features of Latin grammar and syntax.
• Translate and analyse extensive sections of original Classical Latin texts.
• Translate short passages of English prose into Latin with minimum vocabulary aid.
• Examine texts in their literary and historical contexts.

Working Methods & Requirements: The module is taught in small groups through two weekly classes in Hilary Term (Semester 2). Attendance and preparation for each class are compulsory.

Assessment: 20% continuous assessment (grammar and vocabulary quizzes during term) and 80% end of year one-and-a-half-hour written examination (translation).

Textbook: Wheelock’s Latin, revised by R. A. LaFleur (Harper); prescribed reading tba.

HH7004 Reading Late Latin

Coordinator: Prof. Anna Chahoud
Lecturer: Language Instructor
Duration: Semester II (Jan–Apr)
Contact hours: 22 (2 hours p.w.)
Weighting: 5 ECTS
Prerequisites: either HH7002 Elementary Latin or previous experience of Latin (subject to Coordinator’s approval).

Description: Building on previously acquired elementary language skills, this module aims to bring students to an intermediate level of proficiency in the reading of Late, Medieval and Neo-Latin literary and documentary texts.

Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

• Manage an extensive Latin vocabulary. – Recognise and analyse all the main features of Latin grammar and syntax. – Translate and analyse extensive sections of original Classical Latin texts. – Translate short passages of English prose into Latin with minimum vocabulary aid. – Examine texts in their literary and historical contexts.

Working Methods & Requirements: The module is taught in small groups through two weekly classes in Hilary Term (Semester 2). Attendance and preparation for each class are compulsory.

Assessment: 20% continuous assessment (grammar and vocabulary quizzes during term) and 80% end of year one-and-a-half-hour written examination (translation).

Textbook: Wheelock’s Latin, revised by R. A. LaFleur (Harper); prescribed reading tba.