B8123 - Latin Language Lab (1) (G 1)

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student has achieved an understanding of the basic morphosyntactic structures and vocabulary of the Latin language. He/she has also acquired the following skills: he/she knows (1) how to recognize and describe the main morphosyntactic structures of the Latin language; (2) how to conduct linguistic analysis of simple periods; (3) how to set up preliminary work for comprehension and translation of short Latin texts.

Course contents

The course aims to consolidate knowledge of the basic morphological structures of the Latin language and to provide students with the tools and skills necessary to recognise the main Latin syntactic structures, which are essential for understanding and translating texts. Among the subjects covered in class, particular attention will be given to case syntax and the system of subordinate clauses. The course also aims to promote an adequate knowledge of basic Latin vocabulary, which is equally essential for understanding and translating texts.

Students will be constantly encouraged to participate: theoretical explanation of grammatical subjects by the teacher will be always followed by interactive classroom exercises on the topics covered. Classroom activities will be supplemented and consolidated by individual exercises, which students will complete in the reference manual and online on Virtuale. Attendance at lessons is therefore required.

Readings/Bibliography

The reference manual for morphology and syntax is:

• I. Dionigi, L. Morisi, E. Riganti, Il latino. Grammatica ed esercizi, Laterza, Bari 2011; or Verba et res. Morfosintassi e lessico del latino, 2 voll., Laterza, Bari 1999.

N.B.: The purchase of this manual is strongly recommended, as it will be essential for individual study. It will be the reference manual during guided classroom exercises and for the assignment of exercises to be done at home. This manual will also be useful during the preparation of the exams of Lingua and Letteratura latina.

Teaching methods

Interactive lessons, guided classroom exercises, homework assignments with materials provided by the teacher and online exercises available on Virtuale.

Assessment methods

The laboratory issues a idoneità (certificate of proficiency) through a written test of comprehension and translation of a text not previously known to the students.
The test is divided into two parts. Given a short Latin text, students will be asked to:

1. Answer questions on morphological and syntactic aspects of the text, aimed at assessing the student's ability to conduct a guided linguistic analysis of a short text.
2. Translate the text into Italian.

The exam will last 120 minutes and will be held in person. The use of a dictionary will be permitted.

The idoneità will be granted if the following requirements are met:

• Correctness of answers to preliminary questions on the morphology and syntax of the Latin text;
• Sufficient correctness of the Italian translation of the Latin text, i.e. sufficient understanding of the morphosyntactic structures of the Latin text and morphosyntactic and lexical correctness of the Italian translation.

IMPORTANT: The translation will only be corrected by the teacher if the first part of the test has been passed: passing the first part of the test is therefore a prerequisite for achieving a positive mark granting the idoneità.

• Erasmus students can translate the Latin text into English, French, Spanish or German.

• Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the teacher, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Slides, scans, exercises to be done in the reference manual, online exercises available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Elisa Dal Chiele