Introductory description

As part of the taught element of the MA students study an ancient or modern language for one of their four modules. This can be used either to further your skills in ancient Greek or Latin, or to develop the knowledge of modern language which will be necessary for further research.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Students choose from a suite of language options offered by the Department of Classics and Ancient History, the Italian and German Departments or the Language Centre. Thus far these have comprised the following, but other language modules may be approved subject to student research needs. Given that this module is designed to teach linguistic competency for research needs, students are permitted to take a language at any level, so long as they have not previously studied it to this level. The language dossier adds the Masters-level component to the module.

• CX120 Greek Language 30
• CX126 Greek Language and Literature 30
• CX106 Greek Literary Texts 30
• CX115 Latin Language 30
• CX101 Latin Language and Literature 30
• CX136 Latin Literary Texts 30 IT109 Italian for Historians I 30
• IT211 Italian Language and Institutions 30
• GE101 Modern German Language 1 30
• GE102 Modern German Language 2 30
• GE401 Modern German Language 3.
  Any approved module in German or French, or another language dependent on individual student research needs. 30

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Linguistic skills in Latin, ancient Greek or a modern language, consistent with the student’s previous experience, for use in the study of ancient material culture or ancient literature and thought.

Subject specific skills

Cognitive Skills

• Ability to analyse syntax and grammar in a logical manner
• Ability to select & apply appropriate problem-solving methodologies
• Ability to conduct independent research & analysis

Subject Knowledge and Understanding

• A detailed and accurate understanding of grammar and syntax of the language studied, at the appropriate level.
• Show familiarity with translating and commenting on a range of different texts in the language studied.
• For modern languages: show the ability to speak and write clearly in the language studied.

Subject-Specific Skills: these relate the language taken to Masters-level study of ancient visual and material culture

• Show command of appropriate critical strategies and methodologies for interpreting ancient and modern literature relating to the visual and material culture of the ancient world.
  For students taking Greek/Latin:
• Show familiarity with the linguistic peculiarities of epigraphic and/or numismatic Latin or Greek
  For students taking a modern language:
• Show ability to use linguistic knowledge for practical use in the needs of research into material culture, e.g. through writing formal letters/museum catalogue entries/comprehension of scholarly articles in the language concerned.

Transferable skills

Key skills

• Written communication skills
• Oral communication skills (including in a modern language, where relevant)
• Organisational skills
• Ability to evaluate intellectual progress
• IT skills - word processing/ use of internet