2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MEDV5001M Intermediate Medieval Latin

30 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Charles Roe
Email: C.H.Roe@Leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

This module is mutually exclusive with

MEDV5020M

Advanced Medieval Latin

Module replaces

MEDV5010M: Medieval Latin

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module is designed for students who have considerable acquaintance with Latin grammar and syntax (whether Classical or Medieval). While basic morphology is not reviewed, approximately one third of the module focuses on drill with complex Latin sentences (especially subordinate clauses using subjunctive and oratio oblique) The working vocabulary (1500 words) favours Medieval vocabulary or Classical vocabulary with medieval meanings. The other two thirds of the module is devoted to preparation of formal translations of a wide variety of Medieval Latin texts, through which students gain experience with changes in syntax and orthography common to Medieval authors and a variety of technical Latin vocabularies (whether biblical, documentary, liturgical, legal, philosophical, theological, or scientific).

Objectives

The module is designed (A) to equip students with (1) a thorough knowledge of Latin morphology, syntax and orthography (both Classical and Medieval), (2) a working vocabulary of ca 1500 words, (3) the ability to translate texts of intermediate difficulty with dictionary and grammar, (4) the ability to translate easier texts of Latin narrative and document formularies at sight; and (B) to provide experience with (1) interpreting a variety of styles and genres of Medieval Latin Literature, and (2) using specialised tools (bibliography, dictionaries, electronic resources, and guides) for the study of Medieval Latin.

Learning outcomes
Students will acquire the abilities and gain the experiences listed above.
In addition students will gain skills transferrable to the learning and analysing of any Indo-European language or literature.

Skills outcomes
Ability to translate and interpret primary source documents written in Medieval Latin (ca 500-1500).

Syllabus

1 Biblical Latin (Narrative from the Old and New Testament)
Clinic: Perfect and Pluperfect subjunctive (active and passive); Clauses: past contrafactual conditional,
clauses of fearing (Collins 25)
2 Biblical Latin continued (Poetry and Epistle)
Clinic: Object clauses with subjunctive (indirect statements); Direct and indirect questions; Temporal clauses with donec and dum; Interrogative pronouns (Collins 26)
3 Historical Documents (from the VLE; a selection of Quitclaims, Wills and Charters)
Clinic: Comparison of Adjectives; Comparison with Ablative (Collins 27)
4 Easier Historical Narratives
Clinic: Reflexive pronominal adjective; Adverbs; Subordinate clauses with 'Cum' (Collins 28)
5 Poetry
Clinic: Indefinite pronouns and adjectives; Dative of purpose and reference; Review of all temporal, causal and concessive clauses (Collins 29)
6 Commentary
Clinic: Review of infinitives, formation of passive infinitives; Direct negative commands; Indirect statements formed with subject accusatives and infinitives (Collins 30)
7 Theology and Philosophy
Clinic: Perfect infinitives active and passive; Indirect statements with Subject Accusative and sequences of tenses (Collins 31)
8 Saints' Lives
Clinic: Future active infinitives and indirect statements using subject accusative and future infinitive; Review: Summary of ways to express purpose. (Collins 32)
9 Letters
Clinic: Irregular verb fero; Review: Summary of conditional clauses (Collins 33)
10 Selections suggested by class participants
Clinic: Irregular verb fio; Some numbers; Verbs used impersonally; Review: Summary of genitive and dative cases (Collins 34)
11 Selections suggested by class participants
Clinic: 'Greek' periphrastic tenses; Shortened perfect system; Review: Summary of accusative and ablative cases (Collins 35)

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	11	2.00	22.00
Practical	12	1.00	12.00
Private study hours			266.00
Total Contact hours			34.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Online comprehension tests, drills and exercises in module VLE to be used with reference to the module's grammar text.
Review of Latin paradigms and grammar; Preparation of translations of set texts; Revision for exams.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

VLE continuing assessment is monitored weekly to monitor progress and diagnose any difficulties.
Workshop tutor assesses students' translations through class participation in which their work is read and discussed.
Clinic tutor explains remaining grammatical concepts, gives supplemental drills and exercises and individualised guidance.
Students with learning or other difficulties are encouraged to come to an office hour for additional guidance and practice.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Four of the students' weekly translations are collected and formally marked. The best two of these count towards assessment.	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

The timing of the submission of the third assessed translation varies depending on whether classes end in week 8 or in week 9 (before Easter). Students prepare set translations for each week of class and portions of these are discussed in class. A copy of the students' full translation is handed in the following week, and a portion of ca 150-200 words is formally marked. (The text selected excludes the material discussed in class, but the same passage is evaluated in each student's work.) Students receive written feedback and are invited to receive individual oral feedback on all assessed work at office hours.

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Open Book exam	48 hr 00 mins	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 18/08/2023

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD