Masterlanguage
Classics students can attend courses that are offered by Masterlanguage - a curriculum of courses offered annually to MA students for several languages (among others, classical Greek and Latin). More information
Description
Imitatio as theory and method of production and consumption of Latin literarry texts from Antiquity until the Renaissance.
1 class theoretical background, with source texts in translation and discussion of an example of creative imitation in Antiquity (Vergil and Ovid);
1 class medieval epic (Arator),
1 class ancient and Renaissance didactic epic (Lucretius, Fracastoro),
1 class ancient and medieval satire/parody (Petronius, Missa potatorum),
1 class Renaissance elegy.
NB The definitive choice of genres and texts will be determined by mutual agreement of the teachers.
Course objectives
After successful completion of the course you are able:
1. to translate the Latin texts in correct Dutch or English;
2. to analyze the grammatical and syntactical problems in the Latin texts;
3. to reflect in a critical manner on the form, style, content, and aspects of imitation in the Latin texts, with use of the subjects discussed in class and the secondary literature you have read;
4. to find and use medieval and neo-latin works in the three genres discussed in class;
5. to discuss the history of the three genres from Antiquity until the Renaissance;
6. apply the concept of creative imitation in the analysis of medieval and neo-latin literature, specifically in texts belonging to the three genres.
Registration
Participating students sign up for Masterlanguage courses through the Masterlanguage website, while being enrolled in the Leiden Master programme specialisation Classics. More information