HS3343: Latin Historical Texts

School Ancient History
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS3343
External Subject Code V110
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Richard Evans
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

To provide students with the opportunity to study Latin texts relevant to their chosen modules; to improve their language skills; and to apply their understanding of the texts to historical modules.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

On successful completion of the module, the student will demonstrate:

·       The ability to read and understand Latin texts of different types and genres

·       The ability to comment on the historical relevance of passages read in the original language.

How the module will be delivered

20 one-hour classes

Skills that will be practised and developed

To provide students with the opportunity to study Latin texts relevant to their chosen modules; to improve their language skills; and to apply their understanding of the texts to historical modules.

How the module will be assessed

Assessment of the course will be in the form of one 1.5 hour paper: passages will be set from the prescribed texts for translation and comment.

[Dictionaries will not be permitted in the examination.]

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Autumn Semester 100 Latin Historical Texts 1.5

Syllabus content

Students will study a selection of Latin texts, both historical and epigraphic (to a value of 25 OCT pages) chosen with reference to the Ancient History modules studied in that term. Texts will be chosen from a selection which might include Livy, Virgil, Catullus, Tacitus Annals, Pliny Letters, Cicero, and selected inscriptions. Texts will be studied for both grammatical structure, and their importance to historical debates. Classes will involve translation and grammatical comment, as well as discussion of the relevance of the chosen texts to particular periods of history.

Essential Reading and Resource List

Information on the text book to be used will be given in due course

Background Reading and Resource List

Useful reference books

Kennedy, Revised Latin Primer (new ed., 1962)

Cassells Latin Dictionary


Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855