An introduction to the genre of Roman epic, through study of a selection of texts in the original language, concentrating on the major works of Virgil and Lucan.

Two hours per week; This is one of the honours options in Latin and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on mycampus

2,500 word essay (30%), 2-hour Examination (70%)

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

The aims of the course are to:

study in detail two books from the Roman epic tradition, comparing and contrasting the styles and approaches of the two texts, and setting these works in the context of the ancient genre of epic as a whole

enhance skills in translation and literary analysis of Latin poetry in the original language

By the end of the course you should be able to:

translate fluently and accurately from the prescribed texts into clear and appropriate English

make judicious use of dictionaries, commentaries, works of reference, and modern translations

select and comment intelligently on notable matters of form and content, including metre and style

present an argued case on critical issues both orally and in writing

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.