This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module THEO1941: Medieval Latin

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO1941: Medieval Latin

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	1	20	Not available in 2015/2016	None.	Durham

Pre-requisites

None

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combinations

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

Formative Assessment

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.