Latin: Lower Intermediate - Part 2

Overview

This course will continue the previous module 'Latin: Lower Intermediate - Part 1'. New students at the appropriate level of proficiency are welcome.

The course will cover the grammar in sections 4B-F of Jones' and Sidwell's Reading Latin: Grammar and Exercises. 

Each week, we will complement our grammar learning by reading from Reading Latin: Text and Vocabulary. We shall read selected passages from sections 4B-F, an adaptation of Cicero’s second oration against Verres.

 

Programme details

Courses starts: 16 Jan 2024

The details of the key grammar points to be covered as listed below.

Week 0: Course Orientation.

Week 1: The ablative case: revision and new usages; the genitive of description. 

Week 2: Pronouns: revision; alius, aliquis, ipse.

Week 3: Verbs: pluperfect indicative active and deponent.

Week 4: The relative pronoun quī.

Week 5: The passive voice: present, future, imperfect indicative; perfect, pluperfect indicative.

Week 6: The passive voice: imperative, infinitive; passive of irregulars. Revision of perfect participles.

Week 7: Ablative absolute. Present participles.

Week 8: Pluperfect subjunctive active, passive and deponent. Cum + subjunctive.

Week 9: Present subjunctive active, passive and deponent. Introduction of the imperfect subjunctive.

Week 10: Imperfect subjunctive active, passive and deponent. Summary. Indirect commands and other uses of the subjunctive.

Certification

Students who attend a minimum of 70% of classes will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £251.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Mrs Elena Vacca

Elena Giulia Vacca is a Classicist specialising in Comparative Literature and Classical Reception in Russian Literature. She lectures in Latin Language at the University of Oxford and is also a Classics tutor for Latin and Classical Greek in City Literary Institute of London. She is currently working on her PhD project at the University of Oxford. She also teaches Italian as a foreign language (L2) in the Italian Cultural Institute of London.

Course aims

To broaden students' knowledge of Latin grammar and syntax and expand their vocabulary; to further develop students' proficiency in translating extended Latin texts.

Course objectives: 

  • Introduce new pronouns and uses of the cases, and especially the passive voice and the subjunctive mood, as well as new important syntactical constructions.
  • Consolidate and expand the range of Latin vocabulary.
  • Explore and analyse Latin texts of increasing difficulty.
  • Discuss the governance of Roman provinces in late republican history.

Teaching methods

Structure: The course comprises two weekly sessions:

  • a one-hour pre-recorded lecture;
  • a one-hour live session.

Students will have to watch the pre-recorded lecture ahead of the live session, and they will be encouraged to study in their own time and complete short weekly assignments.

Methods:

  • pre-recorded lectures: guided grammar revision; new grammar/syntax explanations; targeted grammar and translation exercises; guided textual analysis and translation.
  • live sessions: Q&A time; group activities on grammar and vocabulary; small-group and plenary reading. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

  • have learnt the passive voice and most tenses of the subjunctive moods, some new syntactical constructions (ablative absolute, cum + subjunctive, some substantive clauses), new pronouns and uses of the cases;
  • have acquired new vocabulary items and idioms; 
  • be able to read with confidence and enjoy Latin texts of increasing difficulty.

Assessment methods

You will be set short, optional weekly tasks to consolidate learning and to help you progress at your own pace.

A summative assessment will be set at the end of the course, to confirm that the aims have been met.

Application

We will close for enrolments 7 days prior to the start date to allow us to complete the course set up. We will email you at that time (7 days before the course begins) with further information and joining instructions. As always, students will want to check spam and junk folders during this period to ensure that these emails are received.

To earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £10 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online.

Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form (Word) or enrolment form (Pdf).

Level and demands

Requirements: at the beginning of the course, you will already be familiar with the grammar covered in sections 1A to 4A of Jones’ and Sidwell’s Reading Latin: Grammar and Exercises. You will have experience in reading, analysing and translating extended Latin passages (appropriately adapted).

Most of the Department's weekly classes have 10 or 20 CATS points assigned to them. 10 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of ten 2-hour sessions. 20 CATS points at FHEQ Level 4 usually consist of twenty 2-hour sessions. It is expected that, for every 2 hours of tuition you are given, you will engage in eight hours of private study.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS)