Latin Studies
Abstract
This Bachelor's programme covers the study of Roman antiquity from the beginnings of the Republic to the humanist period. It focuses on the acquisition and consolidation of Latin language skills, as well as the interpretation of literary texts set in the broader context of Roman culture. Special emphasis is placed on Latin culture and literature of Late Antiquity, the Latin Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Students also study the influence of literary forms and classical mythology on modern literature.
On completing their course, students will have acquired a command of Latin and in-depth knowledge of Roman literature and culture. This programme concentrates essentially on the teaching of the Latin language and literature, with lectures, exercises and proseminars aimed at enabling students to hone their language skills, their knowledge of philological techniques and literary analysis skills.
Profile of the study programme
The programme covers the study of Roman antiquity from the beginnings of the Republic to the humanist period. The emphasis is on the acquisition and consolidation of Latin language skills, as well as on the interpretation of literary documents. As the title of the programme indicates, work on literary texts is set in the broader context of Roman culture, while the study of language and culture proper goes hand in hand with that of the history of classical antiquity, archaeology, ancient philosophy and patristics. The programme concentrates essentially on teaching Latin language and culture, reading texts in the original Latin, and exercises and proseminars aimed at deepening students' knowledge of the Latin language and of philological techniques.
Fribourg profile
The University of Fribourg specialises in classical studies and consequently special attention is paid to Latin culture and literature in Late Antiquity. In partnership with the Institute of General and Comparative Literature (Institut de littérature générale et comparée/Institut für Allgemeine und Vergleichende Literaturwissenschaft), students also study the influence of literary forms and classical mythology on modern literature. In line with University of Fribourg's language policy, students of the Latin Studies have the possibility of taking their course in two languages (French and German).
Learning outcomes and career openings
On completing their course, students will have acquired a command of Latin and in-depth knowledge of Roman literature and culture. They will be capable of translating a Latin text, analysing it grammatically and stylistically, placing it in its literary, historical and cultural context and establishing links with modern literature. For a given problem, they will have acquired the methodological skills allowing them to draw up a pertinent bibliography, search for sources, analyse them critically and in detail, put forward a summary of the issue and give an oral or written presentation of the results of their research.
The principal career openings for Latin Studies students are:
- Teaching Latin at secondary school level I;
- An academic career in classical studies;
- Public administration and cultural policy;
- Administrative posts in scientific bodies;
- Private sector (human resources).
Studies organisation
Structure of studies
60 ECTS credits as a minor study programme
Curriculum
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/KRNiq (French)
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/gpUA1 (German)
Comments
Knowledge of Latin is required. Students who did not take this language at an academic upper secondary school can attend the special lessons that are built into the curriculum.
Furthermore, a study programme worth 120 ECTS credits is also offered as a major: Classics.
Admission
The following Swiss school-leaving certificates grant admission to Bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg:
- Swiss academic Maturity Certificate
- Swiss vocational or specialised Baccalaureate in conjunction with the supplementary exam certificate from the Swiss Maturity Commission
- Bachelor Degree from a Swiss university, from an accredited Swiss university of applied sciences (HES/FH) or from a Swiss university of teacher education (HEP/PH)
A complete list of all further recognized Swiss school-leaving certificates is to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities (in French and German only): http://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-admission-swiss-certificates
Foreign upper secondary school-leaving certificates are recognised only if they correspond substantially to the Swiss Maturity Certificate. They must qualify as general education. Foreign school-leaving certificates are considered to be general education if the last three years of schooling include at least six general education subjects, independent from each other, in accordance with the following list:
- First language (native language)
- Second language
- Mathematics
- Natural sciences (biology, chemistry or physics)
- Humanities and social sciences (geography, history or economics/law)
- Elective (an additional language or an additional subject from category 4 or 5)
The general admission requirements to the Bachelor programmes at the University of Fribourg for holders of foreign school-leaving certificates as well as the admission requirements for individual countries are to be found on the webpages of swissuniversities: http://studies.unifr.ch/go/en-admission-countrylist
In addition, foreign candidates must present proof of sufficient language skills in French or German.
The assessment of foreign school-leaving certificates is based on the «CRUS Recommendations for the Assessment of Foreign Upper Secondary School-Leaving Certificates, 7 September 2007» (http://studies.unifr.ch/go/crus07en). The admission requirements are valid for the respective academic year. The Rectorat of the University of Fribourg reserves the right to change these requirements at any time.
Alternatives
Also offered as a minor study programme for 30 ECTS credits.
