The University of Warwick
Department of Classics and Ancient History
CX 108 – Latin Language
2011/12
Module tutor: Clive Letchford
Humanities Building 2.21
Tel 02476 22002
c.a.letchford@warwick.ac.uk
Office hours: Wednesday 11 - 12; Thursday 12 - 1
Introduction
This module offers the opportunity of gaining a swift grasp of the basics of the Latin language to students
who have little or no previous experience of the language.
Latin has played a crucial part in the development of English and the Romance languages of Europe. A
student’s understanding of the culture and society of the Roman Empire will be significantly deepened by a
knowledge of Latin, not least by appreciating the way in which the structure of the language articulates
patterns of thought.
Latin is also the key to appreciating some of the world’s finest literature. Not only has of the world’s finest
literature been written in Latin, but also much subsequent literature has assumed a good knowledge of
Roman literature and thought. Moreover, many official documents in England were written in Latin until
the 15th and 16th centuries and an understanding of Latin was a part of education in England until well into
the 20th century.
Aims and objectives
This module aims to introduce a complete beginner to some of the basic grammatical structures of Latin
through graded exercises and translation of adapted Latin texts. The course has a bias towards teaching an
understanding of the structure of the language, as 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
have developed considerable translation skills, involving an appreciation of the different linguistic
structure of this 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 and encourage the students to
consolidate their knowledge by means of exercises and reading. 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.
The course material has been developed in-house over the last five years, and is designed specifically for
undergraduate needs at Warwick. It aims to cover most of the essential accidence and some syntax in one
year, in order to enable students to proceed swiftly to reading Latin authors in the Latin Language and
Literature module in the second year with a degree of rigour and confidence.
Course materials
The course material is largely photocopied, for which a charge is made. It is available from Suzanne in the
Departmental Office at the start of the Autumn term. Once it has been purchased, students are welcome
to have access to any parts of it in electronic format (Word 2007) if they need further pages for annotation
or revision.
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In addition, students will need to buy:
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a Latin dictionary
o The Bantam New College Latin and English Dictionary by John Traupman; or
o Pocket Oxford Latin Dictionary – by James Morwood
o the Electronic Pocket Oxford Dictionary (if you prefer electronic formats)
A Latin Grammar – James Morwood, OUP
From time to time there will be other handouts, principally of additional exercises and revision materials.
Organization
There are usually two groups which run in parallel. Allocation to a particular group will be sorted out in the
first week of the year and take into account other commitments.
Each group has three classes per week throughout the 24 weeks of teaching. Please note that classes
continue through Week 6 in the Autumn and Spring terms, unlike some other modules in the Department.
Classes start at 5 minutes past the hour. Full-class teaching will generally finish a few minutes early to
encourage students to clarify any points on an individual basis before leaving the room.
A very high priority is put on regular attendance since experience has shown that this is important for
success in the language. If you know in advance that there is a good reason why you cannot attend, please
let me know by email before the class. If you fall ill on the day, please email me as soon as possible after
you have missed the class.
Students are expected to do significant work outside classes, and are advised that they should reckon on
spending in the region of 1½ - 2 hours in private study between each class.
This will typically divided between:
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written exercises set on new linguistic topics, to be gone through at the start of the next class
preparation of passages of continuous Latin
learning new vocabulary
learning new endings
Syllabus
We follow the course material. We would normally expect to make progress as follows:
Autumn Term
by Week 5
Chapters 1-5
by Week 10
Chapter 6-9
Spring Term
by Week 5
by Week 10
Chapter 10-13
Chapter 14-17
Summer Term
by Week 4
Chapters 18-19
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Assessment
There are two elements to the formal assessment.
1. Four 45 minute tests as follows:
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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 which focus on grammar and vocabulary introduced in that part of the
term, but which also cover all work to date. They are each worth 10% of the total module.
2. One two-hour examination in the summer term, worth 60%.
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.
Advice on studying
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 topic to someone else.
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.
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.
Finally: your course tutor is an important resource. Do not hesitate to approach me:
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at the end of any class
at an Office Hour
at any other time, by arrangement
by email c.a.letchford@warwick.ac.uk