The Master [120] in Ancient Languages and Literatures: Classics trains students to become specialists in the study of texts written in Greek and Latin. By working on original sources, this degree develops the ability to interpret in context the thinking of a writer or an issue in society.
The challenge for graduates of this course, in a civilisation of the moment like ours, is to be able to promote rigorous analysis of facts on the basis of original sources and, within a long term perspective, to develop a critical faculty and intellectual autonomy and to acquire in-depth expertise in the linguistic, historical and cultural fields of the sources of European and Western civilisation.
On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
1.1. Attain expert knowledge of two ancient, classical languages including their vocabulary, grammar (morphology and syntax) and dialectology, their synchronous operation and their diachronic development.
1.2. Apply knowledge of vocabulary and grammar to Greek and Latin texts, within the framework of different activities: translations into and out of the language studied, individual research, preparation of oral presentations and production of written work.
1.3. Acquire an in-depth knowledge of Greek and Latin works of literature and their authors, by mastering the tools and methods used in the analysis and interpretation of these texts.
1.4. Understand the mechanisms for communicating Greek and Latin texts, from their originals written in Antiquity to the modern versions.
2.1. Achieve a good knowledge of the history of the Greco-Roman world (institutions, societies, philosophy, religions and cultures).
2.2. Situate texts in their cultural and historical contexts with a view to extracting information from them relevant to an historical reconstruction project.
2.3. Become expert in comparative approaches to linguistics, literature and culture.
2.4. Create links between cultural traditions, between languages as a means of expression and between the past and present.
2.5. Thanks to the opportunity to choose an elective, gain a deeper knowledge of ancient cultures (Greek, Latin and Christian), medieval and modern Byzantine cultures expressed in Greek and Latin, or Oriental languages and civilizations.
3.1. Collect data using the appropriate heuristic tools, with a view to establishing a relevant corpus of primary sources (in ancient languages), translating those texts and analysing them critically, and creating and using a relevant bibliography of secondary sources.
3.2. Develop a methodology specific to the subject being studied and implement it in the handling of that subject.
3.3. Deal with a well-defined subject: provide a specific question, define an issue, produce clear and structured arguments and formulate results.
3.4. Examine a theme by demonstrating its origins, development, circulation and possible permanency within French and Latin literature.
3.5. Communicate the results of an individual research assignment in writing which fulfils the formal drafting requirements (referenced citations, language and style, structure and layout).
3.6. Communicate the results of individual research work orally and adapt that communication to the target audience.
4.1. Employ the knowledge acquired in the different fields of the humanities, with a view to conducting an in-depth analysis of facts, documents, speeches or issues.
4.2. Manage all types of data: gather and analyse data, classify it and evaluate its relevance.
4.3. Implement a critical approach: identify the original sources of the data, assess their value and analyse their impact.
4.4. Demonstrate the ability to summarize: efficiently analyse the data inherent to a situation or a question with a view to drawing the most appropriate conclusions or solutions from them.
4.5. Acquire the independence necessary to practise lifelong independent learning.
5.1. Gain an understanding of the development of Greek and Latin language and literature up until recent times.
5.2. Study original documents (whether epigraphic or palaeographic) and produce a critical edition of the texts.