Summer Workshop in Greek and Latin
Modules
Latin and Greek are offered at five different levels.
Beginners' Greek/Latin
No previous knowledge is required for the Beginners modules. Both modules are very intensive and give you a basic grounding in Latin or Greek grammar and syntax, using the course books Reading Latin (for Latin) and Athenaze (for Greek). The modules introduce you to the structure of the language: how nouns, verbs and other sorts of words are formed, and how they are put together to make sentences. The modules focus on the basic and commonest forms of the language, rather than listing every possible exception to the rules. They also teach you how to make best use of grammatical tables and dictionaries. Please note that in the second week the Beginners modules assume that you will have done the first week of our Summer Workshop (or the equivalent elsewhere). If you can only come for a week and have no previous experience of the language, please come in the first week.
Beginners' Latin through Welsh
This module introduces the basic structures of the Latin language through Welsh. No previous knowledge is required for this Beginners module. This module is very intensive and gives you a basic grounding in Latin or Greek grammar and syntax. The module introduces you to the structure of the language: how nouns, verbs and other sorts of words are formed, and how they are put together to make sentences. The module focuses on the basic and commonest forms of the language, rather than listing every possible exception to the rules. It also teaches you how to make best use of grammatical tables and dictionaries.
Post Beginners' Greek/Latin
The Post Beginners module assumes familiarity with basic grammar. At this level we aim to continue your introduction to grammar and to further your comprehension of the language through reading. Both courses will use the same textbooks as the Beginners modules, with grammatical exercises and specially adapted texts. The Latin course will also use some very straightforward original texts. Please choose this module if you completed the Beginners course at last year’s Summer Workshop or if you studied Greek or Latin a long time ago and need a complete revision.
Intermediate Greek/Latin
The Intermediate module assumes a basic knowledge of grammar. At this level we aim to consolidate and further your comprehension of grammar and syntax through reading, again using the same textbooks as the Beginners and Post-Beginners modules (though Greek moves on to volume 2 of Athenaze). Both modules use specially adapted or simple original texts. As a result you will expand your knowledge of grammar and gain confidence in the translating, understanding and handling of texts. Please choose this module if you completed last year’s Post Beginners course or if you have taken a Beginners course at university or college.
Intermediate-Advanced Greek/Latin
This module is designed for those who have finished their introduction to the grammar and are ready to start reading original texts, and also for those who have only a limited reading experience. During the course you will make detailed study of an original text. Last year a selection from Horace’s Odes was read by the Latin group, and from Euripides’ Alcestis by the Greek group. The reading of the intermediate-advanced modules will be at a slower pace and/or the texts chosen will be easier than the ones read by the students of the advanced modules.
Advanced Greek/Latin
In these modules we aim to develop further your ability to understand and translate the language at an advanced level. In addition you will develop your skills of literary criticism and enhance your appreciation of the great richness and variety of the literary heritage of the Classical world. Taking a module at this level will increase your awareness of the author’s skill and art. Last year, Cicero’s De Natura Deorum was read by the Latin group and Longus’ Daphnis and Chloe by the Greek group. In order to be able to join this module your knowledge of the language needs to be of ‘A’ level standard (or equivalent).
Prose Composition Greek/Latin
Prose composition in both Latin and Greek is available for those who have reached an intermediate-advanced or advanced level in either language. Taking a module in prose composition is an invaluable method for expanding and improving your knowledge of grammar. If you would like to take this module, please tick the relevant box on the application form (please note that there will be a small charge for this module).
Medieval Latin
To take this course, you will need to have an advanced knowledge of Latin (‘A’ level or equivalent). The Medieval Latin course is a broad survey course which covers a diverse range of genres from Late Antiquity to the Late Middle Ages and several texts are read each week. Selections from previous years ranged from the ‘Navagatio Sancti Brendani’, tempering lead in Pseudo-Geber, magic in the ‘Picatrix ‘ and ‘Liber Aggregationis’, adventures of Reynard the Fox, Magna Carta and the Declaration of Arbroath, Welsh ghosts in Walter Map’s ‘De Nugis curialium’, psalms in the Vulgate, monsters in Isidore of Seville, climbing Mount Sinai in Egeria’s ‘Peregrinatio ad Loca Sancta’, a piglet’s will from the 4th century and saucepans and virgins running amok in Hrosvitha’s ‘Dulcitius’ among many others.
Renaissance Latin
To take this course, you will need to have an advanced knowledge of Latin (‘A’ level or equivalent). The course will aim to further your ability to read and translate the language at an advanced level through reading extensive selections of text chosen by the tutor, to develop your skills in literary and historical criticism, and above all to make you aware of the vast amount of important Latin writing from the Early Modern period. Last year, the text was John Twyne, De Rebus Albionicis, Britannicis atque Anglicis Commentarium, a British Latin classic only available to those who read Latin. Note that this course will only run if there are enough participants.
