Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Course

The course teaches students the all-important grammatical and syntactic rules according to which speakers of Greek and/or Latin expressed themselves. It builds up their vocabulary to a considerable level to enable them to approach with confidence a variety of authors and literary genres. Basic knowledge of the literary theory for the most popular genres of Greek and/or Latin writing is acquired through class teaching, but also through the assessment of the units, which includes group-work and presentations. Students are encouraged to learn Greek as well as Latin since Greek influenced literary production in the Roman-speaking world. Greco-Roman civilisation was thus formed and thrived for centuries, but Latin was transformed from a language of dry recordings to a language with literary depth and poetic colourings. Students are trained not only in the discipline of learning and translating an inflected language, but also in appreciating the cultural context in which this language flourished and evolved. To this end, students are given the option of enrolling in a choice of two cultural units which will put into perspective the socio-religious mentalities of the Greeks and the Romans and the dramatic period of their cultural interaction after the 3rd century BC.

Students will gain competence in their chosen language to a level equivalent to an undergraduate major, (beginners to advanced, depending on commencement level). They will also gain an understanding of social and cultural aspects of the countries from which the language comes.

This course consists of a standard 48 point major consisting of a first year sequence of 12 points and one of the following:

• 12 points of second year level studies (normally two units) and 24 points of third-year level studies (normally four units)
• 18 points of second-year level studies (normally three units) and 18 points of third-year level studies (normally three units).

Students are required to complete a three-year major sequence (48 points) in classical language. For information on the units required refer to the 'Areas of study' section in this Handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/aos/arts-ug-classical-studies.html.

Diploma in Languages (Classical Greek, Latin)