Translation and explanation of Latin texts

Teacher(s)

Xhardez Didier;

Language

French

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

At the end of the course, the students should be able: 1. to master the bases - of nominal and verbal morphology of classical Latin; - of the syntax of classical Latin (case and clause syntax); - of the lexis of classical Latin (about 800 words); 2. to apply correctly these linguistic notions in the exploitation of Latin texts provided with their translation and in the personal translation of Latin texts (elementary annotated texts); 3. to master the cultural data that are necessary to the understanding and comment of Latin texts studied in class.

Content

The course will be based on the study of important excerpts of different works of Latin literature (one prose text and one poem). The course is a methodical and structured summary of the bases of morphology and syntax of classical Latin. The implementation of this knowledge will be aroused during different translation exercises. The course provides the students also with the basic essentials of cultural data (historical, literary, stylistic) that are necessary to the comprehension and comment of studied Latin texts. It will focus on the development of a relevant translation approach, which can be applied to any Latin excerpt that has not been studied in class. It will also be concerned with a good use of the dictionary and grammar. The course organises a progressive learning of a basic lexis. Besides, a webpage devoted to the course will be available on eSaintLouis: there the students may download different documents (texts, notes, exercises, correct versions) and ask their questions on the interactive forum.

Teaching methods

The theoretical notions are explained by the professor during the lecture and are based on a written support provided to the students. The participation of the students is always required: occasional exercises in class; preparation of the following courses; they may ask any question in class; they have the possibility, in the beginning of each course to ask questions concerning the previous courses.
Exercises will be proposed in order to implement the studied notions.

Evaluation methods

Conditions of the formative assessment:
Several approaches should enable the students to assess their progress:
- preparations of the following courses;
- exercises provided by the professor;
- questions handed out to the professor;
- tests may be organised at the end of a course sequence;
- resort to Latin software’s (University library - Internet).

Conditions of the summative assessment:
Written examination implementing the aimed objectives (see above) on:
1) Latin excerpts studied in class or at home by the students (cursory reading);
2) An unstudied excerpt of one of the works studied in class;
3) A short unstudied text to translate (elementary level, notes).

Other information

Supports:
- A file that includes the texts to be worked on;
- Grammatical mementos;
- A basic lexis: "Lexique alphabétique latin - français" by A.-M. Boxus and D. Longrée (1996);
- A reference grammar: A. -M. BOXUS et M. LAVENCY, CLAVIS, Paris-Gembloux, 3rd ed., 1999;
- A webpage devoted to the course on eSaintLouis.

Bibliography

Les éditions de la Collection des Universités de France (dite « Collection Budé ») des œuvres étudiées.
Ouvrages relatifs à la littérature latine (bibliographie fournie en début de cours).

Faculty or entity

> PHLB