Latin

Course summary

The study of classical languages and literature lies at the heart of Western society. Latin literature gives us a direct insight into an empire which spanned three continents, gave the Mediterranean the longest period of peace it has experienced in historical times and, by its absorption and championing of Greek learning, laid the foundations of European thought. A broad survey of Roman authors in both language and literature lessons takes in the razor-sharp forensic thinking of Cicero, the disillusion of Tacitus at the follies of capricious emperors, the irreverent whimsy of Ovid for an age of moral austerity, and the monumental verse of a poet in love with the landscape and mythologies of Italy in Virgil. A fascinating subject in its own right, the academic rigour involved in the study of Latin is highly respected and prized by employers in almost any field you can mention. Our classes are small to medium-sized, so you receive individual attention. For language elements, you are encouraged to learn vocabulary under your own steam, practise new constructions by translating sentences into and from the classical language, and tackle an unseen translation every week. You prepare the set texts for each lesson, so you can enter fully into class discussion, and there is a weekly assignment for each literature module, which is either a context question, a short presentation or, later on, an essay. You are encouraged to make your notes and translations and to further your work in class by using our Library’s well-resourced Classics section.