Content of university classical language classes
I'm going to be studying Classics at uni next year (having done Latin and Greek A level), and I know that language modules will fill up about half my schedule wherever I go. Could anyone tell me what the language classes are like for students with experience in Latin and/or Greek, how much is grammar, do you study actual texts with close reading, etc.?
Reply 1
10
I study Classics and Latin. I did Gcse Latin, but as I'm nearly 30 I didn't remember much. As you've a Alevel you'd be going into advanced or whatever they call the level (usually beginner/intro for no experience, intermediate for those with a gcse/low Alevel grade, advanced for Alevel level and further Latin for those who have done advanced).
At mine, it is mainly grammar at the lower levels and by Advanced you should know most grammar pretty well, so the classes at first brush up, make sure everyone is at the right level and then it's mainly translations. Lots of readings and Latin to English translations of the Illiad etc. They also do lots of teaching Latin skills as someone who is studying Latin to that high a level may be considering teaching as a career, so they focus on that as well.
I'm going into Intermediate next year and the first semester is finishing grammar and second semester is translations of pieces after that, then Advanced is more translations but longer and less simple. Good luck!
At mine, it is mainly grammar at the lower levels and by Advanced you should know most grammar pretty well, so the classes at first brush up, make sure everyone is at the right level and then it's mainly translations. Lots of readings and Latin to English translations of the Illiad etc. They also do lots of teaching Latin skills as someone who is studying Latin to that high a level may be considering teaching as a career, so they focus on that as well.
I'm going into Intermediate next year and the first semester is finishing grammar and second semester is translations of pieces after that, then Advanced is more translations but longer and less simple. Good luck!
Reply 2
Original post
by FionaMacraeI'm going to be studying Classics at uni next year (having done Latin and Greek A level), and I know that language modules will fill up about half my schedule wherever I go. Could anyone tell me what the language classes are like for students with experience in Latin and/or Greek, how much is grammar, do you study actual texts with close reading, etc.?
At my university (Liverpool), there were 6 levels offered depending on what stage you were at. What the poster said above holds true, but you will definitely be with people at your level, and it would be tailored accordingly.
I did ancient Egyptian language and it was quite similar to Classics - we did a lot of close reading, but some contextual study and discussion, too.
Reply 3
10
I forgot to add, mine holds an exam in the 2nd week to check if it is the right class level for you. So you will be placed where you will do the best. They don't want students in a class level that's too high and them failing or getting demoralised. I think this is pretty standard for most unis so you'll be in a class that suits your exact level and those of your peers. They also offer loads of extra help. Also a consideration, there are a lot of Classics language summer schools held at unis across the UK where they go a week or 2 of intensive latin/Greek at different levels which is useful to brush up in the summer and to really push your knowledge of the languages, and most have bursuries to make it affordable.
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