LAT20190

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

- translate the set text, thereby demonstrating a strong knowledge of Latin grammar, syntax and vocabulary;
- analyse the “Dream” within the framework of the overall dialogue of the De Reublica;
- contextualise the text within the political and cultural conditions of the Late Roman Republic;
- exhibit a thorough understanding of the historical background presented within the text;
- evaluate the literary, philosophical, and political qualities the “Dream” and its long-lasting influence on Western thought;

Indicative Module Content:

This module is language intensive, focused on Latin-to-English translation of unadapted passages of Cicero. Students should expect to read the entire text (De Rep. 6.9-29).

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

Students will prepare for each class by reading assigned passages of text and identifying issues of linguistic and syntactical difficulty. In class, students will read and translate the text together and resolve whatever points of difficulty have arisen. Classes will focus on translating Latin into accurate and idiomatic English, as well as discussing and evaluating points of literary, historical, and cultural interest.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive individual written feedback on class tests (translation and commentary) and essay within 20 working days of submission. Students are welcome to arrange a meeting with the module coordinator to discuss their grade and feedback.

Powell, J. (1990), Cicero: On Friendship & The Dream of Scipio, Warminster. This is the assigned text, and should be available in the campus bookshop.
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Atkins, J. W. (2013), Cicero on Politics and the Limits of Reason: The Republic and Laws, Cambridge (esp. the chapter “The Dream of Scipio and the science of politics”, pp. 47–79).
Coleman-Norton, P. R. (1950), “Cicero and the Music of the Spheres”, The Classical Journal 45: 237–241.
Gallagher, R. L. (2001). “Metaphor in Cicero’s De Re Publica”, The Classical Quarterly 51: 509–519.
Luck, G. (1956). “Studia Divina in Vita Humana: On Cicero’s “Dream of Scipio” and Its Place in Graeco-Roman Philosophy”, The Harvard Theological Review 49: 207–218.
McConnell, S. (2017). “Magnitudo Animi and Cosmic Politics in Cicero’s De Re Publica”, The Classical Journal 113: 45–70.
Stevens, J. (2006), "The Imagery of Cicero's Somnium Scipionis", in Deroux, C. (ed.), Collection Latomus 301. Studies in Latin Literature and Roman History XIII, 155-65.
Stevenson, T. (2005), “Readings of Scipio’s Dictatorship in Cicero’s De Re Publica (6.12)”, The Classical Quarterly 55: 140–152.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.