Latin Authors Seminar

Teacher(s)

Kachuck Aaron;

Language

French
> 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

This course focuses on Latin poetry of late antiquity, with particular attention to Claudian. The heart of the course will be a close reading of his groundbreaking mythological epic, "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 his time, and with the social, political and religious contexts of his time. The relationship between pagan and Christian uses of epic forms will also be considered.

Teaching methods

The course consists of seminar discussions, led by the course leader as well as by seminar participants. It places the authors studied in their historical, literary and cultural context. It offers a commented reading of chosen extracts, and takes care to compare these readings with the remainder of the studied authors’ corpora, as well as with other authors and cultural domains in late antiquity and beyond.

Evaluation methods

The final grade comprises the following elements:

a) continuous assessment in the form of an in-class presentation of a text (30%). This work will demonstrate the student's ability to 1. understand the authorial context of the text (author, date, place), 2. clarify the structure and argumentation of the text, 3. report the major scientific issues related to this text, 4. identify and analyze one or more passages of the text of particular interest, using the close reading skills practiced and demonstrated by the course (and, where appropriate, noting links with the main course text). Normally, this presentation is made as a group: in cases where different levels of preparation are evident, different marks may be given 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 (30%) and one or two analytical questions (e.g. essay-commentary, dissertation) (40%).

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 in-class presentation, a written document (1500-2000 words) that presents a text (to be determined with the professor of the course), and offers a personal reading of this material in light of other material studied during this session and in the course (30%). 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) (30%), as well as a discussion of a question and one or more passages on the basis of a critical question(s) (40%).

Other information

English-friendly course: course taught in French but offering facilities in English.

Online resources

Via the Moodle site of the course

Bibliography

Voir le site Moodle du cours.

Faculty or entity

EHAC