MO5017 Latin for Early Modern History 1

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Module description

The three tiers of teaching (beginners, intermediate, and translation) provide suitable levels of engagement with Latin for students with earlier or no experience. The beginners' class covers the fundamentals of Latin grammar and syntax; gives practice in translating separate sentences, short Latin passages written specifically for the class; passages of genuine Latin taken from a wide variety of sources including the Vulgate, the Church Fathers, Medieval, and later historians, hymns, and popular verses; surveys various types of Latin literature from late antiquity to the eighteenth century, Latin as a spoken language, pronunciation, and the advantages of Latin as a lingua franca; translation techniques. The intermediate class offers revision and consolidation of the above, introducing students to more complex aspects of grammar and syntax. The advanced translation class uses authors of verse and prose, analyses Latin styles, includes translation into Latin as well as from Latin into English, and offers exercises in recognising and correcting mistakes in modern published authors' versions of Latin texts, and in improving other versions and in correctly transcribing and translating manuscript material.

Intended learning outcomes

• Develop their skills in translating Latin
• Increase their understanding of Latin grammar and syntax
• Prepare for Masters and doctoral research that uses Latin texts
• Gain familiarity with Latin sources of a variety of forms