This biannual learning unit is being organized in 2023-2024
Teacher(s)
Language
French
Prerequisites
LGLOR1230
Main themes
Reading and commentary of a selection of representative works of classical Latin literature, according to a given theme.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 | translate into literary French representative texts of classical Latin literature; |
| 2 | produce an argumentative commentary on one or more works of Latin literature, including literary, historical and stylistic considerations. |
Content
The theme of this year's course is "The Anthropocene and Latin Literature: Man, Nature, World".
Q1 studies in detail (morphological, syntactical, rhetorical, structural, intratextual, intertextual and philosophical) the Latin text of Catullus' longest poem, poem 64, also known as Catullus' epyllion ("mini-epic"), or the "Wedding of Peleus and Thetis". It also raises major questions about the history of how we talk about the ecological crisis and its relationship to questions of political economy. Basically, the poem explains why humans now live at a distance from the gods, while simultaneously calling into question the periodization implied by such a historical model. An essential element of the human "crime" that seems to cause the rupture between gods and men is the transition from myth to history, from nature to culture, accomplished through technological innovation exemplified in the first instance of sea travel, which the poem posits (in part) as the voyage of the Argonauts. What is a world without humans? How does human behavior affect the world, and what are the consequences for human society? How does Catullus' representation of nature in this poem fit into the broader program of his poetic works? How does Catullus' view of nature compare with the representation found in other contemporary works of the late Republic, in particular Cicero and Lucretius?
Q2 turns to a later prose text that also raises questions about man's relationship to nature, Apuleius' Metamorphoses, and in particular the Tale of Cupid and Psyche.
A granular and structural study of extracts from these two works will be contextualized by further readings in translation. The course will combine close reading and literary analysis, as well as attention to religious, cultural and political contexts.
Q1 studies in detail (morphological, syntactical, rhetorical, structural, intratextual, intertextual and philosophical) the Latin text of Catullus' longest poem, poem 64, also known as Catullus' epyllion ("mini-epic"), or the "Wedding of Peleus and Thetis". It also raises major questions about the history of how we talk about the ecological crisis and its relationship to questions of political economy. Basically, the poem explains why humans now live at a distance from the gods, while simultaneously calling into question the periodization implied by such a historical model. An essential element of the human "crime" that seems to cause the rupture between gods and men is the transition from myth to history, from nature to culture, accomplished through technological innovation exemplified in the first instance of sea travel, which the poem posits (in part) as the voyage of the Argonauts. What is a world without humans? How does human behavior affect the world, and what are the consequences for human society? How does Catullus' representation of nature in this poem fit into the broader program of his poetic works? How does Catullus' view of nature compare with the representation found in other contemporary works of the late Republic, in particular Cicero and Lucretius?
Q2 turns to a later prose text that also raises questions about man's relationship to nature, Apuleius' Metamorphoses, and in particular the Tale of Cupid and Psyche.
A granular and structural study of extracts from these two works will be contextualized by further readings in translation. The course will combine close reading and literary analysis, as well as attention to religious, cultural and political contexts.
Teaching methods
Seminar including both translation and discussion. The translations prepared by the student will be corrected and commented during the course. If necessary specific grammar points will be revised.
Evaluation methods
Q1
Ongoing assessment through in-class translation tests (50% of Q1). These tests may also include grammar questions. The test with the lowest mark will be withdrawn and the final mark for this section will be the average of the remaining marks. NB: Only officially excused absences (e.g. a certificate of illness) entitle the student to a make-up test by appointment with the teacher; the teacher reserves the right to give these make-up tests orally rather than by written test.
In-session written examination (50% of Q1): dissertation and/or "dissertation-commentary" on one or more passages taken from the course readings (from the Main Texts in Latin and the Texts to be read at least in translation), but requiring the integration of literary, historical and stylistic knowledge acquired throughout the course.
Q2
Assignments: an essay to be e-mailed to the professor before the start of the session (50% of Q2); subjects and instructions will be presented by the course instructor in Q2.
Written exam during the June session: translation of one or more passages from Latin into French taken from the Main Latin Texts of Q2, and this exam may also include grammar questions (50% of Q2).
The final grade will be calculated on the weighted averages of Q1 (60%) and Q2 (40%).
Q1 redux in Q2
If someone wishes to re-take (or present for the first time) elements of the assessment from the January session in June, that person must in addition to the Q2 assessment also re-take or present all elements of the Q1 assessment, but this will be in the form of an oral exam. The final grade will be calculated on the weighted averages of the Q1 assessment (60%) and the Q2 assessment (40%).
It is imperative that students attempt to pass both the January and June sessions, thus avoiding as far as possible having to sit or retake the exam at the August/September session.
But if ever necessary :
Q1+Q2 redux in the August/September session
For those whose weighted average at the end of Q2 does not represent a passing grade, the assessment will take place during the August/September session, and will take the following form:
Q1: Questions of translation of Latin texts of Q1, grammar, and analysis.
Q2: Questions of translation of Latin texts of Q2, grammar, and analysis.
The final mark will be calculated on the weighted averages of Q1 (60%) and Q2 (40%).
Ongoing assessment through in-class translation tests (50% of Q1). These tests may also include grammar questions. The test with the lowest mark will be withdrawn and the final mark for this section will be the average of the remaining marks. NB: Only officially excused absences (e.g. a certificate of illness) entitle the student to a make-up test by appointment with the teacher; the teacher reserves the right to give these make-up tests orally rather than by written test.
In-session written examination (50% of Q1): dissertation and/or "dissertation-commentary" on one or more passages taken from the course readings (from the Main Texts in Latin and the Texts to be read at least in translation), but requiring the integration of literary, historical and stylistic knowledge acquired throughout the course.
Q2
Assignments: an essay to be e-mailed to the professor before the start of the session (50% of Q2); subjects and instructions will be presented by the course instructor in Q2.
Written exam during the June session: translation of one or more passages from Latin into French taken from the Main Latin Texts of Q2, and this exam may also include grammar questions (50% of Q2).
The final grade will be calculated on the weighted averages of Q1 (60%) and Q2 (40%).
Q1 redux in Q2
If someone wishes to re-take (or present for the first time) elements of the assessment from the January session in June, that person must in addition to the Q2 assessment also re-take or present all elements of the Q1 assessment, but this will be in the form of an oral exam. The final grade will be calculated on the weighted averages of the Q1 assessment (60%) and the Q2 assessment (40%).
It is imperative that students attempt to pass both the January and June sessions, thus avoiding as far as possible having to sit or retake the exam at the August/September session.
But if ever necessary :
Q1+Q2 redux in the August/September session
For those whose weighted average at the end of Q2 does not represent a passing grade, the assessment will take place during the August/September session, and will take the following form:
Q1: Questions of translation of Latin texts of Q1, grammar, and analysis.
Q2: Questions of translation of Latin texts of Q2, grammar, and analysis.
The final mark will be calculated on the weighted averages of Q1 (60%) and Q2 (40%).
Other information
English-friendly course: course taught in French but offering facilities in English.
Online resources
Via the Moodle site of the course
Bibliography
Une bibliographie est disponible en ligne via le site Moodle du cours.
Faculty or entity
Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)
Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Bachelor in Ancient Languages and Literatures : Classics
Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology : General
Bachelor in Ancient and Modern Languages and Literatures
Certificat universitaire en langue, littérature et civilisation latines
Bachelor in History of Art and Archaeology : Musicology
Minor in Medieval Studies
Minor in Antiquity: Egypt, Eastern World, Greece, Rome
Bachelor in religious studies
Bachelor in History