Learning outcomes

lafr2m  2017-2018  Louvain-la-Neuve

The Master [120] in “in Ancient and Modern Languages and Letters” trains specialists in the study of the French and Latin languages, both as regards their rules of operation and their development, and their literary output, not to mention the cultures to which they are connected.
In Latin, they will also acquire the ability to translate advanced texts with ease. They will also master the relationships between the two languages studied, in particular by demonstrating how Latin persists in French and what the latter has inherited from the former. This master additionally involves a judicious use of the different literary genres listed in the two fields with a view to producing precise and rigorous analyses combining healthy intellectual independence and a strong critical mind-set. The challenge for students is to demonstrate, on the basis of their critical mind-set, how the building blocks of their maternal language contributed to and developed the evolution of a language which is preeminent in modern society.

On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :

1. Master the different aspects of how the French and Latin languages operate (grammar, vocabulary, phonetics, syntax, phraseology, semantics and stylistics).

1.1. Attain expert knowledge of two modern and ancient languages including their vocabulary, grammar (morphology and syntax), their stylistics and rhetoric, both in their synchronous operation and their diachronic development.
1.2. Become highly expert in French and Latin, in the different levels of linguistic analysis (phonetics and phonology, vocabulary and phraseology, syntax, semantics, text and speech).
1.3. Apply knowledge of vocabulary and grammar to Latin texts looked at during the course or individually, on the basis of different activities (translations into and out of the language studied, individual research, argumentative essays, preparation of oral presentations and production of written work).
1.4. Define the links which exist, both now and in the past, between the two linguistic, literary and cultural spheres studied.

2. Rigorously situate, analyse and interpret the different literary periods and genres in Latin and French in an in-depth manner from an historical, stylistic and thematic point of view.

2.1. Have an in-depth knowledge of French and Latin works of literature, through mastering the tools and methods used in the analysis and interpretation of the different genres studied, the authors representing them and the works they comprise..
2.2. Define the links which exist, both now and in the past, between the two linguistic, literary and cultural spheres studied.
2.3 Identify, from within the two modern and ancient languages studied, links relating to circulation, similarities and also differences and specific features both between the languages and the different authors, works and general historical and literary trends.

3. Employ the knowledge acquired in the different fields of the humanities, with a view to producing precise and relevant analyses of a text , document, or issue.

3.1. Collect and manage all aspects of data: gathering it, analysing it, classifying it, comparing its constituents and determining its reliability and relevance.
3.2. Become highly expert in French and Latin, in the different levels of linguistic analysis (phonetics and phonology, vocabulary and phraseology, syntax, semantics, text and speech);
3.3. Situate French and Latin texts in their historical, social and cultural contexts with a view to establishing both their meaning and significance, in order that they may be useful for different types of production (linguistic, grammatical, lexical, interpretive and narrative);
3.4. Have an accurate knowledge of the different periods in the history of the Roman world (institutions, societies, religions and cultures) and the different periods which saw the flourishing of the main literary movements in the French languages, from its origins to today;
3.5. Understand the literary, linguistic and cultural history of the Latin world throughout its duration, from Antiquity (Classical, Late and Christian) until the modern period, via the medieval period.

4. Master the different tools from literary theory in order to encourage production of critical studies of a text, a work or a literary trend.

4.1. Understand questions relating to literary theory and produce a critical reading of a text using the analytical and interpretation tools offered by the available methods and practices (philology, genetics narratology, poetics, dramaturgy; mythocriticism, semiotics; psychoanalysis, cognitive science, sociology, etc.).
4.2. Master the rules, methods and practices involved in comparative approaches to linguistics, literature and culture.

5. Develop, on the basis of French and Latin languages, reflective and critical knowledge allowing them to become actors in modern society, and intellectuals in the area of humanities, open to a dialogue between language, literature and other artistic and scientific knowledge.

5.1. Gather reliable and relevant data using the most efficient specialist tools.
5.2. Take reasoned positions on complex problems.

6. Communicate professionally, both orally and in writing, by adapting themselves to the people students is speaking to and to the context.

6.1. Communicate the results of individual (or group) research work of a greater or lesser scope, in writing or orally. Master, to a sufficient level of expertise, the languages studied on normative and argumentative levels, achieving excellent communication skills in relation to the formulation of thoughts.
6.2. Demonstrate an ability to analyse and summarize: extract the essential points from a theme or problem with a view to effectively integrating them into a condensed explanation aimed at proposing mature conclusions or valid solutions.

7. Create and realize original research implementing a scientific analysis in order to pose and study a previously unknown research issue relevant to their field of specialisation.

7.1. Study a research problem or any other issue using an approach which clearly shows the origins of the issue, its development, its evolution, how it operates, its circulation and its possible permanency in French and/or Latin literature.
7.2. Intelligently develop the different stages of a rigorous, critical approach: distinguish the original sources from the variants and improvements they might create, establish the origin, meaning and intention of these different data, determine their value, role and impact.

8. Demonstrate autonomy and proactivity in acquiring new knowledge and developing skills in order to be able to adapt to the evolution of the environment and the contexts constituting it with a view to creating a professional project as part of a plan for continuing development.

8.1. Acquérir l’autonomie nécessaire au déploiement de stratégies de recherche performantes et une faculté d’auto-apprentissage tout au long de la vie.
8.2. Développer un savoir réflexif et critique à partir de l’étude des littératures et des langues étudiées qui permette au diplômé de devenir un acteur de la société contemporaine, en tant qu’intellectuel humaniste, ouvert au dialogue entre le langage, la littérature et les autres savoirs, artistiques et scientifiques.

9. If the research focus course is chosen:

9.1. Understand how the French and Latin languages operate, how they evolved and how they have been used from when they originated to recent times.
9.2. Depending upon the elective chosen, study original Latin documents (whether epigraphic or palaeographic) and produce a critical edition of the texts.
9.3. Conduct an in-depth development of certain aspects particular to a literary work in either French or Latin.

10. If the teaching focus course is chosen:

10.1. Take part in education, in partnership with different parties.
10.2. Teach in authentic and varied situations.
More specifically, students will be able to:
- Master different methods and strategies for teaching students to translate ancient texts accurately and in a manner which is relevant.
- Master different tools and strategies for teaching students to produce personal and independent commentaries.
- Master the main tools provided by new technologies to better engage students in the learning of ancient languages.
10.3. Reflect upon and progress through the usual stages of continuing development.

For further information, please go to Teacher Training Certificate (upper secondary education) - Ancient and Modern Languages and Literatures.

11. If the “Professional Training in Library Science and Trade” professional focus course is chosen:

11.1 Have a global knowledge of the world of books and its connected activities.
11.2. Attain practical skills as a result of an internship in a publishing house, distributor or retailer.