Objectives
The course aims to: -develop and encourage students' interest in the languages, literature and culture of the classical world, by providing a broadly based and challenging curriculum including course-units that are innovative and stimulating, informed by the research expertise of the teaching staff, and examined by a range of methods of assessment; -to enable students to read an ever-growing range of ancient authors in the original, with accuracy, fluency and enjoyment; -provide students with progressive language courses in Latin, starting from elementary, intermediate or advanced level, consolidating any existing knowledge of the language(s) and developing particularly reading knowledge but also some active competence and other language-based and language-related skills; -train students in the methods, techniques and approaches necessary for the critical study of Latin literature, based on extensive reading of classical texts, studied both in the original language(s) and in translation; -help students to work independently and to organise effectively their own schedules of personal study; -produce graduates with the transferable cognitive skills necessary to equip them for employment, postgraduate study, or further training.
Course description
Course description
The Latin programme is based on the study of Latin language and literature in each of the three years of study. It is taken by students who begin the language at University (programme 2) as well as those who already have it at A-level (programme 1). Where appropriate, the texts for literary and historical course units are studied in the original language. There is a wide range of styles of teaching, including lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials and virtual seminars via the web. In particular, we encourage students to involve themselves under guidance in independent study and original research.
Course content for year 1
Please note that reference to modules is intended to be a guide only - course content or availability may change slightly as we aim to improve and update our courses yearly.
In your first year you will study three core units covering Latin language, Latin literature and Roman history. In addition, you will study two further course units from Classics & Ancient History - first year topics available include Youth, Love & Rome; Studies in Latin Literature; Latin, Greek & Indo-European - an introduction to Philology; Greek Drama; Greek Language and further Latin literature. Finally, you will study one subject from the list of Classics-approved courses. The list of Classics-approved courses covers:
Archaeology, eg. Roman Britain, Aspects of Neolithic & Bronze Age in Atlantic Europe;
History of Art, eg. The Human Figure & Western Art, Greek/Roman Art & Architecture;
Middle Eastern Studies, eg. Aramaic/Syriac Language, The Middle East before Islam;
Philosophy, eg. Ancient Philosophy, Plato;
Religions & Theology, eg. The Rise of Christianity, The World of the Ancient Israelites
Course content for year 2
In the second year you will study two courses in Latin language and literature. In addition, you choose to study four course units - either from available Classics courses or from the list of Classics-approved courses. You can also opt to study a free-choice course unit which can be chosen from a wide range of courses within the University.
Course content for year 3
Please note that reference to modules is intended to be a guide only - course content or availability may change slightly as we aim to improve and update our courses yearly.
In your final year you complete your study of Latin language with a final course unit. In addition, you will study four course units either from within Classics & Ancient History (topics in the final year may include courses such as Hellenisation: The Roman Outlook; Roman Love Elegy and other courses on Latin and Greek history and literature) or from the list of Classics-approved courses. Finally, you will write a thesis on a subject of your choice - the thesis is your chance to carry out your own independent study of the classical past.
Career opportunities
A classical degree (especially one including a language element) opens many doors and is highly prized by employers. We see our graduates take up jobs in museum or gallery management, publishing, the media, the Civil Service, industry, banking, accountancy, retail management and law, as well as teaching.
