Latin Authors

Teacher(s)

Kachuck Aaron;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Prerequisites

4 hours of Latin during the last four years of secondary education or passing a test at the beginning of the year.

Main themes

Introduction to the reading and commentary of a selection of excerpts from classical Latin literature (in poetry and prose), based on a theme renewed each year.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	translate into correct French representative texts of classical Latin literature of medium level;
2	produce an argumentative commentary on one or more works of Latin literature, including literary, historical and stylistic considerations.

Content

Designed for students in the first semester in FIAL, this course, focused on ideologies of monarchy in the late Roman Republic, is an introduction to the work of Latin authors from the classical period in the original text. This will involve various kinds of work: translation and grammatical, linguistic, historical, literary and cultural commentary. For the translation and comprehension of Latin authors, this course will highlight the linguistic and cultural reference points for today's readers in the literary production of Latin antiquity. Course readings will include material in both poetry and prose.

Teaching methods

Interactive Lectures. In order to best achieve the pedagogical objectives of this course, all participants are expected to prepare in advance the Latin and French texts to be discussed, to allow for interactive discussions. Questions, notes, and additional passages to guide the grammatical, syntactical, literary, political, and cultural study of the course texts are included in the course materials; participants should use these questions, notes, and additional passages to prepare for class.

Evaluation methods

A written exam during the session of January covers material covered in the readings and/or in lectures, and will include a) translation of a passage or passages from Latin to French drawn from course-readings (35%) and grammatical questions on that passage or those passages (15%), and b) a ‘Guided Essay’ focused on the grammatical, syntactical, structural, and literary interpretation of a passage or passages drawn from course-readings, but also demanding integration of literary, historical, and stylistic knowledge acquired throughout the course (50%). For those eligible to retake this January exam in the June session, the June session exam will have the form of an oral exam, with the same basic format as the written exam, covering translation, grammar and syntax questions, and a presentation and discussion of a passage or passages based on a critical question or questions. The August/September term exam will have the same format as the June exam. All students are strongly encouraged to attempt the written exam in January.

Other information

English-friendly course: course taught in French but offering facilities in English.

Online resources

Please consult the Moodle for all course materials.

Bibliography

Précisée en début d'année.

Teaching materials

• Entièrement et gratuitement disponible en ligne; veuillez consulter le moodle.

Faculty or entity

FIAL