This biannual learning unit is being organized in 2025-2026
Teacher(s)
Language
French
> English-friendly
> English-friendly
Prerequisites
LGLOR1731 et LGLOR1732, or equivalent level
Main themes
In-depth and interactive analysis of a selection of representative works of classical or late 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 or late Latin literature; |
| 2 | produce an argumentative commentary on one or more works of Latin literature, including literary, historical and stylistic considerations; |
| 3 | conduct personal research as an extension of the course. |
Content
The theme of this course in 2025-2026 is ‘Cultural and Climate Crisis in Claudian's Time: A Reading of De Raptu Proserpinae’. We will study the innovative qualities of this epic by placing it in conversation with earlier works of Latin and Greek literature, with other works of Latin literature of its time, and with the social, political, and religious contexts of its time, including the closure of the Eleusinian mysteries. The relationship between polytheistic and Christian uses of epic forms will also be considered. Thanks to an innovative collaborative format, set up in coordination with UGent and specialists in multilingual education, this course (given in French but also with facilities in English) also serves as a reflective model for inter-institutional pedagogy.
Teaching methods
The course consists of seminar discussions, led by the course coordinator. Students must come to class having read (and, where necessary, translated) the documents that will be discussed, as discussion will be at the heart of this seminar. There will also be collaborative sessions with counterparts from UGent, including both online preparation sessions and a mandatory final presentation and discussion session during a study day to be held in Ghent during the last weeks of the semester, the date of which will be announced in class. Transport will be provided.
Evaluation methods
The final grade comprises the following elements:
a) continuous assessment in the form of a group-presentation of UCLouvain and Ghent students at a Workshop planned to be held in Ghent in the final weeks of Q1 (50%). Further information on these presentations and their preparation (including linguistic specifications, which will allow for the use of French for those who so wish) will be provided in the first weeks of Q1, and the preparatory work will be accompanied by the titulaire throughout Q1. Students must make themselves available for the day and time of the Workshop, which is a required part of the course. Note that there is normally one grade for the group; however, in cases where there is clear disparity between levels of contribution, the titulaire reserves the right to assign different marks to different members of the group.
b) In-session written examination, consisting of a translation of one or more passages from Latin into French taken from the course readings (25%) and questions requiring identification and discussion of select passages (25%).
It is imperative that students try to succeed in the January session, thus avoiding as far as possible having to sit or re-sit the exam in the August/September session.
For those presenting the exam during the August/September session, all aspects of the course must be represented. In lieu of the presentation, a written document (16.000-18.500 characters spaces included) must present a text or theme (to be determined with the professor of the course), and offers a personal and scientific reading of this text or theme in light of material studied during this course (40%). This document must be e-mailed to the course instructor before the start of the August session. Even if the original presentation was made, or was intended to be made, as a group, for this session all papers must be written and submitted individually. The exam for the August/September session will take the form of an oral exam, with the same basic format as the written exam, covering the translation (and possibly also grammar and syntax questions) as well as a discussion of a question and one or more passages on the basis of a critical question(s), as well as questions on the written work (60%).
a) continuous assessment in the form of a group-presentation of UCLouvain and Ghent students at a Workshop planned to be held in Ghent in the final weeks of Q1 (50%). Further information on these presentations and their preparation (including linguistic specifications, which will allow for the use of French for those who so wish) will be provided in the first weeks of Q1, and the preparatory work will be accompanied by the titulaire throughout Q1. Students must make themselves available for the day and time of the Workshop, which is a required part of the course. Note that there is normally one grade for the group; however, in cases where there is clear disparity between levels of contribution, the titulaire reserves the right to assign different marks to different members of the group.
b) In-session written examination, consisting of a translation of one or more passages from Latin into French taken from the course readings (25%) and questions requiring identification and discussion of select passages (25%).
It is imperative that students try to succeed in the January session, thus avoiding as far as possible having to sit or re-sit the exam in the August/September session.
For those presenting the exam during the August/September session, all aspects of the course must be represented. In lieu of the presentation, a written document (16.000-18.500 characters spaces included) must present a text or theme (to be determined with the professor of the course), and offers a personal and scientific reading of this text or theme in light of material studied during this course (40%). This document must be e-mailed to the course instructor before the start of the August session. Even if the original presentation was made, or was intended to be made, as a group, for this session all papers must be written and submitted individually. The exam for the August/September session will take the form of an oral exam, with the same basic format as the written exam, covering the translation (and possibly also grammar and syntax questions) as well as a discussion of a question and one or more passages on the basis of a critical question(s), as well as questions on the written work (60%).
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 cheating.
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.
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 cheating.
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
Voir 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
Certificat universitaire en littérature
Master [60] in Ancient and Modern Languages and Literatures
Master [120] in History
Master [120] in Ancient and Modern Languages and Literatures
Certificat universitaire en langue, littérature et civilisation latines
Master [60] in Ancient Languages and Literatures : Classics
Master [120] in Ancient Languages and Literatures: Classics
Master [120] of Education, Section 4 : Ancient Greek and Latin
Master [120] of Education, Section 4 : French