This biannual learning unit is being organized in 2025-2026
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, the World’. In the first term, we will study in detail (morphologically, syntactically, 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.’ Essentially, this poem explains why humans now live at a distance from the gods, while simultaneously questioning the periodisation implied by such a historical model. A key element of the ‘crime’ of humans that seems to cause the rift between gods and men is the transition from myth to history, from nature to culture, accomplished by 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 behaviour affect the world, and what are the consequences for human society? How does Catullus's representation of nature in this poem fit into the broader programme of his poetic works? How does Catullus's view of nature compare to the representation found in other contemporary works from the late Republic, particularly Cicero and Lucretius?
Q2 will focus on an in-depth reading of a collection of short Latin poems dealing with similar themes; the reading schedule will be announced before Q2.
A granular and structural study of Latin poems will be contextualised by other readings in translation. The course will combine close reading and literary analysis with attention to religious, cultural, and political contexts.
Q2 will focus on an in-depth reading of a collection of short Latin poems dealing with similar themes; the reading schedule will be announced before Q2.
A granular and structural study of Latin poems will be contextualised by other readings in translation. The course will combine close reading and literary analysis with 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.
Students must come to class ready to discuss the Latin to be read in that session; that means that these Latin passages must be read and translated by the students ahead of the relevant séance.
Students must come to class ready to discuss the Latin to be read in that session; that means that these Latin passages must be read and translated by the students ahead of the relevant séance.
Evaluation methods
Q1
Continuous assessment through in-class translation tests (30%). These tests may also include grammar questions. NB: Only officially excused absences (e.g., a medical certificate) entitle students to a make-up test by appointment with the professor; the professor reserves the right to administer these make-up tests orally rather than in written form.
Written exam (30%): Essay on one or more passages, and/or identification and discussion of passages, based on one or more passages from the course readings (taken 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
Continuous assessment through in-class translation tests (15%). These tests may also include grammar questions. NB: Only officially excused absences (e.g., a doctor's note) entitle students to a make-up test by appointment with the professor; the professor reserves the right to administer these make-up tests orally rather than in written form.
Written exam (25%): Essay on one or more passages, and/or identification and discussion of passages, based on one or more passages from the course readings (taken 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.
The final mark will be calculated on the basis of the above percentages.
Q1 redux in Q2
It should be noted that all students must endeavour to pass the January examination in order to avoid having to retake it. For those who fail in January, it is possible to choose between blocking the January mark (which will then be taken into account in the calculation of the final mark after the June session) or retaking the January content in June. Make-up exams will be held orally.
It is imperative that students try to pass the January and June sessions, thus avoiding as much as possible having to take or retake the exam in the August/September session.
But if this proves necessary:
Q1+Q2 redux in the August/September session
Make-up exams will be held orally. The final mark will be calculated based on the weighted averages of Q1 (60%) and Q2 (40%).
The assessment of students from different programmes may be subject to differences depending on the type of programme.
Continuous assessment through in-class translation tests (30%). These tests may also include grammar questions. NB: Only officially excused absences (e.g., a medical certificate) entitle students to a make-up test by appointment with the professor; the professor reserves the right to administer these make-up tests orally rather than in written form.
Written exam (30%): Essay on one or more passages, and/or identification and discussion of passages, based on one or more passages from the course readings (taken 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
Continuous assessment through in-class translation tests (15%). These tests may also include grammar questions. NB: Only officially excused absences (e.g., a doctor's note) entitle students to a make-up test by appointment with the professor; the professor reserves the right to administer these make-up tests orally rather than in written form.
Written exam (25%): Essay on one or more passages, and/or identification and discussion of passages, based on one or more passages from the course readings (taken 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.
The final mark will be calculated on the basis of the above percentages.
Q1 redux in Q2
It should be noted that all students must endeavour to pass the January examination in order to avoid having to retake it. For those who fail in January, it is possible to choose between blocking the January mark (which will then be taken into account in the calculation of the final mark after the June session) or retaking the January content in June. Make-up exams will be held orally.
It is imperative that students try to pass the January and June sessions, thus avoiding as much as possible having to take or retake the exam in the August/September session.
But if this proves necessary:
Q1+Q2 redux in the August/September session
Make-up exams will be held orally. The final mark will be calculated based on the weighted averages of Q1 (60%) and Q2 (40%).
The assessment of students from different programmes may be subject to differences depending on the type of programme.
Other information
English-friendly course: course taught in French but offering facilities in English.
IMPORTANT : This course follows a policy of limited use of electronic devices (including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches). Students are expected to attend each session equipped with pen or pencil, paper, and a physical copy (bound or loose-leaf) of the text under discussion.
IMPORTANT : This course follows a policy of limited use of electronic devices (including computers, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches). Students are expected to attend each session equipped with pen or pencil, paper, and a physical copy (bound or loose-leaf) of the text under discussion.
Online resources
Via the Moodle site of the course
Bibliography
Une bibliographie est disponible en ligne via le site Moodle du cours.
Teaching materials
- 1) Stylo/crayon, 2) papier (pour notes), et 3) une version papier (reliée ou non) du texte qui sera étudié
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