Outline

Overview

This unit expands students' knowledge of the poetry of the Republic and Augustan era through study of one or more important texts from this influential period in Rome's literary history. The focus of the unit will be on the interpretation, literary appreciation and generic and/or historical background of the texts. Language skills will continue to be tested and developed by periodic exercises in unseen translation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Classics and Ancient History
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	12 credit points at 2000 level in Latin
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Robert Cowan, bob.cowan@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home short release)	Exam Exam	30%	Formal exam period	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Participation Participation in and leading of discussion and translation in class	5%	Please select a valid week from the list below	n/a
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Language assessment (commentary) A formal commentary on five lines of Columella.	15%	Week 06	1000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In-class translation Translation from set texts (Lucretius)	5%	Week 07	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Essay An essay on a self-devised topic relating to the set texts.	40%	Week 12	2000wd
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In-class translation Translation from set texts (Georgics)	5%	Week 13	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

Participation in and leading of discussion and translation in class.
In-class translations: There will be two short in-class/on-Zoom translation tests on the set text to assess understanding of the Latin.
Language (commentary) assessment: Students will write a formal commentary in the style of academic commentaries on five lines of Columella book 10. Full guidance and class practice will be given.
Essay: Students are to devise their own topic or question. Students are to read ahead to the end of Georgics 3 (in translation at least) and should not limit their essay to topics covered in the early parts of the book, or in Lucretius. Students may discussed the topic with the lecturer and must submit an abstract with an indicative bibliography via Canvas prior to submission.
Exam: The final exam will be a time-limited take-home exercise. Students will be required to comment on three passages (from a choice of four) including at least one from DRN and one from Georgics 3). Finally, you will be required to scan five hexameters.

Assessment criteria

Fail (Below 50%)

Work not of an acceptable standard.

demonstrates very limited ability to translate parts of the Latin of the prescribed texts
shows little or no understanding of the content of the prescribed texts
demonstrates little awareness of literary features of the literature being studied
recognises few grammatical forms
recognises only a few words in unprepared passages of Latin verse and a very limited capacity to identify their syntactic relations

Low Pass (50-54%)

Work of an acceptable standard.

demonstrates a limited ability to translate parts of the Latin of the prescribed texts
shows some understanding of the content of the prescribed texts
demonstrates a partial awareness of literary features of the literature being studied
recognises some grammatical forms
demonstrates knowledge of a number of words in an unprepared passages of Latin verse and some awareness of their syntactic relations

Medium Pass (55-59%)

Work of a satisfactory standard.

demonstrates the ability to translate parts of the Latin of the prescribed texts
shows understanding of much of the content of the prescribed texts
recognises and comments at a basic level on some literary and stylistic features of the literature being studied
recognises many grammatical forms and demonstrates a basic understanding of their function
presents a translation into English of unprepared passages Latin verse which manages to make sense of some contents even if it shows little understanding of the passage as a whole.

High Pass (60-64%)

Competent work, though Honours is not recommended.

demonstrates an ability to translate much of the Latin of the prescribed texts with some accuracy reflecting a basic understanding of the context and intention of the original
shows a basic understanding of the content of the prescribed texts
demonstrates some general knowledge of literary forms and an awareness of the stylistic features of the literature being studied
recognises most grammatical forms and demonstrates a sound understanding of their function
presents a translation into English of unprepared passages of Latin verse which shows an understanding of much of the passage being read, but not the passage as a whole.

Low Credit (65-69%)

Competent work of considerable merit, demonstrating potential to complete Honours work, though further development needed to do so successfully.

demonstrates an ability to translate the Latin of the prescribed texts into English in a manner which reflects the meaning and tone of the original with accuracy
shows knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
demonstrates a good understanding of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied
recognises all grammatical forms and demonstrates a thorough understanding of their function
presents a generally accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Latin verse conveying the overall sense of the original.

High Credit (70-74%)

Highly competent work, demonstrating clear capacity to complete Honours successfully.

demonstrates an ability to translate the Latin of the prescribed texts into English in a manner which reflects the meaning and tone of the original with accuracy
shows knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
demonstrates a good understanding of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied
recognises all grammatical forms and demonstrates a thorough understanding of their function
presents a generally accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Latin verse conveying the overall sense of the original

Distinction (75-84%)

Work of a superior standard.

demonstrates a superior ability to translate the Classical Greek or Latin of the prescribed texts into English in a manner which closely reflects the meaning and tone of the original
shows extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
demonstrates a thorough understanding and an appreciation of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied
shows a thorough control of grammatical forms and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of their functions
presents an accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Latin verse, reflecting the meaning and tone of the original.

High Distinction (85%+)

Work of exceptional standard.

demonstrates exceptional proficiency in the translation of the Latin of the prescribed texts into English with unfailing precision and accuracy
shows a profound knowledge and understanding of the content and the cultural and historical background of the prescribed texts
demonstrates an exceptionally deep understanding and appreciation of the literary qualities and stylistic features of the literature being studied
shows a complete mastery of grammatical forms and demonstrates a precise understanding of their functions
presents a precise and accurate translation into English of unprepared passages of Latin verse, perfectly reproducing the meaning and tone of the original.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per university policy

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Introductory seminars on didactic poetry, Lucretius, and the Georgics	Seminar (3 hr)
	Translation and discussion of the set texts (Lucretius De Rerum Natura and Virgil Georgics 3). Detailed schedule available on Canvas.	Seminar (28 hr)
	Discussion of a practice unseen and completion of an assessed unseen.	Seminar (5 hr)
	In-class set text translation assessments	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Seminar (1 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The set texts are:

Lucretius De Rerum Natura 4.1030-1287 and DRN 6.1090-1286
Virgil Georgics 3

These should be read in the following editions, both with commentary, and both available via Oxford Scholarly Editions Online (links in the Leganto Reading List on Canvas):

Mynors, R. A. B. ed. (1990) Virgil: Georgics (Oxford).
Bailey, Cyril (1947) Titi Lucreti Cari De rerum natura libri sex, edited with prolegomena, critical apparatus, translation, and commentary. (Oxford)

A bibliography listing other commentaries, and a wide range of articles, chapters, and monographs will be available on the Canvas site.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Increased knowledge of the Latin language, its structure, vocabulary, and modes of expression.
LO2. Increased knowledge of the history and influence of the literature of Rome, including an understanding of genre and of interpretative work ranging from traditional criticism to contemporary approaches
LO3. Increased knowledge of the culture, religion, ideas and history of the Romans leading to a critical understanding of one of the bases of Western culture.
LO4. Sharpened analytical skills in investigating the ways texts use language to construct meaning and assert imaginative power, communication skills fostered by the writing of critical analyses and by discussion in class where one must clearly express and account for one’s own view and objectively judge the views of others
LO5. Practice at skills in working as part of a team, sharing information and exchanging approaches in ways which promote realistic self-evaluation, critical judgement, tolerance and skills in creative listening
LO6. Practice at skills in ordering and inter-relating a large body of facts and differing opinions within a limited space
LO7. An increased understanding of cultural difference
LO8. Practice at skills in time-management, in prioritising and in working to definite goals and dead-lines
LO9. Practice at skills in the use of IT for the accessing of information and generating one’s own material

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Over several iterations of this unit I have used student feedback to inform my text choices, adjust the amount and difficulty of the texts read, rebalance assessment weighting, and plan the reading schedule of the unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

LATN3604: Latin Republican Poetry

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect