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CL3082/CL4082 Early Latin

This module explores the ‘beginnings of Latin literature’, the process of cultural translation of Greek models, and the characteristics of the Latin language in the understudied – and yet crucial – third and second centuries BC. Some of the questions we address are: How did Latin literature begin? What were the first texts that the Romans could claim as their own? What was the historical context of the earliest literary production written in the Latin language with a Roman audience in mind? How did Latin develop a literary (and poetic) language? Which are the features of Early Latin – in both linguistic and stylistic terms – that are preserved in Classical Latin, and which are seen as outdated and ultimately abandoned?
  • Module Organiser:
    • Professor Anna Chahoud
  • Duration:
    • Semester 2 (Jan - Apr)
  • Contact Hours:
    • CL3082: 33 (one 2-hour class and one 1-hour language lab per week); CL4082: 22 (one 2-hour class per week)
  • Weighting:
    • 10 ECTS
  • Assessment:
    • 40% continuous assessment (one assessed presentation, one written assignment), 60% final examination

Introductory Reading

  • J. Farrell, Latin Language and Latin Culture from ancient to modern times (Cambridge 2001)
  • D. Feeney, Beyond Greek: The Beginnings of Latin Literature (Harvard 2016)
  • T. Habinek, The Politics of Latin Literature: Writing, Identity and Empire in Ancient Rome (Princeton 1998)

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge of the main lines of development of Latin language and literature in the Roman Republican period.
  • Ability to recognise and analyse features of early Latin diction
  • Ability to translate and analyse the primary texts in context
  • Ability to engage critically with scholarly literature
  • Critical thinking and ability to present a coherent argument in oral presentations and written assignments