Course 2024-2025

Latin Language I [LCLAB102]

  • 12 credits
  • 30h+75h
  • 1st and 2nd quarter
Language of instruction: French / Français

Learning outcomes

- Improvement and expansion of translation and linguistic analysis skills. - Expanding knowledge of vocabulary and grammatical theory. - Learning of pedagogical communication techniques.

Objectives

The teaching unit is the first part of a series of three teaching units with the following objectives :

  • the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of the classical Latin language (phonetics, morphology and syntax), with an overview of its archaic antecedents and post-classical developments;
  • the development of translation skills from Latin to French and writing skills in Latin.

Content

The unit covers the following theoretical subjects:

  • alphabet, phonetics and history of the Latin language ;
  • morphology of nouns, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns and verbs ;
  • in-depth case syntax.

Theoretical points will be illustrated by a series of sentences, which will be translated during the course. The translation skill will be developed through two types of exercises: 1) versions done in class, without a dictionary (only the vocabulary that is not supposed to be known is given); 2) a cursive reading to be done outside the class, independently.

In addition to the course, students must study approximately 1000 vocabulary words (in both Latin-French and FrenchLatin senses). The course will also include a progressive introduction to the theme (writing in Latin).

Exercises description

See "Méthodes d'enseignement".

 


Teaching methods

The teaching unit alternates between lectures (for the presentation of the theory) and exercises. The exercises will mainly consist of sentence translations (which illustrate the points of theory) and versions (translation of a text every fortnight), which will be corrected in class the following week. Vocabulary "mock tests" are regularly scheduled to ensure progressive study.

Evaluations

The teaching unit is subject to continuous assessment. The final mark (June) corresponds to the weighted average of the different parts of the assessment:

  1. Vocabulary and version tests during Q1.
  2. Vocabulary tests, versions and quizzes on the material covered in the course during Q2.
  3. Written and oral examination in June. The written exam is based on the theory and example sentences covered in the course; the oral exam is based on the cursive reading.

 

Recommended readings

The theoretical material and example sentences are presented in PowerPoint files which will be made available to students on Webcampus at the end of each lesson. Additional files may be distributed to students during the year.

The vocabulary to be assimilated as part of the course is compiled in a printed syllabus; it is also made available in an Excel file on Webcampus.

In addition to the course, students should obtain the following grammar book:

  • A.-M. Boxus, M. Lavency, Clavis. Latin grammar for reading authors. New edition with the collaboration of D. Longrée and G. Schouppe, De Boeck, 2014 (numerous reprints).

For further information, the following books are also recommended (without obligation):

  • A.-M. Boxus, Précis de grammaire latine, available online at http://bcs.fltr.ucl.ac.be/gramm/001.tabgram.html.
  • M. de Give, Latin Grammar, 15th edition, De Boeck, 2011 (numerous reprints).
  • Le Grand Gaffiot. Latin-French dictionary, Hachette, 2000.
  • Gaffiot de poche. Latin-French dictionary, Hachette, 2001.

Language of instruction

French / Français

Location for course

NAMUR

Organizer

Faculté de philosophie et lettres
Rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 NAMUR

Degree of Reference

Undergraduate Degree