The Master 120 in “Ancient Languages and Letters: Classics” trains specialists in the study of Greek and Latin texts. By working on original sources, this course develops an ability to produce precise and rigorous analyses, guided by a critical mind-set and intellectual independence, with a view to interpreting an author’s ideas or a question relating to societal issue in its context. These qualities will enable access to employment outside the strict domain of ancient languages and literatures. The challenge for students, in an immediate civilisation such as ours, it to promote the rigorous analysis of facts on the basis of primary sources and from a long-term perspective.
On successful completion of this programme, each student is able to :
1. Become expert in and apply knowledge in the specific field of classical languages and literature.
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. Develop a scientific approach to Oriental societies and ancient cultures in connection with classical languages and literatures.
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. Successfully complete an individual research assignment in the field of classical languages and literatures and present the results.
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. Acquire and develop general skills which can be used in a professional environment.
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. If the research focus course is chosen: develop a scientific approach in classical philology centred upon research.
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.
6. If the “Professional Training in Library Science and Trade” elective is chosen: Employ the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out various jobs within the professions in this field (editing, promotion, distribution, retail).
6.1. Take a critical look at the operation of the book supply chain (paper and digital).
6.2. Understand the steps in the creation and approval of a book within a publishing house (taking decisions, monitoring projects, etc.).
6.3. Simultaneously analyse (1) the cultural mission statement which characterises the entire current book trade (at the level of retail sales, new and second-hand, including online sales) and (2) the practical, cultural and political issues at play in the book trade today, and e-books in particular.
7. If the didactic elective is chosen: call upon the competencies necessary to begin teaching effectively in upper secondary education, in the field of Ancient Languages and Literatures: Classics, and be able to progress there.
7.1. Take part in education, in partnership with different parties.
7.2. Teach in authentic and varied situations.
More specifically, the graduate 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.
7.3. Reflect upon and progress through the usual stages of continuing development.
For further information, please go to
Teacher Training Certificate (upper secondary education) - Ancient Languages and Letters : Classics.
