Independent Study Further Reading in Greek and Latin Authors (CLAM038)
This module description relates to the academic year 2011/2.
| Lecturer(s) | By arrangement |
|---|---|
| Credit Value | 30.00 |
| ECTS Value | 15.00 |
| Pre-requisites | |
| Co-requisites | CLAM039A or CLAM040A or CLAM041A or CLAM045A or CLAM056 according to the MA pathway chosen. |
| Duration of Module | Two terms |
| Total Student Study Time | 300 hours per academic year, including 6 hours tutorial guidance |
Aims
The aim of this module is to enable students with an advanced knowledge of Latin or Greek to enrich and expand their reading of key works of Greek and Latin literature which have been specifically chosen to broaden the context of their specialised work in the Classics and Ancient History Department's MA programmes and to develop their specific interests and focuses. The body of text chosen for study will correspond in length to 8 books of Homer, 2 books of a historian (Thucydides, Herodotus, Tacitus), 4 books of Latin Epic, but may be chosen from any area of classical writing subject to the approval of the MA programme director.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Module-specific skills:
On completing this module the student will acquire advanced understanding of the language, style and content of the literature studied, be able to translate it accurately and form independent judgements about its literary qualities and its significance in its generic context.
Discipline-specific skills:
Advanced linguistic mastery of Latin or Greek; ability to make an independent appraisal of an important body of literature and relate it to its social and cultural context.
Personal and key skills:
Capacity for sustained independent study; to conduct self-organised research and interpretative analysis; to present the outcome of personal study in precise and relevant critical comment; to acquire the independent ability to read extensive Classical texts in the original language.
Learning/Teaching Methods
The texts to be studied will be chosen at the start of the academic year with a view both to expanding the student's knowledge of ancient literature relevant to the chosen MA programme and to enable the development of specific interests and focuses. The main medium of study will be independent reading and study, using the best available texts, commentaries and relevant critical literature. There will be six tutorial sessions in the two semesters. These will establish the texts to be read, monitor progress and offer advice on difficulties encountered, sharpen the student's translation and critical abilities, by scrutiny and discussion of work arising from independent study, which is to be submitted in written form. In broad terms the tutorial guidance will also cover literary and cultural questions relevant to the chosen texts, and provide the student with an opportunity to discuss how these are being approached and explored.
Assignments
Students should keep a record of their own progress in the form of a bibliographical diary which should list list all the primary and secondary works consulted and give a short indication of their relevance and interest to the study programme. Students should submit samples of critical discussion (and, if appropriate, translation) for discussion at their tutorials.
Assessment
One three-hour examination (100% of module assessment) consisting of two passages for translation and four for discussion and comment, which should cover the full range of agreed reading.
Syllabus Plan
The chosen literature to be read at an even pace. There should be three tutorial meetings in the first semester, and three in the second, the last being used to prepare the student for the examination.
Indicative Basic Reading List
The Cambridge history of Classical Literature. Vol. 1 Greek (1985, eds. P. Easterling and B. Knox) Vol. 2 Latin (1982, eds. E. Kenney and W. Clausen).A. Dihle, A History of Greek Literature from Homer to the Hellenistic Period (London 1991)A. Dihle, Greek and Latin Literature of the Roman Empire from Augustus to Justinian (London 1991)
