Beginners’ Ancient Languages 1 - CLAS4006

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Module delivery information

Location Term Level1 Credits (ECTS)2 Current Convenor3 2026 to 2027
Canterbury
Spring Term 4 20 (10) Nicolo Benzi checkmark-circle

Overview

How can you gain a deep understanding of the foundations of western civilisation, literature, culture and language? How can you improve your critical thinking, analytical skills, and problem solving? By giving you a foundation in ancient Greek/Latin, and covering the fundamentals of grammar and sentence structure, this module develops your ability to read, comprehend, and translate simple sentences and short passages of ancient Greek/Latin. Not only will you be set on the path to reading the authors who built the foundations of the western literary canon, but it will become easier to grasp another language, improve your English grammar, and give you the tools to succeed in diverse disciplines such as coding and computer programming, scientific, legal or medical careers.

Details

Contact hours

Seminar - 16 hours
Workshop - 16 hours

Method of assessment

Main Assessment Methods:

Written
Take home test (1,500 words). Assessment Details: Students have 48 hours to submit (50%).
Homework assessments (5x100 words each). Assessment Details: A variety of exercises including grammar and/ or translations (50%).

Reassessment Method: Single instrument 100% written assessment (1,500 words)

Indicative reading

The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing the module, students will be able to: 
1. Recognise some ancient Greek/Latin grammar and syntax.
2. Identify grammatical terms and underlying principles of ancient Greek/Latin.
3. Identify and translate ancient Greek/Latin vocabulary.
4. Outline basic reading skills and strategies in relation to ancient Greek/ Latin.
5. Identify and solve some problems with the appropriate tools in short translation passages in prose from ancient Greek/ Latin authors.

Notes

  1. Credit level 4. Certificate level module usually taken in the first stage of an undergraduate degree.
  2. ECTS credits are recognised throughout the EU and allow you to transfer credit easily from one university to another.
  3. The named convenor is the convenor for the current academic session.
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