LAT4319 – Latin Poetry I

Course content

The subject focuses on the study of Latin poetry, with a syllabus that may encompass various genres such as epic, elegy, epigram, verse satire, hymns, or a combination of poems thematically linked. In addition to the primary texts, we will also delve into relevant secondary literature to gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The objective of the course is to provide students with a thorough comprehension of a specific genre or cluster of texts that are linked through a common theme.

Learning outcome

Upon completing the course, you will acquire the following skills:

• Translate the Latin course texts and provide insightful interpretations.
• Analyse the texts’ features in relation to their genre, rhetoric, stylistics, or other relevant aspects.
• Read the poems aloud, based on an analysis of their meter, and explain the meter in writing.
• Reflect on how the texts’ formal and linguistic elements affect their interpretation and translation.
• Examine the texts through the lens of historical, cultural, or other relevant aspects.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

To be admitted to this course, you must be enrolled in Classical Studies (master's two years). Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Specialization (80 ECTS credits) in Latin at the Bachelor's level.

Teaching

14 two-hour seminars.

We expect you to prepare for the seminars.

NB: If no more than two students sign up for the course, the teaching may be given as guided reading. 

In order for you to be allowed to sit for the final examination, the following compulsory tuition activity must be approved by the teacher:

• Midterm test, oral or written

Approved tuition activity is valid also for the next two semesters in which the course is offered.

Examination

Portfolio examination. The portfolio consists of three written assignments. The length of each assignment should be 3-4 pages of 2300 characters each (without spaces; title page and reference list not included).

You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. You must familiarize yourself with Inspera before the submission deadline. Read about how to submit your assignment in Inspera.

In order for you to qualify for the final examination, all compulsory tuition activities must be approved by the teacher.

Examination support material

You are required to familiarize yourself with the rules for sources and citations. It may be considered cheating or attempted cheating to use other people's material without informing about it.

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.