Latin
Head Of Department: Miss E McLaren
Contact Details: emm@felsted.org
Twitter: @ClassicsFelsted
IB
Why study Latin?
The rewards offered by studying Latin are immense – an appreciation of our own language, the development of analytical and evaluative skills, an understanding of the impact Latin has had on the language, history and culture of so much of Europe and the ability to make informed responses based on a range of evidence, are some of the joys of this subject.
There are many university courses involving Latin and other Classical subjects. Employers value Classicists not only for their rigorous academic discipline, but also for their ability to think laterally, clearly and rationally. Classics graduates enter the jobs market with specific, practical, intellectual and theoretical skills. Potential careers are manifold: Law, Finance, Accountancy, Civil Service, Media, Publishing and Teaching, to name but a few.
Course structure
The foundation of all Romance languages and the origin of so much in the way of culture and tradition throughout Europe, Latin is as relevant today as in the days it was spoken. It may be taken at Higher or Standard Level.
The course is divided into four components:
- Study of the language (30%)
- Genre study (30%)
- Genre texts:
a). Cicero
b). Love Poetry – selections from Catullus; Horace; Ovid - HL composition (HL Only) - An original composition in prose Latin guided by intentions and informed by classical sources and additional research (20%)
- Individual study (20%)
For the first of these, you study one or two prescribed authors in order to develop your language skills. You will be required to translate a passage by that author in the examination.
For the second, you embark on a detailed study of two genres in the original Latin (supplemented by reading in translation), and respond to extracts from the texts in the examination.
The individual study involves compiling a research dossier relating to a topic in classical history, literature, religion, mythology, art or archaeology, or some other aspect of classical influence.
Wherever suitable, there will be opportunities to attend relevant study days and to go on trips, for example to Rome in the Upper Sixth year.
How good must I be?
The IB is a direct continuation of GCSE and assumes a knowledge of the Latin vocabulary and grammar prescribed for the GCSE course (a 6 at GCSE is desirable). Individual pupils will be assessed on their merits.
Assessment:
Standard and Higher Level
Latin is assessed via two examinations at the end of the course.
Paper 1 30%
Translation from a Latin text by an author you have studied (Ovid or Cicero) and style analysis questions.
Paper 2 30%
Responding to questions based on specific passages chosen from the texts you have studied.
HL composition (HL only) 20%
An original composition in prose Latin guided by intentions and informed by classical sources and additional research.
Research dossier 20%
which is internally assessed and externally moderated by the IB.
The sheer diversity of the literature, the satisfaction of “getting it” and the knowledgeable enthusiasm of my teachers make this a great subjectAlex, IB student
A Level
Exam Board: OCR www.ocr.org.uk
Syllabus Code: H443
Why study Latin?
Latin occupies a major place in the history of world culture, as it was the central language of the Roman Empire, which stretched from Britain to the boundaries of modern India at its height. Through Latin, we can gain an understanding of the impact of Roman culture and thus its considerable legacy, and we can access a wealth of rich literature. Latin is the essential root of modern Romance languages. To study Latin is to be both fascinated and to be inspired, as have been so many of the historians, politicians and authors of the last two millennia.
The set texts for examination will be taken from:
Prose Literature: Cicero Pro Caelio
Verse Literature: Virgil Aeneid 2
Expectations of independent study
Throughout the Lower Sixth course, pupils can build a thorough understanding of more complex linguistic structures and develop the ability both to translate Latin into English more fluently and to translate English into idiomatic Latin. In addition to the study of language, pupils will study two Latin authors (one prose and one verse) in the original language, through which they learn to respond personally to the text, considering the spiritual, moral and cultural issues that emerge from the reading. The Upper Sixth course continues to develop these skills, but expects greater independence in the pupil.
Requirements
The A Level course is a direct continuation of GCSE and assumes a knowledge of the Latin vocabulary and grammar prescribed for the GCSE course (a 6 at GCSE is desirable).
What do the pupils say?
“The challenge of facing a piece of Latin, placing all the words into their correct context and then producing a stylish translation has been immensely rewarding.”
“The sheer diversity of the literature, the satisfaction of “getting it” and the knowledgeable enthusiasm of my teachers make this a great subject.”
What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
Studying Latin will allow you to access a variety of careers at a high level! Just look at the world around you: you will find lawyers, writers and journalists, teachers, researchers, accountants, bankers, financiers, businessmen and politicians, all who have a Classical foundation… This is a subject that makes you a critical and original thinker.
Assessment:
Assessment takes the form of four examinations; there is no coursework element.
Language 33%
Unseen translation paper 1 hr 45 mins. 100 marks
Prose composition or comprehension 17%
1 hr 15 mins. 50 marks
Literature Prose literature 25%
2 hrs. 75 marks
Verse Literature 25%
2 hrs. 75 marks
I have really enjoyed getting stuck into my set texts – I’ve even learned how to chat up a girl, Roman style!Jack, U6 pupil