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Humanism and early modern Latin texts

CX261 (Year 2) / CX361 (Year 3), both 30 CATS-weighting

Module convenor: Dr Maude Vanhaelen

This will be an in-depth exploration of some important works of Latin literature produced in the Renaissance, looking at the cultural reception of Antiquity in 14th-16th century Italy. As well as opening up a new world of Latin writing, this module will improve your linguistic knowledge and reading ability. It will also extend your general knowledge of classical Latin literature, to look at less commonly studied ancient sources and at what it means to read ancient literature in the 14th-16th centuries.

Learning outcomes:

-be familiar with the narrative of reception of Antiquity during the Renaissance
-be able to engage directly and critically with primary texts in the original language (Latin) without the help of existing modern translations
-be able to set primary texts and objects within their immediate historical and cultural context
-be familiar with latest scientific methods to establish and read texts (textual criticism) and to translate them
-develop an improved awareness of how the notion of humanism has been constructed by scholars, artists, politicians and others, from the Renaissance to the present day
- enhance research, writing and communication skills