Historical Linguistics of Latin

Teacher(s)

Meunier Nicolas;

Language

French

Prerequisites

LGLOR1331 et LGLOR1332, or equivalent level

Main themes

In-depth study of specific issues in synchronic or diachronic linguistics of Latin, with particular attention to Imperial and Late Latin.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	develop a linguistic reflection on questions and issues related to the Latin language;
2	identify, explain and illustrate different stages of evolution of the Latin language.

Content

This Master's specialisation seminar will consist of two modules.
The first one (30h) will deal with the following topics:

• The Latin metric (deep rules of the hexameter, as well as characteristics of the iambo-trochaic and aeolic verses).
• Selected chapters of questions of Latin linguistics, intended to illustrate the evolutions of Latin in the post-classical period (imperial and late Latin).

The second module (15 hours) will consist of a commented reading of a work of pre-classical language (in this case significant extracts from Tacitus’ work).
At the same time, students will read a long Latin text independently (cursive reading). This year it will be significant extracts from Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius.

Teaching methods

Alternating interactive class sessions and practical work.

Evaluation methods

The evaluation of the learning outcomes will take place as follows:
- Practical sessions (including metric exercises and steady versions), which will be worth one fifth of the final grade (4/20). In case of failure in this part, a complementary test (version) will have to be presented at the September session.
- Written test of theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired during the course. This test will be worth two fifths of the final mark (8/20). It will take place in the June session. In case of failure, the remedial test will be held at the September session under the same conditions.
- Oral test to check mastery of cursive reading. This test will be worth two fifths of the final mark (8/20). It will take place in the June session. In case of failure, the remedial test will be held at the September session under the same conditions.

Bibliography

Quelques ouvrages de référence (liste non exhaustive) :

• ADAMS J.N. (2013), Social variation and the Latin language, Cambridge: Cambridge university press.
• Califf D. J., A Guide to Latin Meter and Verse Composition, Londres : Anthem Press, 2002.
• CLACKSON J. (2007), The Blackwell history of the Latin language, Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.
• Crusius F., Römische Metrik. Eine Einführung, 8e éd. revue par Rubenbauer H., Munich : Max Hueber Verlag, 1986 [1967].
• ERNOUT A. (1953), Morphologie historique du latin, 3 éd., Paris: Klincksieck.
• LURAGHI S. et BUBENÍK V.t. (2013), Bloomsbury companion to historical linguistics, London ; New York: Bloomsbury Academic, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing. Plc (Bloomsbury companions).
• Magno P., Principi di metrica latina, Fasano di Brindisi : Schena editore, 2003.
• MEILLET A. (1952), Esquisse d'une histoire de la langue latine, Paris: Klincksieck.
• NOUGARET L. (1986), Traité de métrique latine classique, 4 éd., Paris: Klincksieck.
• WEISS M.L. (2009), Outline of the historical and comparative grammar of Latin, Ann Arbor: Beech Stave press.

Faculty or entity

EHAC