The University of Warwick Department of Classics and Ancient History
CX 101 – Latin Language and Literature 2013/14
Module tutor: Clive Letchford
Humanities Building 2.21
Introduction This module builds upon Latin Language (Beginners) module. Those who have not done the Beginners’ module would normally need to have achieved a grade B or above in GCSE or equivalent, but should in any event discuss their circumstances with the Module tutor.
As a continuation to the Latin Language module, this module aims to improve the student's knowledge of accidence and syntax. A list of these is included in this handbook. This will be the focus of the classes for the first few weeks of the Autumn term.
After this, focus will shift towards reading Latin through three set texts. In class, you will be required to read and translate the prescribed portion of the Latin text. In preparation, you should annotate your copy of the text to remind yourself of vocabulary and grammar, but do not write out translations in full. The class will consist of checking students’ understanding of the Latin and discussion of grammatical content and style. Students will need to go over the text again immediately after each class to consolidate their work. It is hoped that those students pursuing the course will develop appreciation of the value of reading Roman literature in the original language, as well as a sound understanding of the language.
Aims and objectives The aims of the course are to:
complete an introduction to the syntax of the language; build up a good working vocabulary; introduce the student to unadapted Latin by major authors; and start to develop an awareness of different literary styles.
Course materials We will study:
Caesar selection from De Bello Gallico (extracts will be available from the office) Cicero selection from in Verrem II 1.53-80 (extracts will be available from the office) Virgil Selections from Aeneid 3, C. Perkell, Focus Publishing
Students will need to buy a printed copy of the Virgil. The Caesar and Cicero will be available as booklets from the Departmental Office.
In addition, you will need to buy three books to help develop your language:
Oxford Grammar of Latin – James Morwood (OUP) A dictionary. Most will be suitable at this level but recommended are The Bantam New College Latin and English Dictionary by John Traupman; or Pocket Oxford. A very small dictionary will not be suffucuent at this level. Use of on-line dictionaries, such as Perseus or Glossa or apps such as SPQR is encouraged but they are an adjunct, not a substitute for one of the above in physical form. Latin Beyond GCSE – John Taylor (Bristol Classical Press). The first four weeks of the Autumn term will focus on revision and introducing new syntax. and you will need this book.
Organization There is are two groups for this module. Each comprises three classes per week throughout the 24 weeks of teaching with the exception of Week 6 in the Autumn and Spring terms. Classes start at 5 minutes past the hour. Full-class teaching will generally finish a few minutes early to encourage students to clarify any points on an individual basis before leaving the room.
2 Attendance Attendance is mandatory (80% per term), not only as being a requirement of the University but also since experience has shown that this is important for success in the language. If you know in advance that you cannot attend, please let me know by email before the class. If you fall ill on the day, please email me as soon as possible after you have missed the class with details and to find out what you have missed – certainly by the end of the day. If you need to make up missed material or are struggling with the work for any reason, please come to see me during office hours. You are reminded that persistent failure to attend class may result in you being required to submit additional assessed work, in accordance with University regulations.
Study required Students are expected to do significant work outside classes, and are advised that they should reckon on spending in the region of 2 hours in private study between each class.
This will typically divided between:
extending vocabulary revising and refining accidence (endings) and syntax (sentence construction) preparing text for the next class post-paring text of previous class
Syllabus We would normally expect to make progress as follows:
Autumn Term Weeks 1-4 Complete work on main elements of Latin syntax. Weeks 4-10 (Reading week 6) Read extracts from Caesar de bello Gallico
Spring Term Read Cicero in Verrem Start Virgil Aeneid 3 Work on unseen translation
Summer Term Finish Aeneid 3 Work on unseen translation
A more detailed programme will be published on the department’s web pages, and will be kept up to date as required.
Assessment This module is assessed through two examinations, as follows:
1. Start of Spring Term – 60 minutes (20%) This exam will comprise translation from Latin (Caesar) and grammar questions (equally weighted).
2. At the end of the academic year, there is a two hour examination worth 80%. It comprises three questions: one on the Cicero set text one on the Virgil set text a passage for unseen translation.
Questions may encompass translation, and questions on grammatical and stylistic matters.
3 Advice on studying for this module
At the start of the year, identify gaps in your knowledge and sort them out, quickly. Some loss is to be expected. An important part of learning a language is how you manage your consolidation.
Make a habit of looking at vocabulary every day – both new vocabulary and revision of vocabulary previously learned. Have a vocabulary book or list and carry it around for odd moments (bus?) that you can usefully fill.
Get comfortable with the terminology for the various constructions – purpose, clause, result clause etc. Be able to explain how they work at any time.
Preparation of texts is key. You should get in the habit of marking up text in advance of classes. Highlight bits that you don’t understand and make sure that you leave class with the matter solved. The matter does not end there: go over again straight away, perhaps now writing out a fair translation. Clarify any points that arise at the next class. What seemed clear in class may have become opaque once you are on your own again.
Use published translations sparingly and with circumspection.
Team up on a regular basis with someone else: both for language and set text work.
Plagiarism
The purpose of set books is to enable the student to get to grips with idiomatic Latin. While translations cane be helpful in getting to understand trickier phrases, lifting sentences wholesale is not acceptable, whether in class or in exams.
Finally: your course tutor is an important resource. Do not hesitate to use.
4 Grammar content
Students are expected to be familiar with the language of authors of the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, employing the following linguistic structures:
(i) Accidence:
Declension of all nouns and adjectives of all standard types, together with the most common irregular ones Adjectives of all standard types, from all three declensions Formation of adverbs Comparison of adjectives and adverbs Pronouns and pronominal adjectives Verbs of all standard types from all conjugations in all moods, voices and tenses, together with deponent, semi-deponent, defective, irregular and impersonal verbs. Cardinal and ordinal numerals The use of prepositions and standard meanings of prepositional prefixes.
(ii) Syntax Direct statement, question (including deliberative) and command Prohibitions, exhortations and wishes
Subordinate clauses and other constructions as listed: • Indirect statement (including extended oratio obliqua), question, command and prohibition • Description (relative clauses, including common uses with the subjunctive) • Purpose (including uses of the gerund and gerundive) • Result (including the use of the comparative with quam ut) • Conditional • Causal • Temporal (definite and indefinite) • Subordinate clauses within indirect speech • Fearing, prevention and precaution • Concessive.
Other uses of the infinitive (as subject and as complement, prolative, historic) Uses of the participle, including ablative absolute Comparison Other uses of the gerund and gerundive Constructions involving quominus and quin Use of dum and dummodo to mean ‘provided that’.
The Oxford Grammar of Latin – James Morwood (OUP) gives greater detail.
5 The language
Major types of constructions:
Indirect Speech
Indirect Statement accusative plus infinitive Indirect Command ut/ne + subjunctive verb Indirect Question question word + subjunctive verb
2 main uts
i Purpose clause ut/ne + subjunctive ii Result clause signpost word + ut + subjunctive
Conditionals si/nisi plus either 2 indicatives or 2 subjunctives
Less frequent types:
Verbs of Fearing NE + subjunctive
Time clauses cum + subjunctive dum + present indicative Purpose clause (2) qui + subjunctive Ablative absolute noun + participle in the ablative Gerunds and gerundives verbal nouns obligation (needing to be done) Independent subjunctive jussive subjunctives wishes
... and a few other minor odds an ends
6 Grammar: All the main points of grammar have been covered, with the exception of the, and comparative and superlative forms.
Vocabulary:
A booklet comprising new vocabulary will be given out at start of the Autumn term.
17 point scale descriptors
Class Grade Point Descriptor
Exceptional work of the highest quality, demonstrating total fluency and Excellent 1st accuracy in translating; stylish and accurate English. Work may achieve or be close to publishable standard. Flawless.
First High 1st Very high quality work demonstrating excellent knowledge and understanding; very high level of accuracy. No major syntactical errors; no Mid 1st major omissions from translation. Some minor slips in vocabulary; not Low 1st entirely capturing nuances of the original.
High 2.1 Upper High quality work demonstrating good knowledge and understanding; high Second Mid 2.1 level of accuracy. (2.1) Low 2.1
High 2.2 Lower Competent work, demonstrating reasonable knowledge and understanding; Mid 2.2 Second some errors in understanding syntax and in recalling vocabulary. Low 2.2
High 3rd Work of limited quality, demonstrating some relevant knowledge and Third Mid 3rd understanding. Limited grasp of syntax; significant gaps in knowledge of vocabulary. Low 3rd
High Fail Work does not meet standards required for the appropriate stage of an (sub Honours degree. Most of the passage misunderstood or untranslated. Poor Honours) use of English. Fail Fail Poor quality work well below the standards required for the appropriate stage of an Honours degree. Only isolated phrases understood. Low Fail
Work of no merit OR Absent, work not submitted, penalty in some Zero Zero misconduct cases
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