Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025
Module CLAS40330: Latin for Research
Department: Classics and Ancient History
CLAS40330: Latin for Research
| Type | Open | Level | 4 | Credits | 30 | Availability | Available in 2024/2025 | Module Cap |
|---|
Prerequisites
- Less than one year of study of Latin as an undergraduate (or equivalent).
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- CLAS40530
Aims
- In accordance with the general aims of the MA in Classics, to promote self-motivated study of Latin as a preliminary to, and as providing an essential tool for, research in the general field of Classics and other disciplines that require knowledge of the language.
Content
- Latin, to the level of knowledge and understanding indicated under 'Subject Knowledge' below.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- The student will by the end of the module have sufficient knowledge of Latin to enable him or her to read original sources in the language with the requisite aids (dictionaries, grammars, commentaries) to hand.
Subject-specific Skills:
- The student will acquire basic reading skills in Latin.
Key Skills:
- Students taking this module might have no prior knowledge of an ancient or modern language. The learning of Latin will allow them to develop their linguistic skills, as well as building their skills as independent researchers.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Teaching will be by regular classes in Michaelmas and Epiphany terms and revision sessions in Easter term. Classes will be structured around reading, formative exercises, and engagement by the teacher with questions and problems raised by the student and arising from his or her private study. The emphasis, as appropriate in a Level 4 module, will be on self-study, guided by the teacher.
- Formative assessment will be based on language exercises, of various sorts, and appropriate to the progressive learning of a language, completed on a regular basis throughout the year.
- The summative assessment process will test the student's ability to '... read original sources in the language with the requisite aids (dictionaries, grammars, commentaries) to hand. The process will consist of two examinations, completed unseen (but with dictionaries, grammars and commentaries as appropriate): the first, lasting two hours, at the beginning of Epiphany term, will focus on morphological and linguistic analysis. The second, lasting two hours in the Easter term, will focus on applied analytical and translation skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | 30 | An alternating pattern of 1 x 2 hour and 2 x 2 hours classes per fortnight in Michaelmas and Epiphany terms. | 2 hours | 60 | ■ |
| Revision Sessions | 3 | Three times during the first week of Easter term. | 1 hour | 3 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 237 | ||||
| Total | 300 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Written Examination | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written Examination (Epiphany Term) | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Component: Written Examination | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written Examination (Easter Term) | 2 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Regular formative exercises in Michaelmas and Epiphany terms.
■ 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