Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module THEO1941: Medieval Latin

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO1941: Medieval Latin

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2015/16 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce students to Medieval Latin, particularly that of the Vulgate and of theological and liturgical texts produced and used throughout the Middle Ages, and equip them with the basic tools of translation.
  • To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of Christian theological texts in Latin at level 2.
  • To equip students with skills and knowledge ancilliary to other modules that they are taking or will take.

Content

  • This course aims to help the absolute beginner, with no knowledge of Latin (whether classical or medieval), to master the elements of the language and to acquire the ability to read relatively simple Christian scriptural, theological and liturgical texts in Latin. The grammar used will be John F. Collins’s A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin (Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America, repr. 1988), which will be supplemented with exercises supplied in class.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Basic knowledge of the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Medieval Latin.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • The ability to identify and understand various grammatical forms.
  • The ability to translate, read, and understand basic texts in the original Latin.
Key Skills:
  • Generic linguistic skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Grammar and Translation Classes introduce students to the language and the relevant texts, convey information, and enable students to develop their linguistic skills in a supportive environment.
  • In-class quizzes and translation exercises, as modes of formative assessment, enable staff and students to assess progress in learning of the language, and to identify areas for remedial work. • Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and especially subject-specific skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Grammar and Translation classes 44 twice a week 1.5 hours 66
Preparation 133
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Midterm examination (written) Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Midterm examination 1.5 hrs 100%
Component: Final examination Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Final examination 3 hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

<enter text as appropriate for the module>


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University