Latin For Medievalists
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| HIST4066 | History | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- HIST4066
- School
- History
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
This module provides a structured introductory overview of Latin grammar and vocabulary, with special attention to the forms of the language used in different types of medieval documentary text. In each class, students read sentences taken from real Latin texts; there will also be opportunities for students to bring along examples of texts they are reading for other modules (in particular their dissertation) for guidance on interpretation and translation.
Intended primarily for MA students in History, the module may also be audited by PhD students who have not previously had an opportunity to learn Latin. Since the main focus of the module is linguistic, it will be accessible to subsidiary students from other departments even if they have undertaken no previous study of Medieval History.
Target Students
Available to all MA History students
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 11 weeks
Test - 2 weeks - 1 per week - 1.5hours
Assessment
- 50% In-class test: In-class test (90 mins) - translation of two passages, grammar questions.
- 50% In-class test 2: In-class test (90 mins) - translation of two passages, grammar questions.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
This module introduces students to Latin vocabulary, accidence and syntax, with special focus on those features most prominent in medieval documentary texts.It will help students to identify and translate common formulaic phrases, to extract key information from texts, and to become familiar with a range of technical terms (both Latin and English) in such areas as medieval law, currency, land-measurement and dating conventions.The module also aims to give students sufficient knowledge about grammatical terminology and available reference works to enable them to use such reference works effectively in their future studies.Learning Outcomes
KNOWLEDGE: Students will demonstrate knowledge of
• declensions of Latin nouns (including personal names) and conjugation of verbs;
• formulaic phrases used in medieval Latin documents;
• a range of grammatical terminology.
INTELLECTUAL SKILLS: Students will demonstrate an ability to
• discuss the grammatical structure of a sentence;
• draw on their experience of the language to hypothesise meanings, resolve ambiguities and present alternative interpretations;
• deal with erratic spelling and unconventional grammar;
• connect features of Latin with those in English and other modern languages.
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: Students will develop
• their ability to locate appropriate reference materials;
• their skills in interpreting information found in reference works.
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS:
• analysis and explanation of grammatical points;
• extraction of key information from a passage of text;
• precision of expression in writing (here demonstrated through accurate translation);
• managing a systematic programme of independent language revision.