Medieval Latin (LAS3131)
Overview
- University credits: 20
- FHEQ level: 6
- Availability: Students, members of staff, members of the public
- Frequency of class: Once a week
- Group size: Maximum of 23 students.
- Module Leader: Professor Martial Staub
Description
This module provides you with a comprehensive introduction to Latin as the lingua franca of Western Europe from Late Antiquity through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and into the Enlightenment, equipping you with linguistic skills that are necessary to read palaeography. You will gain an understanding of Medieval and Early Modern Latin through the analysis of published and unpublished primary sources, including historical and narrative sources, legal documents and records, thus offering access to the culture of Latin Europe. The module will be particularly relevant if you are a student or researcher in philosophy, theology, history, languages, medicine, and natural sciences.
Learning outcomes
- Read and understand published and unpublished Medieval and Early Modern Latin texts including religious, legal, scientific and literary works.
- Identify how Latin changed from Classical to Medieval forms, including syntax, vocabulary and orthography.
- Situate Latin writings within their historical, theological and intellectual contexts.
- Be familiar with common medieval genres like chronicles, hagiographies, sermons and scholastic treatises.
- Translate Medieval Latin texts and critically analyse their content, with particular attention to identifying and explaining linguistic features that distinguish Medieval Latin from Classical Latin.
- Employ dictionaries, grammatical knowledge and palaeographic resources to interpret manuscripts and printed texts.
- Read and discuss original Medieval texts analysing the purpose, audience and historical significance of Latin writings in Medieval Europe.
Assessment
Credited students
- Formal written examination: 65%
- Palaeography transcription: 35%
Not-for-credit fee-waiver students
Mandatory assessment to be completed in order to qualify for fee-waiver.
Not-for-credit self-funded students
Assessment is not mandatory.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it is up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research, funding changes, professional accreditation requirements, student or employer feedback, outcomes of reviews, and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Information last updated: