Module overview
The ability to understand Latin enables direct access to a wealth of primary source material across a vast chronological span, from the ancient world to the early modern period, on subjects ranging from history and literature to philosophy and science. ‘Latin I’ will equip you with the ability to comprehend basic Latin, while acquiring a useful range of common vocabulary and practising the rudiments of Latin syntax and grammar. By the end of the module, you will be able to translate simple passages from Latin to English, and to apply your knowledge of the language to draw conclusions about the structure and purpose of a text. All linguistic content is introduced with accompanying discussion of the literary and/or societal contexts in which it was used.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- use experiences of overcoming language-learning difficulties to develop a confident and resilient approach to other academic challenges.
- start evidencing intercultural competence via a range of communication skills.
- apply learning, time-management, and organisational skills, notably mnemonic skills.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- develop problem-solving skills to tackle challenging linguistic problems independently.
- extract and synthesise key information from Latin sources.
- engage in analytical and evaluative thinking appropriate to Latin sources.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- sufficient vocabulary and idiomatic expression to translate simple Latin-English accurately.
- sufficient grammatical metalanguage to analyse and draw conclusions about the syntax of a Latin sentence.
- basic Latin, such that you can extract information from a text (presented orally or in writing).
Syllabus
This module will integrate topics and specialist cultural, grammatical, and linguistic knowledge appropriate for students with no prior experience of learning the Latin language. Course books, reference material, and topic-based material will be used as appropriate. Much of the material will be derived from authentic textual and epigraphic media. The pace of in-person classes will be responsive and tailored to the participants. Independent learning material will be available in the relevant self-access area, via the Library, and on Blackboard.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Classes
Although part of any class session is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation and you will be expected to take part actively in discussion and in tasks like small group and pair work. The tutor will give you plenty of support to build your confidence and, particularly in the case of assessed work, will provide feedback which will help you to improve.
Independent Learning
You will also be expected to spend time studying outside the class, and we provide guidance, facilities and materials to help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. As you progress through the language stages you will learn to understand, monitor and improve your own learning style; you will also acquire some expertise as a researcher and develop the kind of key skills which are valued by employers.
For this module, you will be asked to consolidate your class work by learning vocabulary and structures and by reading material in the target language, by preparing exercises and activities for the class, writing assignments, undertaking projects and continuing to build a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 62 |
| Follow-up work | 24 |
| Tutorial | 36 |
| Revision | 24 |
| Completion of assessment task | 4 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Ashdowne and Morwood (2012). Writing Latin. Bristol.
Morwood (1999). Latin Grammar. Oxford.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
In-class Test
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 80% |
| In-class Test | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assessment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External