LATIN LANGUAGE AND ROMAN LITERATURE
The subject aims to familiarize the student with the Latin language, the Roman
literature and ancient, especially Roman, culture as well as their scientific study
and their later influence. A central position is occupied by the ancient Latin and
the literature composed in it, but part of the aims of the subject is also to
acquaint the student with medieval and modern Latin, and the student can put
emphasis on them if he or she chooses to.
Studies in Latin language and Roman literature prepare students mainly for the careers of
the researcher and the teacher, but they also give the eligibility for positions outside the
field of ancient studies which require a humanist education and viewpoint.
Recommended minor subjects are Greek language and literature, classical archaeology,
a modern language (Italian, German, French, Spanish), general linguistics, South Asian
studies, Semitic languages and cultures, general history, art history, aesthetics, theatre
research, comparative literature, cultural anthropology, theoretical philosophy and
comparative religion.
Dla100 Basic level studies (25 ECTS)
The purpose of basic level studies is to familiarize the student with the main
characteristics of ancient culture and equip him with language skills sufficient for being able
independently, by using aids, to understand reasonably simple authentic prose.
Complete and DAY110 and DAY120. If they have already been completed as part of
another study module, complete DAY220 and DAY230.
DAY110 Ancient history and mythology (5 ECTS)
P. Castrén, Uusi antiikin historia or Freeman, Egypt, Greece and Rome:
Civilizations of the Ancient Mediterranean, 2. edition, pp. 121-563 and
F. Graf, Griechische Mythologie. Eine Einführung (also in English: Greek
Mythology: An Introduction)
DAY120 Ancient literary history (5 ECTS)
S. Kivistö & H.K. Riikonen & E. Salmenkivi & R. Sarasti-Wilenius, Kirjallisuus
antiikin maailmassa.
DAY220 Ancient religion (5 ECTS)
W. Burkert, Greek Religion, chapters I-VI (approx. 300 p.) and either
T.P.Wiseman, The Myths of Rome or M.-L. Hänninen & M. Kahlos & U. Lehtonen,
Uskonnot antiikin Roomassa.
DAY230 Ancient art history II (5 ECTS)
J. Boardman (ed.), The Oxford History of Classical Art.
Instructors responsible: university lecturers (for the examiners see the webpage
of the subject: helsinki.fi/hum/kla)
Courses in the Latin language
If the student has earlier completed studies in the Latin language, he can
demonstrate his language skills in a test which is usually organized in August.
More detailed information is available from the Amanuensis of the department or
the university lecturer in Latin.
Dla101-102 Basic course in Latin I-II (6 ECTS)
The course lasts an entire semester. Besides the major subject students, the
course is open to others as well.
In the autumn semester Latin phonology, morphology and syntax are introduced
through texts. The aim of the course if to attain the ability to translate
linguistically simple Latin text, analyse its grammatical structures and acquire a
familiarity with basic Latin vocabulary.
Complete either Dla103-104 (continuation course in Latin I-II, 6 ECTS) and
Dla115 (supplementary course, 3 ECTS) or Dla 106 (continuation course in
Latin, intensive, 9 ECTS)
Dla103-104 Continuation course in Latin I-II (6 ECTS)
After having completed the course the student should know the basic outlines of
Latin morphology as well as having been acquainted with syntax, and should
have the ability, by using aids, to understand easy Latin prose and be familiar
with basic Latin vocabulary.
Dla115 Supplementary course in Latin (3 ECTS)
To be taken after continuation course I-II.
Dla106 Continuation course in Latin, intensive (9 ECTS)
An intensive course replacing the more slowly proceeding continuation course III plus supplementary course.
Instructor responsible: University lecturer in Latin
Dla200 Intermediate level studies (50 ECTS)
The intermediate level studies deepen and broaden the student’s Latin
language skills and his knowledge of Latin literature as well as familiarising him
with the use of a varied source material, based on which he will complete written
assignments.
Complete Day210. If it has been completed as part of another study module,
complete one of the other study units mentioned.
Day210 Sources and methods of ancient studies (5 ECTS)
The department organizes an annual course dealing with the basics of
scientific research, which is compulsory to all, as well as practicum-style
methodology courses dealing with specific fields, of which the student is
required to complete two.
Day240 Ancient philosophy (5 ECTS)
H. Thesleff- J. Sihvola, Antiikin filosofia ja aatemaailma or P. Hadot, Qu’est-ce
que la philosophie antique? (also in English: What is Ancient Philosophy?) and in
translation either Diogenes Laertios, Merkittävien filosofien elämät ja opit, 10.
book (transl. M. Ahonen) or Marcus Aurelius, Itselleni (transl. M. Ahonen).
Day250 The ancient legacy (5 ECTS)
S. Goldhill, Who Needs Greek? Contests in the Cultural History of Hellenism and
Salvatore Settis, Futuro del ‘classico’ (also in English: The Future of the
‘Classical’).
Day260 Ancient architecture and topography (5 ECTS)
R. Wycherley, The Stones of Athens and F. Sear, Roman Architecture.
Instructors responsible: University lecturers (for the examiners see the webpage
of the subject: helsinki.fi/hum/kla)
Dkr113 PSP (1 ECTS)
At the beginning of their second academic year major subject students complete
a personal study plan.
Instructor responsible: University lecturers in Latin language and Roman literature
Dla201 Latin morphology and syntax (7-8 ECTS)
Compulsory for major and minor subject students. Major subject students
complete the study unit for 7 ECTS, minor subject students for 8 ECTS.
Dla211.2 Metrics (3 ECTS)
Compulsory for major and minor subject students.
Dla212 Translation into Latin (5 ECTS)
Participation in a translation course and a translation test (without aids) from the
student’s mother tongue to Latin.
Dla211 Cicero, guided reading of texts, approx. 20 p. (3 ECTS, compulsory)
Complete at least three of the following texts (in total 12 ECTS)
Dla213.2
Dla213.3
Dla213.4
Dla213.5
Dla213.6
Caesar, one book, approx. 30 p. (4 ECTS)
Tacitus, Germania, approx. 30 p. (4 ECTS)
Vergil, Aeneis, approx. 400 verses (4 ECTS)
Horace, Carmina I, poems I-XX (4 ECTS)
Catullus, The short poems (without the epigrams, 4 ECTS)
Instructor responsible: University lecturers in Latin language and Roman literature
Dla221 Proseminar (4 ECTS)
The student may participate in the proseminar once he or she has completed, in
addition to the basic level studies, the intermediate level study units Latin
morphology and metrics, Dla211 Cicero and at least two texts from Dla213. In
addition, it is recommended that the scientific writing course (YY11) have been
completed earlier or be completed parallel with the proseminar.
Major subject students complete their TVT-studies in connection with the
proseminar. Further information is available from the instructor of the
proseminar.
A requisite for completion is active participation in the proseminar for the
duration of one semester.
Dla222 Bachelor’s thesis (6 ECTS)
The Bachelor’s thesis included in the intermediate level studies of the student’s
major subject is a written assignment discussed in the proseminar, corrected and
updated, with a recommended length of 15-20 pages (font size 12, line spacing
1.5).
The Bachelor’s thesis is a content-centred work related to the topic of the proseminar. The
thesis may be composed in essay form, thus distancing itself more clearly from the
proseminar paper, or it may contain characteristics of an exercise in textual interpretation,
such as a translation (or translations), comments, the student’s own analysis of the texts
as well as issues pertaining to textual tradition.
The goal is for the Bachelor’s thesis to be directed in connection with the proseminar and
after it, and the finished work is delivered to the professor for evaluation (on the scale 0 5). If the student writes his Bachelor’s thesis on a topic unrelated to that of the proseminar
work, he or she is to agree on the topic directly with the professor.
Instructors responsible: University lecturer (proseminar)
Professor (Bachelor’s thesis)
Working life course (4 ECTS)
The department’s common working life course is aimed to be organized annually.
Alternative ways of completing this study unit can be discussed with the
Amanuensis of the subject.
Dla200S Latin language and Roman literature: intermediate level
studies for minor subject students (35 ECTS)
Dla201 Latin morphology and syntax (8 ECTS)
Compulsory for major and minor subject students. Major subject students
complete the study unit for 7 ECTS, minor subject students for 8 ECTS.
Dla211.2 Metrics (3 ECTS)
Compulsory for major and minor subject students.
Dla212 Translation into Latin (5 ECTS)
Participation in a translation course and a translation test (without aids) from the
student’s mother tongue to Latin.
Dla211 Cicero, guided reading of texts, approx. 20 p. (3 ECTS, compulsory)
Suorita vähintään kolme seuraavista teksteistä (in total 12 ECTS)
Dla213.2
Dla213.3
Dla213.4
Dla213.5
Dla213.6
Caesar, one book, approx. 30 p. (4 ECTS)
Tacitus, Germania, approx. 30 p. (4 ECTS)
Virgil, Aeneis, approx. 400 verses (4 ECTS)
Horace, Carmina I, poems I-XX (4 ECTS)
Catullus, The short poems (without the epigrams, 4 ECTS)
Instructor responsible: University lecturers in Latin language and Roman literature
Dla221 Proseminar (4 ECTS)
The student may participate in the proseminar once he or she has completed, in
addition to the basic level studies, the intermediate level study units Latin
morphology and metrics, Dla211 Cicero and at least two texts from Dla213. In
addition, it is recommended that the scientific writing course (YY11) have been
completed earlier or be completed parallel with the proseminar.
A requisite for completion is active participation in the proseminar for the
duration of one semester.
Dla300 Advanced level studies (100 ECTS)
The main purpose of advanced level studies is to learn to work independently by making
use of different ancient sources and write a thesis based on scientific research methods.
Meanwhile the student deepens and broadens his or her knowledge of the Latin language
and literature. The student may choose a specialization to focus on.
Complete the following study units:
Dla311 History of the Latin language (3 ECTS).
A course plus examination or L.R. Palmer, The Latin Language, pages 59-205.
The study unit can also be completed as a home examination.
Dla312 History of classical philology (3 ECTS).
A course or L.D. Reynolds–N.G. Wilson, Scribes and Scholars. A Guide to the
Transmission of Greek and Latin Literature (3. edition).
Dla313 Advanced history of literature (3 ECTS).
M. Fuhrmann (ed.), Römische Literatur or E.J. Kenney (ed.), Latin Literature.
The Cambridge History of Classical Literature 2.
Complete at least three of the following texts (in total 12 ECTS)
NOTE! If the student has not read Cicero and/or Virgil during his or her
intermediate level studies, he or she must select these authors for the advanced
level studies..
Dla314.1
Dla314.2
Dla314.3
Dla314.4
Dla314.5
Dla314.6
Plautus, approx. 480 verses from a single comedy (4 ECTS)
Cicero, a single speech, approx. 40 p. (2- 4 ECTS)
Virgil, approx. 480 verses (4 ECTS)
Livy, approx. 40 p. (4 ECTS)
Quintilian, approx. 40 p. (4 ECTS)
Vulgata, a single book / a single Gospel approx. 40 p. (4 ECTS)
Instructor responsible: University lecturer/professor
Dla315T or Dla315H Working life practice or career orientation course (5
ECTS, compulsory for major subject students)
An internship improving the student’s expertise or studies supporting the
student’s career orientation. To be agreed upon in the department with the
Amanuensis.
Dla316 Advanced Latin grammar (3 ECTS)
N. Sjöstrand, Ny latinsk grammatik (in part).
Dla334 PSP (1 ECTS)
A preliminary study plan is to be drawn up and delivered to the professor when
announcing one’s participation in the seminar.
Dla390 Master’s thesis seminar (8 ECTS)
An independent written assignment applying scientific methodology is composed
on a topic agreed upon with the instructor. At least one of the two seminar
papers should ideally provide the basis for the Master’s thesis.
Dla800 Master’s thesis (40 ECTS)
Instructor responsible: Professor
Dla320 Specializations (22 ECTS)
A prerequisite for the specialization study units is completion of the Bachelor’s degree.
Specializations acquaint the student in more depth with a specific field of ancient studies.
Instructor responsible: Professor/university lecturers
Dla321 Linguistics and familiarity with the Latin language
Dla321.1 Translation from the student’s mother tongue to Latin. Required for
completion: succesful participation in translation exercises and a translation
exam without aids (5 ECTS).
Dla321.2 Historical phonology and morphology. Completed by taking part in a
course or being examined in the work S. Lundström, Latinets ljud- och formhistoria (4 ECTS).
Dla321.3 Vulgar Latin. A course or E. Löfstedt, Late Latin (3 ECTS).
Dla321.4 Petronius, Cena Trimalchionis approx. 40 p. or Peregrinatio Egeriae
together with Löfstedt’s commentary. (4 ECTS)
Dla321.5 Basic course in general linguistics (3 ECTS)
Dla321.6 An up to date specialized study or course as agreed upon with the
examiner (3 ECTS).
Dla322 Roman literature
Dla322.1 Approx. 600 verses of Lucretius or the long poems of Catullus (5
ECTS)
Dla322.2 Poetry of the imperial period. Choose approx. 480 verses from one of
the following authors (4 ECTS): Horace, Ovid, Martial, Juvenal.
Dla322.3 Letters of Cicero, Seneca or Pliny, approx. 40 p. (4 ECTS)
Dla322.4 Approx. 40 pages of early Christian prose, e.g. Augustinus (4 ECTS)
Dla322.5 The methodology of comparative literature and an up to date
specialized study or a course (5 ECTS)
Dla323k Medieval Latin
Dla351 Introduction to Medieval Latin (5 ECTS)
K. Strecker, Introduction to Medieval Latin or D. Norberg, Manuel pratique de
latin médiéval (without the texts) and E.R. Curtius, Europäische Literatur und
Lateinisches Mittelalter (also in English), chapters 1-18
Dla352 Medieval Latin reader I (4 ECTS)
K. Sidwell, Reading Medieval Latin or T. Pekkanen, Ramus virens approx. 50 p.
Dla353 Medieval Latin reader II (4 ECTS)
K.P. Harrington, Medieval Latin approx. 50 p.
Dla354 Medieval poetry (4 ECTS)
F.J.E. Raby, The Oxford Book of Medieval Latin Verse approx. 500 verses
Dla355 Methodology and a modern specialized study (5 ECTS)
E.g. A.J. Minnis – A.B. Scott – D. Wallace, Medieval Literary Theory and Criticism
c. 1100–c. 1375. The Commentary Tradition (to be agreed upon)
Dla323u New Latin
Dla361 The cultural history of humanism (5 ECTS)
C. G. Nauert, Jr., Humanism and the Culture of Renaissance Europe and E.
Bernstein, German Humanism or R.R. Bolgar, The Classical Heritage, chapters VIX or I. Kajanto, Latina, kreikka ja klassinen humanismi Suomessa.
Dla362 New Latin prose (8 ECTS)
E.g. Leonardo Bruni, Erasmus of Rotterdam, Lorenzo Valla, Juan Luis Vives,
Olaus Magnus Gothus, Henrik Gabriel Porthan approx. 80 pages.
Dla363 New Latin poetry (4 ECTS)
A. Perosa – J. Sparrow (ed.), Renaissance Latin Verse. An Anthology or Musae
Reduces. Anthologie de la poésie latine de la Renaissance approx. 400 verses.
Dla364 Methodology and a modern specialized study (5 ECTS)
To be agreed upon with the examiner.
Dla324 Written primary sources
The study unit involves completing studies in the field(s) of epigraphy and/or
papyrology. In addition studies supporting these fields can be completed e.g. in
the field of Roman history.
The literature, according to the topic, is to be agreed upon with the professor.
Dar325 Archaeology
Advanced level studies in classical archaeology have as a prerequisite basic and
intermediate level studies in Latin language and Roman literature; the common part of the
advanced level studies must also be completed.
Dar325.1 Methodology.
Literature pertaining to the theoretical and methodological topic of the Master’s
thesis in essays, seminar papers, examinations (4 ECTS)
Dar325.2 Special questions I.
Literature dealing with material related to the topic of the Master’s thesis (6
ECTS)
Dar325.3 Erikoiskysymyksiä II.
Literature freely chosen related to a field of the student’s choosing (6 ECTS)
Dar325.4 Practice.
Work practice e.g. in an archaeological research project, assembling one’s own
material in the field or working in a museum (6 ECTS)
Instructor responsible: University lecturer in classical archaeology
Dla300S Advanced level studies in Latin language and Roman
literature for minor subject students (80 ECTS)
Complete the following study units:
Dla311 History of the Latin language (3 ECTS).
A course plus examination or L.R. Palmer, The Latin Language, pages 59-205.
The study unit can also be completed as a home examination.
Dla312 History of classical philology (3 ECTS).
A course or L.D. Reynolds–N.G. Wilson, Scribes and Scholars. A Guide to the
Transmission of Greek and Latin Literature (3. edition).
Dla313 Advanced history of literature (3 ECTS).
M. Fuhrmann (ed.), Römische Literatur or E.J. Kenney (ed.), Latin Literature.
The Cambridge History of Classical Literature 2.
Complete at least three of the following texts (in total 12 ECTS)
NOTE! If the student has not read Cicero and/or Virgil during his or her
intermediate level studies, he or she must select these authors for the advanced
level studies..
Dla314.1
Dla314.2
Dla314.3
Dla314.4
Dla314.5
Dla314.6
Plautus, approx. 480 verses from a single comedy (4 ECTS)
Cicero, a single speech, approx. 40 p. (2- 4 ECTS)
Virgil, approx. 480 verses (4 ECTS)
Livy, approx. 40 p. (4 ECTS)
Quintilian, approx. 40 p. (4 ECTS)
Vulgata, a single book / a single Gospel approx. 40 p. (4 ECTS)
Instructor responsible: University lecturer/professor
Dla316 Advanced Latin grammar (3 ECTS)
N. Sjöstrand, Ny latinsk grammatik (in part).
Dla317 Optional studies (6 ECTS)
Chosen e.g. from the specializations.
Dla390 Master’s thesis seminar (8 ECTS)
An independent written assignment applying scientific methodology is composed
on a topic agreed upon with the instructor. At least one of the two seminar
papers should ideally provide the basis for the minor subject thesis.
Dla800ST Minor subject thesis (20 ECTS, 30-40 p.)
Instructor responsible: Professor