Latin has played a crucial part in the development of English and the Romance
languages of ... through graded exercises and translation of adapted Latin texts.
The University of Warwick Department of Classics and Ancient History
CX 108 – Latin Language 2013/14
Module tutor: Clive Letchford Humanities Building 2.21
[email protected]
Introduction This module offers the opportunity to learn the basics of the Latin language and is designed for students who have little or no previous experience of the language. Latin has played a crucial part in the development of English and the Romance languages of Europe. A student’s understanding of the culture and society of the Roman Empire will be significantly deepened by a knowledge of Latin, not least by appreciating the way in which the structure of the language articulates patterns of thought. Latin is also the key to appreciating some of the world’s finest literature. Some of the world’s finest literature been written in Latin, and much subsequent literature has assumed a good knowledge of Roman literature and thought. Latin was a crucial part of Renaissance culture. Many official documents in England were written in Latin until the 16th century and an understanding of Latin was a part of education in England until well into the 20th century. Whilst this module does not include any passages of continuous original Latin, it provides the necessary groundwork for those who continue their study of the language. Students generally go on to the module Latin Language and Literature and read three authors of classical Latin. For those who are studying aspects of the Renaissance, there is usually a reading class covering a variety of renaissance authors which is designed to follow on from this module.
Aims and objectives This module aims to introduce a complete beginner to some of the basic grammatical structures of Latin through graded exercises and translation of adapted Latin texts. The course has a bias towards teaching an understanding of the structure of the language, as experience has shown that this provides a firm basis for further studies in the language. By the end of this module students should expect to:
know all the designated vocabulary and grammar to have developed translation skills, involving an appreciation of the different linguistic structure of this inflected language have cultivated their capacity for analytical and logical analysis have improved their grasp of English grammar appreciate the continuing influence of Latin on the English language
The classes present grammatical points in a logical and systematic order and encourage the students to consolidate their knowledge by means of exercises and reading. Practice is given in all new grammar and students are encouraged to use the help that is always available to sort out any points of difficulty as they arise. The course material has been developed in-house over the last six years, and is designed specifically for undergraduate needs at Warwick. It aims to introduce most of the essential accidence, a good proportion of the syntax in one year, and a core vocabulary of a little over 500 words in order to enable students to proceed swiftly to reading Latin authors in their second year with a degree of rigour and confidence.
Course materials The course material is largely photocopied, for which a charge is made. It is available from Suzanne in the Departmental Office at the start of the Autumn term. Once it has been purchased, students are welcome to have access to any parts of it in electronic format (Word or pdf) if they need further pages for annotation or revision.
2
In addition, students will need to buy a Latin dictionary. Any decent size one will do – for example The Bantam New College Latin and English Dictionary by John Traupman, or Pocket Oxford Latin Dictionary – by James Morwood. The latter is available electronically and has a sensible choice in range of meanings. Some students like to have a grammar book. A Latin Grammar – James Morwood, OUP is recommended since it is the one used in subsequent years of study. From time to time there will be other handouts, principally of additional exercises and revision materials.
Organization There are usually two groups which run in parallel. Allocation to a particular group will be sorted out in the first class of the year so that other commitments can be taken into account. Each group has three classes per week throughout the 24 weeks of teaching. Please note that classes continue through Week 6 in the Autumn and Spring terms, unlike some other modules in the Department. 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. A very high priority is put on regular attendance since experience has shown that this is crucial for success in the language. If you know in advance that there is a good reason why you cannot attend, please inform the lecturer by email before the class. If you fall ill on the day, please email as soon as possible after you have missed the class, and certainly before the end of the working day. Students are expected to do significant work outside classes, and are advised that they should reckon on spending an average of 1½ - 2 hours of private study between each class. This will typically divided between:
written exercises set on topics introduced in the session preparation of passages of continuous Latin learning vocabulary learning new endings consolidation of recent material
Syllabus We follow the course material. We would normally expect to make progress as follows: Autumn Term by Week 5 Chapters 1-5 by Week 10 Chapter 6-9 Spring Term by Week 5 by Week 10
Chapter 10-13 Chapter 14-17
Summer Term by Week 4 Chapters 18-20
3
Assessment There are two elements to the formal assessment. 1. Four 40 minute tests
Week 6 of the Autumn Term Week 1 of the Spring Term Week 6 of the Spring Term Week 1 of the Summer Term
These tests consist of questions whose main focus is on the grammar and vocabulary introduced in that part of the term, but they may also cover all material to date. Each test is worth 10% of the total module. Students should aim to get around 70%-80% in each of these.
2. One two-hour examination in the summer term The summer examination paper consists of two passages for translation, neither of which will have been seen before. Any new vocabulary that has not been encountered and which would be likely to cause difficulty will be given at the end of each passage. There will also be a section which focuses on grammar. Together, these are worth 60% of the module.
Advice on studying Find yourself a study buddy. Not only can you test each other on new vocabulary and noun and verb endings, but it is also very revealing to see how well you can explain a new topic to someone else. In addition to getting on top of new material, EVERY DAY you should devote a small amount of time on going over previous material. Be methodical about this. Keep a record of what you have looked back on and how secure it is. Vocabulary: you should keep a note book or equivalent list for words that you have forgotten. Noun and verb endings: make sure you can write them out quickly and accurately. When you come across an area which is not as secure as you thought, spend time rereading the explanation in the text and look over your notes again. Rework the associated exercises and check your answers from when you did them the first time. If you are still unclear seek help from the course tutor. Usually, confusion can be sorted out very quickly on a one-to-one basis. It is important that vocabulary and grammar are learnt thoroughly and at the time of setting - not left to the last minute – and that material is consolidated on a weekly basis.
Finally: your course tutor is an important resource. Do not hesitate to approach me: 4
at the end of any class at an Office Hour at any other time, by arrangement by email
[email protected]
The exam ( a note for non-1st years) The two translations in the end of year exam are marked on a traditional basis for first years only. For those in subsequent years, translations are marked on the 17 point scale in general use in the university. The criteria are: Class
Grade Point
Descriptor
Exceptional work of the highest quality, demonstrating total fluency and accuracy in Excellent 1st translating; stylish and accurate English. Work may achieve or be close to publishable standard. Flawless. First
High 1st Mid 1st
Very high quality work demonstrating excellent knowledge and understanding; very high level of accuracy. No major syntactical errors; no major omissions from translation. Some minor slips in vocabulary; not entirely capturing nuances of the original.
Low 1st High 2.1 Upper Second (2.1)
Mid 2.1
High quality work demonstrating good knowledge and understanding; high level of accuracy.
Low 2.1 High 2.2 Lower Second
Mid 2.2
Competent work, demonstrating reasonable knowledge and understanding; some errors in understanding syntax and in recalling vocabulary.
Low 2.2 High 3rd Third
Mid 3rd
Work of limited quality, demonstrating some relevant knowledge and understanding. Limited grasp of syntax; significant gaps in knowledge of vocabulary.
Low 3rd High Fail (sub Work does not meet standards required for the appropriate stage of an Honours Honours) degree. Most of the passage misunderstood or untranslated. Poor use of English. Fail
Fail Low Fail
Zero
5
Zero
Poor quality work well below the standards required for the appropriate stage of an Honours degree. Only isolated phrases understood. Work of no merit OR Absent, work not submitted, penalty in some misconduct cases
