CX 101, 201, 301

depending on year of study.

2021/22

Module convenors: Alessandra Tafaro (T1-2); Victoria Rimell (T3)

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Introduction

This module builds upon Latin Language CX115 module and gives the opportunity to read continuous extracts from original authors. Students need to have a sound basis to enrol on the module: second year students will need to have completed the Latin Language module in a satisfactory manner, generally with at least 70% or with a decent showing in a placement test.

This module is also studied by first year undergraduates on the Classical Civilisation or Ancient History courses who have studied Latin at A level but did not achieve the A grade necessary for the module Latin Literary Texts. Anyone else who is interested should discuss their position with the module tutor.

 

Syllabus

Term 1: We will complete the course book Familia Romana by Hans Ørberg (studied in our Latin Language module), and begin reading some short passages of original Latin for unseen work. Those students who have not come to this module via the introductory Latin Language module will need to purchase Familia Romana. Although we will deal with points of grammar as they occur, one hour per week will be dedicated to grammar and syntax.

Term 2: We will read Cicero In Catilinam I, using the Bristol Classical Press edition with notes and vocabulary by H.E.Gould and J.L.Whiteley. Please purchase this in advance.

Cicero: In Catilinam I and II (Latin Texts) Cicero: Bristol Classical Press (bloomsbury.com)

We will also read some epigrams by Martial, using The Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics commentary by Lindsay and Patricia Watson (2003). The text and extracts of commentary on select epigrams will be provided, so there is no need for you to purchase the book.

Please also make sure that you have your own copy of a grammar reference book ( Morwood's Oxford Grammar of Classical Latin, or Kennedy's Revised Latin Primer) and a desktop Latin dictionary (not a pocket dictionary), e.g. the Chambers-Murray desktop Latin-English dictionary, or Morwood's desktop Oxford Latin Dictionary. If in doubt, please ask the module tutor.

Organisation

There are three hours of tuition a week for this module. We will complete the course book Familia Romana by Ørberg in the first term, and begin reading some short passages of original Latin. In the second term, we will focus on Cicero In Catilinam I, and you should purchase the edition in advance (see above).

Weekly classes need to be backed up by a significant amount of independent study. You should expect to:

• spend 2-3 hours between each class on independent study
• revise for exams over the Christmas and Easter vacations,
• set aside time for 300 hours of study over the year in total

Attendance is required at all classes, unless there is a very good reason you cannot attend. If you have appointment you cannot miss, please discuss this in advance. If you are ill, you should email as soon as possible (on the day) giving a brief explanation of why you could not attend. In the absence of any such email, attendance will be noted as unauthorised in the register. Our experience is that regular attendance is the single most important factor for success on this module.

 

Drop-in sessions

Drop-in sessions are an important part of the module, offering students the opportunity to sort out areas of uncertainty as the module progresses. Often a quick, well-directed question can sort things out quickly and put your mind at rest. Drop-in sessions are particularly important where you have missed a class. You are expected to do the work which is always set out on Moodle, but you should use a drop-in session to check on anything you have not understood.

This module runs each year.