Latin: Medieval Universal Language

Course goals

Upon finishing this course, you:

• will understand the developments of the Latin language in the medieval West in the period 500-1300 CE and be able to report on this orally and in writing
• will be able to analyse, interpret and translate Latin literary texts from the period c. 500-c. 1300 CE
• 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

After the disintegration of the Roman Empire in the West, Latin remained the most important language of writing and communication. However, while Latin came to function as a universal language in the medieval West (c. 500-1300), its linguistic development differed from region to region. In this course, we will read Latin texts from different regions, mainly the former provinces of the Roman Empire (Gaul, the Iberian peninsula, Italy, the British Isles) and Ireland. We will explore the linguistic differences and similarities between these texts, focusing on such features as word form, sentence structure and spelling. We will also pay attention to the historical context in which these texts came about and the literary purposes underlying them.

The ability to read and interpret sources written in Latin in the Middle Ages is an advanced academic skill that is crucial for conducting research in the field of Medieval Studies, as well as related fields that engage with Latin literary, cultural and linguistic developments in the medieval period. 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: Medieval Universal Language is one of the options of the core curriculum course Reading and Interpreting Sources. It is optional for students who prefer to specialize in medieval over classical Latin and recommended for students of the Medieval and North Sea Area tracks who wish to pursue research related to the Middle Ages.

Note that this course is offered simultaneously at BA- and RMA-level. While studying sources of medieval Latin literature, culture and linguistic change 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.