The University of Warwick
Department of Classics and Ancient History
CX 101 – Latin Language and Literature
2012/13
Module tutor: Clive Letchford
Humanities Building 2.21
c.a.letchford@warwick.ac.uk
Introduction
This module builds upon Latin Language (Beginners) module. Those who have not done the
Beginners’ module would normally need to have achieved a grade B or above in GCSE, but should in
any event discuss their circumstances with the Module tutor.
As a continuation to the Latin Language module, this module aims to improve the student's knowledge
of accidence and syntax. A list of these is included in this handbook. This will be the focus of the classes
for the first few weeks of the Autumn term.
After this, focus will shift towards reading Latin through three set texts. Students will be expected to
prepare a specified section of text in advance. The class will consist of checking understanding of the
Latin and discussion of grammatical content and style. Students will need to go over the text again
immediately after each class to consolidate their work. It is hoped that those students pursuing the
course will develop appreciation of the value of reading Roman literature in the original language, as
well as a sound understanding of the language.
Aims and objectives
The aims of the course are to:
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complete an introduction to the syntax of the language;
build up a good working vocabulary;
introduce the student to unadapted Latin by major authors; and
start to develop an awareness of different literary styles.
Course materials
Students will need editions of all three texts studied:
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Caesar De Bello Gallico extracts (from College Caesar, G Steadman).
Cicero selection from pro Cluentio (in Murder at Larinum), ed. H. Grose-Hodge, Bristol
Classical Press, London
Virgil Selections from Aeneid 2, R. T. Ganiban, Focus Publishing
And on language side:
Oxford Grammar of Latin – James Morwood (OUP)
A dictionary will also be needed. Most will be suitable at this level but recommended are:
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The Bantam New College Latin and English Dictionary by John Traupman; or
Pocket Oxford Latin Dictionary – by James Morwood
Use of on-line dictionaries, such as Perseus or Glossa is encouraged but they are an adjunct, not a
substitute for one of the above in physical form.
The first four weeks of the Autumn term will focus on revising accidence (endings) and new syntax.
Work will be based in Latin Beyond GCSE – John Taylor (Bristol Classical Press), and students will
need their own copy.
Organization
There is one group for this module. It comprises three classes per week throughout the 24 weeks of
teaching with the exception of Week 6 in the Autumn and Spring terms. 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
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possible after you have missed the class. If you have a regular clash, please discuss the matter with me
so that we can make alternative arrangements.
Students are expected to do significant work outside classes, and are advised that they should reckon
on spending in the region of 2 hours in private study between each class.
This will typically divided between:
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extending vocabulary
revising and refining accidence (endings) and syntax (sentence construction)
preparing text for the next class
post-paring text of previous class
Syllabus
We would normally expect to make progress as follows:
Autumn Term
Weeks 1-4
Complete work on main elements of Latin syntax.
Weeks 4-10 (Reading week 6)
Read extracts from Caesar de bello Gallico
Spring Term
Read Cicero pro Cluentio
Start Virgil Aeneid 2
Work on unseen translation
Summer Term
Finish Aeneid 2
Work on unseen translation
A more detailed programme will be published on the department’s web pages, and will be kept up to
date as required.
Assessment
This module is assessed through two examinations, as follows:
1. Start of Spring Term – 60 minutes (20%)
This exam will comprise translation from Latin and grammar questions (equally weighted) and will
test Caesar.
2. At the end of the academic year, there is a two hour examination worth 80%. It comprises three
questions:
 one on the Cicero set text
 one on the Virgil set text
 a passage for unseen translation.
Questions may encompass translation, and questions on grammatical and stylistic matters.
Advice on studying for this module
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At the start of the year, identify what has been forgotten over the summer, and relearn it. Some loss is
to be expected when you have learnt a language quickly and had a long summer. It should not take
long to get material back if you are methodical.
Make a habit of looking at vocabulary every day – both new vocabulary and revision of vocabulary
previously learned. Have a vocabulary book or list and carry it around for odd moments (bus?) that
you can usefully fill.
Get comfortable with the terminology for the various constructions – purpose, clause, result clause etc.
Be able to explain how they work at any time.
Preparation of texts is key. You should get in the habit of marking up text in advance of classes.
Highlight bits that you don’t understand and make sure that you leave class with the matter solved.
The matter does not end there: go over again straight away, perhaps now writing out a fair translation.
Clarify any points that arise at the next class. What seemed clear in class may have become opaque
once you are on your own again.
Use published translations sparingly and with circumspection.
Team up on a regular basis with someone else: both for language and set text work.
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Plagiarism
The purpose of set books is to enable the student to get to grips with idiomatic Greek. While
translations cane be helpful in getting to understand trickier phrases, lifting sentences wholesale is not
acceptable, whether in class or in exams.
Finally: your course tutor is an important resource.
Do not hesitate to approach me.
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Grammar content
Students are expected to be familiar with the language of authors of the
1st century BC and the 1st century AD, employing the following linguistic structures:
(i) Accidence:
Declension of all nouns and adjectives of all standard types, together with the most common irregular ones
Adjectives of all standard types, from all three declensions
Formation of adverbs
Comparison of adjectives and adverbs
Pronouns and pronominal adjectives
Verbs of all standard types from all conjugations in all moods, voices and tenses, together with
deponent, semi-deponent, defective, irregular and impersonal verbs.
Cardinal and ordinal numerals
The use of prepositions and standard meanings of prepositional prefixes.
(ii) Syntax
Direct statement, question (including deliberative) and command
Prohibitions, exhortations and wishes
Subordinate clauses and other constructions as listed:
• Indirect statement (including extended oratio obliqua), question, command and prohibition
• Description (relative clauses, including common uses with the subjunctive)
• Purpose (including uses of the gerund and gerundive)
• Result (including the use of the comparative with quam ut)
• Conditional
• Causal
• Temporal (definite and indefinite)
• Subordinate clauses within indirect speech
• Fearing, prevention and precaution
• Concessive.
Other uses of the infinitive (as subject and as complement, prolative, historic)
Uses of the participle, including ablative absolute
Comparison
Other uses of the gerund and gerundive
Constructions involving quominus and quin
Use of dum and dummodo to mean ‘provided that’.
The Oxford Grammar of Latin – James Morwood (OUP) gives greater detail.
The language
Major types of constructions:
Indirect Speech
Indirect Statement
Indirect Command
Indirect Question
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accusative plus infinitive
ut/ne + subjunctive verb
question word + subjunctive verb
2 main uts
Purpose clause
Result clause
ut/ne + subjunctive
signpost word + ut + subjunctive
Conditionals
si/nisi
plus either 2 indicatives
or
2 subjunctives
Less frequent types:
Verbs of Fearing
NE + subjunctive
Time clauses
cum + subjunctive
dum + present indicative
qui + subjunctive
noun + participle in the ablative
verbal nouns
obligation (needing to be done)
jussive subjunctives
wishes
Purpose clause (2)
Ablative absolute
Gerunds and gerundives
Independent subjunctive
... and a few other minor odds an ends
Grammar:
All the main points of grammar have been covered, with the exception of the other tenses of the infinitive and the
gerund and gerundive, and comparative and superlative forms.
Vocabulary:
A booklet comprising new vocabulary will be given out during the Autumn term.
17 point scale descriptors
Class
Grade Point
Descriptor
Exceptional work of the highest quality, demonstrating total fluency
Excellent 1st and accuracy in translating; stylish and accurate English. Work may
achieve or be close to publishable standard. Flawless.
First
High 1st
Low 1st
Very high quality work demonstrating excellent knowledge and
understanding; very high level of accuracy. No major syntactical
errors; no major omissions from translation. Some minor slips in
vocabulary; not entirely capturing nuances of the original.
High 2.1
High quality work demonstrating good knowledge and understanding;
Mid 1st
Upper
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Second
(2.1)
Mid 2.1
high level of accuracy.
Low 2.1
High 2.2
Lower
Second
Mid 2.2
Competent work, demonstrating reasonable knowledge and
understanding; some errors in understanding syntax and in recalling
vocabulary.
Low 2.2
High 3rd
Third
Mid 3rd
Work of limited quality, demonstrating some relevant knowledge and
understanding. Limited grasp of syntax; significant gaps in knowledge
of vocabulary.
Low 3rd
High Fail
(sub
Honours)
Work does not meet standards required for the appropriate stage of
an Honours degree. Most of the passage misunderstood or
untranslated. Poor use of English.
Fail
Poor quality work well below the standards required for the
appropriate stage of an Honours degree. Only isolated phrases
understood.
Fail
Low Fail
Zero
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Zero
Work of no merit OR Absent, work not submitted, penalty in some
misconduct cases