Latin Studies

Abstract

This bachelor 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.

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    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 and, in collaboration with the Medieval Institute (Institut d'études médiévales/Mediävistisches Institut), on that of the Latin Middle Ages and the Renaissance. 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

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.

Alternatives

Also offered as a minor study programme for 30 ECTS credits.

Key points

Degree conferred

-

Languages of study

Possibility to study in French, in German or in French and German. Some courses are offered in English.

Commencement of studies

Commencement of studies in the Autumn Semester (September) or in the Spring Semester (February)

Access to further studies

Master

Contact

Faculty of Humanities
Department of Classics
Prof. Thomas Schmidt
thomas.schmidt@unifr.ch
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/fr-classics (French)
http://studies.unifr.ch/go/de-classics (German)