Latin Literature Seminar

Teacher(s)

Kachuck Aaron;

Language

French

Prerequisites

LGLOR1431 or equivalent level

Main themes

In-depth study of a section of Latin literature based on a given theme.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	identify and contextualize authors and works related to the theme studied;
2	write an essay related to the year's theme, involving a selection of relevant excerpts from the works studied and including literary, historical, stylistic and cultural considerations;
3	conduct personal research as an extension of the course.

Content

In 2024-2025, the theme of this course (which is designed to instill a scholarly approach to Latin texts relating to a historical question) will be "Gods, Rituals and Storytelling in Ancient Rome: Literary Approaches". Anchored in the study and discussion of texts (accessible in translation), this course will examine the various methodologies that can be used to inform the study of Roman literature through the study of Roman rituals, and vice versa, as well as the limitations of these approaches. The course will focus on case studies from the history of Latin literature where the problem can best be addressed (e.g. Ovid's Fasti, Horace's Carmen Saeculare, the Altar of Victory as viewed by Symmachus and Prudentius).

Teaching methods

The course consists of seminar discussions, led by the course leaders as well as by seminar participants. It places the authors studied in their historical, literary and cultural context. It offers a commented reading of chosen extracts, and takes care to compare these readings with the remainder of the studied authors’ corpora, as well as with other authors and cultural domains.

Evaluation methods

Written examination during the session (100%), with short answers (identification, and commentary on short extracts from the course text in Latin), and/or essay and/or guided essay, in all cases requiring the integration of literary, historical and stylistic knowledge acquired throughout the course.
It is imperative that students attempt to pass the course in session, thus avoiding as far as possible having to retake or take for the first time the exam in the August/September session. However, should this prove necessary, for the make-up session: 
1) A written paper (between 13,000 and 15,000 characters including spaces) presenting a work or theme from the course work, analyzed using the methods and tools developed in the course. It must take the form of a scientific note, including a clear argument and a bibliography citing the relevant scientific literature on the subject. This document must be sent by e-mail to the course directors before the first day of the August session (30%).
2) An oral examination in the August/September session, which may include questions based on one or more passages and a general questions on the course texts and major course subjectrs; this oral examination may also include questions based on the written document (70%).
NB: The evaluation of students from different programs may be subject to differences depending on the type of program.

Other information

English-friendly course: course taught in French but offering facilities in English.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) must be used responsibly and in accordance with the practices of academic and scientific integrity. Scientific integrity requires that sources be cited, and the use of AI must always be reported. The use of artificial intelligence for tasks where it is explicitly forbidden will be considered as fraud and/or cheating.

Online resources

A selection of reading material will be available on Moodle.

Faculty or entity

> EHAC