The University of Warwick
Department of Classics and Ancient History
CX 108/208/308 – Latin Language
2015/16
Module convenor: Clive Letchford
Humanities Building 2.21
c.a.letchford@warwick.ac.uk
Class A
Monday 9.00 in H3.44, Wednesday 10.00 in H2.03, Friday 9.00 in H2.03
Class B
Monday 10.00 in H3.44, Wednesday 9.00 in H2.03, Friday 2.00 in H2.03
Module tutor Ersin Hussein
Humanities Building 2.35 (Autumn Term); 2.27 (Spring/Summer Term)
ersin.hussein@warwick.ac.uk
Class C
Mondays 9.00 in S0.10, Tuesdays 12.00 in H2.03, Thursdays 9.00 in H2.03
** Please note the following changes concerning Class C:
Week 2. A class has been arranged to take place on Monday 12 th October at 11.00-12.00 in H0.20. This lesson is to make
up for a lost lesson in Week 1.
Week 5. A class has been arranged to take place on Monday 2nd November at 11.00-12.00 in H0.20. This lesson is to
replace the lesson on Thursday 5th November which has been cancelled.
Introduction
This module offers the opportunity to learn the basics of the Latin language and is designed for students
who have little or no previous experience of the language. The department believes that language is at the
heart of the discipline and all students should, at the minimum, have their a basic knowledge of one of the
classical languages. This module is therefore a core module and must be passed in order to proceed to the
second year.
It is important that students turn up to all classes unless seriously affected by illness. If it lasts more than
one week, we require a medical certificate from a GP. Students should also be in email contact with the
module tutor and your personal tutor since it is easy to fall behind in such a situation.
Aims and objectives
This module aims to introduce a complete beginner to most of the basic grammatical structures of Latin
through graded exercises and translation of Latin texts. The course has a bias towards teaching an
understanding of the structure of the language, as experience has shown that this provides a firm basis for
further studies in the language.
By the end of this module students should expect to:
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know all the designated vocabulary and grammar
to have developed translation skills, involving an appreciation of the different linguistic structures
encountered in an inflected language
have cultivated their capacity for analytical and logical analysis
have improved their grasp of English grammar
appreciate the continuing influence of Latin on the English language
The classes present grammatical points in a logical and systematic order. Practice is given in all new
grammar and students are encouraged to use the help that is always available to sort out any points of
difficulty as they arise.
This module provides the necessary basis for those who continue their study of the language in 2016/17.
Many students go on to the module Latin Language and Literature and read four classical authors (Caesar,
Cicero, Ovid and Virgil). For postgraduates who are studying aspects of the Renaissance, there is usually a
reading class covering a variety of renaissance authors which is designed to follow on from this module.
Course materials
Students need to buy their own copy of Wheelock’s Latin, Edition 7. This introduces short extracts from
classical authors from the earliest stages and has the further advantage that it is well-supported on the web.
Organization
There are three groups which run in parallel. Allocation to a particular group will be sorted out in the first
class of the year so that other commitments can be taken into account.
Each group has three classes per week. Please note that classes continue through Week 6 in the Autumn and
Spring terms, unlike some other modules in the Department. In the summer term there will be teaching for
Weeks 1 to 3. Classes start at 5 minutes past the hour. Full-class teaching may finish a few minutes early to
encourage students to clarify any points on an individual basis before leaving the room.
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A very high priority is put on regular attendance since experience has shown that this is crucial for success
in the language. If you know in advance that there is a good reason why you cannot attend, please inform
the lecturer by email before the class. If you fall ill on the day, please email as soon as possible after you have
missed the class. You are reminded that persistent failure to attend class may result in you being required to
submit additional assessed work, in accordance with University regulations.
Students are expected to do significant work outside classes. Much of the initial work is done in student’s
own time. Class time will be devoted to addressing areas where students have encountered difficulty and in
introducing new concepts. Students are advised that they should reckon on spending an average of 2 hours
of private study between each class and will also need to spend some time during vacations to consolidate
the new material.
Private study will typically involve:
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written exercises set on topics introduced in the session
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learning vocabulary
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learning new endings
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consolidation of recent material
Assessment
There are two elements to the formal assessment.
1. Four 40 minute tests
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Week 6 of the Autumn Term
Week 1 of the Spring Term
Week 6 of the Spring Term
Week 1 of the Summer Term
These tests consist of questions whose main focus is on the grammar and vocabulary introduced in that part
of the term, but they may also cover all material to date. Each test is worth 10% of the total module. Students
should aim to get around 70%-80% in each of these. If you are too ill to take the exam, you should submit a
medical certificate so that we can take this into account.
2. One two-hour examination in the summer term
The summer examination paper consists of two passages for translation, neither of which will have been
seen before. Any new vocabulary that has not been encountered and which would be likely to cause
difficulty will be given at the end of each passage. There will also be a section which focuses on grammar.
Together, these are worth 60% of the module.
Passing the module
For first year students, this is a core module and both elements need to be passed (i.e. 40% gained in each). If
you fail an element, then you will be required to resit that element in the first week of September. If you do
not gain 40%, you will be required to withdraw from the University. If you have mitigating circumstances
you should discuss these with your module tutor or personal tutor and have them evidenced in writing. See
the undergraduate handbook for further details.
Non-first years carry the mark that they gain. The two passages for translation in the summer examination
will be marked according to the University’s 17 point scale.
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Advice on studying
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Find yourself a study buddy. Not only can you test each other on new vocabulary and noun and
verb endings, but it is also very revealing to see how well you can explain a new topic to someone
else.
Investigate flash cards on the web – especially those you can use on your phone. There is a dedicated
app for Wheelock’s Latin (free for the early chapters) and memrise is well liked by some for
vocabulary, and others found http://www.warmenhoven.org/latin/vocab/ very helpful.
In addition to getting on top of new material, EVERY DAY you should devote a small amount of
time on going over previous material. Be methodical about this. Keep a record of what you have
looked back on and how secure it is.
Vocabulary: you should keep a note book or equivalent list for words that you have forgotten.
Noun and verb endings: make sure you can write them out quickly and accurately.
When you come across an area which is not as secure as you thought, spend time rereading the
explanation in the text and look over your notes again. Rework the associated exercises and check
your answers from when you did them the first time.
If you are still unclear seek help from the course tutor. Usually, confusion can be sorted out very
quickly on a one-to-one basis.
Illness: it is important that you turn up unless you are badly affected by illness. If your illness is
liable to last more than a week, we require a medical certificate from your GP. More importantly,
you should be in email contact with the module tutor and your personal tutor since it is easy to fall
behind in such a situation and catching up becomes progressively harder.
It is important that vocabulary and grammar are learnt thoroughly and at the time of setting - not left to
the last minute – and that material is consolidated on a weekly basis.
A reminder. You can see your tutor for help:
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at the end of any class
at an Office Hour
at another time by arrangement
by email
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