Assessment

Continuous assessment: 40% + Final examination: 60%

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to equip learners with a substantial general vocabulary, to reinforce their knowledge of the basic grammatical structures, and to introduce more advanced morphology and syntax required for independent reading, translation and appreciation of original texts. The module will address the theory of translation and focus on aspects of authorial style such as register, syntax, and literary and poetic devices. Weeks 1 – 9 provide an intensive review of the basic lexis and grammatical structures of the language as well an in-depth presentation of more advanced material. Weeks 10 – 12 practise implementing this material through a close reading of prescribed passages from a range of authors. To that end, in addition to consolidating learners’ basic grasp of Latin, the module serves as a preparation for work in translation and reception studies, critical hermeneutics, and the comparative study of biblical and theological languages.

Indicative Syllabus

Learning Outcomes

• — Recognise and give the meanings of a range of Ecclesiastical Latin vocabulary to the level required for independent reading, interpretation and appreciation of continuous passages of original texts
• — Demonstrate a knowledge of the lexis and idiom associated with different uses of Ecclesiastical Latin, such as philosophy, devotional literature, (auto)biography, liturgy and sacred music
• — Identify and explain basic and advanced morphological, syntactical, and grammatical structures in Latin and discuss these as they are encountered in original texts
• — Confidently read and translate Latin inscriptions, prayers and passages of limited complexity by sight
• — Demonstrate a mastery of the basic and more advanced grammar and vocabulary of Ecclesiastical Latin by translating a range of original extracts with the aid of a dictionary and/or grammar references
• — Comment on and analyse the style of Ecclesiastical Latin authors as evidenced by their word choice, syntax, and use of literary and poetic devices
• — Demonstrate an awareness of the skills needed for translating between languages, such as preserving and conveying sense, register and style of the original text
• — Show an awareness of the interpretative/hermeneutic decisions underpinning translation and the role of the translator(s) in transmitting texts

Bibliography

• — Collins, John F, A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin (Washington: Catholic University of America Press, 1988)
• — Baumeister, Edmund, The New Missal Latin: A Two-Year Course Based on the Sunday Missal (Ohio: Mount St. John Press, 1941)
• — Nunn, Henry P, An Introduction to Ecclesiastical Latin (2nd ed, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013)
• — Scanlon, Cora, Latin Grammar for the Reading of the Missal and Breviary (North Carolina: Tan Books, 1976)
• — Scanlon, Cora, Second Latin: Volume 2 (Ecclesiastical Latin) (Create Space Independent Publishing Platform, 2014)
• — Scarre, Annie M., An Introduction to Liturgical Latin (Boston: St. Dominic’s Press, 1933)
• — Schoensteen, Robert, Reading Church Latin Techniques & Commentary for Comprehension (Chicago: Hillenbrand Books, 2016)
• — Townsend, Cora I., The Mantrina: A Latin Primer Especially Adapted to the Missal and Breviary (New York: Ariston Book Company, 1892)