Unit information: Latin B2 in 2014/15

Unit name	Latin B2
Unit code	CLAS30014
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. O'Gorman
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Latin B1 or equivalent
Co-requisites	None.
School/department	Department of Classics & Ancient History
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This course introduces students to a range of skills in independent reading and analysis of Latin literature. We will be looking at the second half of the first book of Livy's Ab urbe condita, an account of the Tarquin dynasty, the bloody reign of the last three kings, and the institution of liberty and the consulship at Rome in 510 BC. Students will be introduced to the different resources available to for interpretation; lexica, translations, commentaries and word search tools. Emphasis will be on close analysis of specific passages, exploring the different links between our grammatical understanding of the text and our literary appreciation of the narrative. The extracts we will read direct our attention to the representation of ideal rulers and tyrants in Roman history, to the theme of good and bad foreigners at Rome, to the exemplary use of history, and to the narrative’s interaction with the genre of tragedy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will have (1) developed their knowledge of the Latin language through the reading of classical Latin prose; (2) developed and practised techniques of independent reading of Latin, including the use of dictionaries and commentaries; (3) developed a good understanding of the issues of translation and interpretation of Latin literature.

Teaching Information

Seminars

Assessment Information

2 x class tests (25% each) and 1 x practical criticism (50%) each assessing (1) students’ knowledge of the Latin language through the reading of classical Latin prose; (2) abilities in independent reading of Latin, including using dictionaries and commentaries; (3) skills in the translation and interpretation of Latin literature.

Reading and References

Useful resources are

• C.T. Lewis Elementary Latin Dictionary, Oxford University Press
• Kennedy's Revised Latin Primer, Longman
• H.E. Gould & J.L. Whiteley Livy book I, Bristol Classical Press

Students may also access the text and dictionary via Perseus.

Further translations and commentary will be available on Blackboard.

To be read in Latin:

• Livy Book 1, chapters 34-42; 46-49; 53-60 (800 lines)

Students should also read all of Livy Book 1 in English.