Latin in Late Antiquity

Course goals

The successful student

• will be able to analyse, interpret and translate Latin literary texts from the period c. 300 CE – c. 600 CE in their cultural and historical context
• will understand the development of the Latin language in the period and will be able to reflect on this orally and in writing
• will be able to independently employ the scholarly apparatus (specialised dictionaries, grammar, bibliography) belonging to the field
• will use their growing proficiency in post-classical Latin for subsequent course work in the RMA programme, including research apprenticeships and the RMA-thesis

Content

The term ‘Late Antiquity’ denotes the period between c. 300 CE - c. 600 CE. We study the Latin language and literature in this period and concentrate on the transformation of classical traditions; societal, cultural and religious innovations; and the development of the Latin language. Themes central to the course vary year by year and may include issues related to literary witnesses to changing political worlds; thinking about corporality, death and afterlife; historiographical approaches and saints’ cults. The relevance of the authors we will read exceeds the period itself, therefore reception and transmission of the capita selecta will be part of the course.

The ability to read and interpret sources written in Latin in the period of Late Antiquity is an advanced academic skill that is crucial for conducting research in the field of Ancient and Medieval Studies, as well as related fields that engage with Latin literary, cultural and linguistic developments in the period between c. 300 CE - c. 600 CE. Advanced skills in this domain will provide a strong foundation for research apprenticeships and RMA thesis work, and is a key asset when pursuing a PhD position upon graduation.

The course Latin in Late Antiquity is one of the options of the core curriculum course Reading and Interpreting Sources. It is optional for students who prefer to specialize in post-classical over classical Latin and recommended for students of the Ancient and Medieval tracks who wish to pursue research related to the late antique period.

Note that this course is offered simultaneously at BA- and RMA-level. While studying sources of Latin literature, culture and linguistic change of Late Antiquity is a shared course goal for students in both groups, the overriding aim for RMA students is to train them to do independent academic research on topics addressed in the course. This translates to significant differences in course goals as well as examinations.
   

Additional information

This course is for students enrolled in the RMA Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, who already have substantial experience with Latin  (VWO 6 or BA2 level). In case of doubt about your level, please contact the course coordinator prof. Els Rose (h.g.e.rose@uu.nl). Students from other RMA programmes can only enroll with consent of the programme coordinator and Board of Examiners.