Advanced Latin Authors B

Teacher(s)

Kachuck Aaron;

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

In 2026–2027, the theme of course LGLOR1732 will be "An Enchanted World, Its Joys and Its Sorrows." Based on reading the texts in the original language (translation, commentary, and contextualization), we will study Virgil’s Eclogues in Q1 (as well as his Georgics for LAFR/CLAS students), and in Q2, the episode known as the "Tale of Cupid and Psyche" from Apuleius' Metamorphoses (IV, 28–VI, 24). Roman authors inhabit a world that (sometimes) responds to their songs—but is this a source of pleasure alone, or of anxiety as well? What role is played by the relationship between city and countryside, shepherds and the prince, Italian reality and the memories of an imaginary Greece, or between humans, gods, and the other spirits that inhabit their universe?

Teaching methods

Seminar including translation, interpretation and discussion. The translations and interpretations prepared by the student might be corrected and commented during the course. If necessary specific points of grammar will be revised. The course might also include contributions from invited scholars.

Evaluation methods

The overall weighting of the evaluation varies according to the student’s degree program.
A. Non-CLAS / LAFR Students
The final course grade is based on the material covered across both semesters:

• Semester 1 (60% of final grade): 40% Continuous Assessment + 60% Exam Period Written Exam.
  
• Semester 2 (40% of final grade): 40% Continuous Assessment + 60% Exam Period Written Exam.
  

B. CLAS / LAFR Students
For students in Classics (CLAS) and French & Ancient Languages/Literatures (LAFR), the evaluation incorporates the lecture cursive requirement (an oral exam held during the January exam session):

• Lecture Cursive (30% of final grade): Oral exam during the January session.
  
• Semester 1 Course Material (42% of final grade): 40% Continuous Assessment + 60% Exam Period Written Exam.
  
• Semester 2 Course Material (28% of final grade): 40% Continuous Assessment + 60% Exam Period Written Exam.
  

Assessment Format:

• Continuous Assessment: In-class tests focus primarily on translation and grammar questions (though they may also include contextual questions).
  
• Session Written Exams (January / June): These focus primarily on analytic questions (textual analysis, commentary, and interpretation).
  

Resit and Second Session Protocols

• Retaking Semester 1 Assessment in June (Q1 redux in Q2):
  If a student needs to retake the Semester 1 material during the June session, they must:
  
  1. Complete the regular Semester 2 assessments.
     
  2. Retake the entire Semester 1 evaluation as an oral exam.
     
• August/September Session (Second Chance S1 + S2):
  For students whose weighted overall average at the end of the June session is below the passing mark (10/20), the second session evaluation will take place as an oral exam, maintaining the same relative weighting as during the academic year (S1/S2).
  

N.B.: Evaluation for students enrolled in specific or joint-degree programs may be subject to adjustments according to their degree requirements.

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: In the event of unexcused absences from two or more evaluations, the course instructor may, pursuant to Article 72 of the RGEE, propose to the examination committee that a student be barred from registering for the June or September session.

Online resources

Via the Moodle site of the course

Bibliography

Virgil. (2025). Bucoliques / Virgile ; texte établi par E. de Saint-Denis ; traduction d’Anne Videau ; introduction, commentaire et annotations d’Hélène Casanova-Robin. (E. de Saint-Denis & H. Casanova-Robin, Éds.; A. Videau, Trans.; Troisième tirage.). Belles Lettres. ~22 euros. Disponible à La Duc.
L’édition Teubner de Silvia Ottaviano (De Gruyter 2013 ; avec G.B. Conte pour les Géorgiques), disponible en pdf sur Moodle, et aussi à imprimer à La Duc.

Teaching materials

• Voir le site du cours sous la rubrique "Ressources en ligne"

Faculty or entity

> EHAC