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Unit outline_

LATN4102: Research Skills in Latin Prose

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Deepen your expertise in Latin prose through in-depth study of one or more important text. Close engagement with relevant scholarship will give you advanced understanding of the latest research techniques and methodologies for the study of Latin prose. You will develop your skills as an independent literary critic, engage in intensive in-class discussion, and explore authors such as Cicero, Tacitus, Suetonius or Livy. Advanced language skills will be developed by close reading of original material and tested by periodic exercises in unseen translation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Classics and Ancient History
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Paul Roche, paul.roche@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment In-class translation
In-class translation x 2
20% Multiple weeks 5 x 100wd
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Assignment Commentary exercise
30% Please select a valid week from the list below 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO8 LO9 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6
Assignment Language work exercise
20% Week 10 1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Assignment Essay
Devise your own essay topic--more details on Canvas
30% Week 11
Due date: 13 Nov 2020 at 23:59
4000wd
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

In class translation test 1  (10%)

Language work exercise  (20%)

Essay  (30%)

In class translation test 2 (10%)

Commentary exercise (30%)

Assessment criteria

Honours Grade Descriptors

80-100: First Class (I)

90+
Work demonstrating the highest levels of accomplishment and intellectual autonomy that can be expected from an undergraduate student. An overall Honours mark of 90 or higher is a requirement for the award of a University Medal, though Medals are not automatically awarded to students with overall results of 90 or more.

In many fields of the humanities and social sciences, a mark in this range indicates substantial and innovative research; wide and deep reading in the scholarly literature; sophisticated, perceptive, and original interpretations of data, documentary evidence, fieldwork, literary texts, or works of art; and a very high level of independent thought and argument. 

In work written in a language other than English, a mark in this range indicates an excellent level of grammatical accuracy, syntactical sophistication, and nuance in use of vocabulary and register. 

85-89 
Work that demonstrates a very high level of proficiency in the methodologies, subject matter, and modes of expression and argumentation appropriate to the field or fields studied. Work in this range shows strong promise for doctoral study. 

In many fields of the humanities and social sciences, a mark in this range indicates substantial original research; wide and deep reading in the scholarly literature; a very high level of skill in interpreting data, documentary evidence, fieldwork, literary texts, or works of art; and a high level of independent thought. 

In work written in a language other than English, a mark in this range indicates a very high level of grammatical accuracy with only some mistakes, as well as syntactical sophistication, and nuance in use of vocabulary and register. 

80-84 
Work that demonstrates a high level of proficiency in the methodologies, subject matter, and modes of expression and argumentation appropriate to the field or fields studied, and shows potential for doctoral study. 

In many fields of the humanities and social sciences, a mark in this range can indicate thorough research; a firm grasp of the relevant scholarly literature; and a high level of skill in interpreting data, documentary evidence, fieldwork, literary texts, or works of art.

In work written in a language other than English, a mark in this range indicates a very high level of grammatical accuracy with few mistakes and only very rare basic errors, with vocabulary and syntax varied and expression highly coherent and well structured.

75-79: Second Class, First Division (II.1)
Work that demonstrates a generally sound knowledge of the methodologies, subject matter, and modes of expression and argumentation appropriate to the field or fields studied. 

In many fields of the humanities and social sciences, a mark in this range can indicate solid research; a firm grasp of the relevant scholarly literature; and competent interpretations of data, documentary evidence, fieldwork, literary texts, or works of art. However, work in this range may also show evidence of a higher level of independent thought combined with some significant lapses in research or expression.

In work written in a language other than English, a mark in this range indicates a high standard of grammatical accuracy with few mistakes and only very rare basic errors, with vocabulary and syntax varied and expression highly coherent and well structured.

70-74: Second Class, Second Division (II.2)
Work that demonstrates an adequate but limited performance in the methodologies, subjects, and/or languages studied.

In many fields of the humanities and social sciences, a mark in this range can indicate an adequate general knowledge of the subject from the reading of both primary material and secondary literature, straightforward argumentation, and clear expression. A mark in this range may also reflect a superior performance in one or more of these areas combined with serious lapses in others.

In work written in a language other than English, a mark in this range indicates a good standard of grammatical accuracy, albeit with some mistakes, including occasional basic ones; the work shows a good grasp of complex sentence structures and an appropriately varied vocabulary.

65-69: Third Class (III)
Work only barely above the standard of pass-degree work in the field studied. A mark in this range indicates a basic but limited understanding of the methodologies and subject matter of the field or fields studied, and skills in argument and expression that are only just adequate for Honours-level study and research.

Below 65%
Honours not awarded.

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.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Discussion of a practice unseen and completion of an assessed unseen. Seminar (5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Translation and discussion of the set texts from the additional Honours prescription (History of Apollonius King of Tyre). Detailed schedule available on Canvas. Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 01 Introductory classes Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 12 Revision Seminar (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5
Weekly Translation and discussion of the set texts (Petronius' Satyrica and Apuleius' Metamorphoses). Detailed schedule available on Canvas. Seminar (27 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

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, editions and commentaries are as follows:

Petronius Satyrica 100-113

Set edition: Müller, Konrad ed. (1995) Petronii Arbitri Satyricon reliquiae, 4th edition (Stuttgart).

Recommended commentary: Schmeling, Gareth ed. (2011) A Commentary on The Satyrica of Petronius  (Oxford).

The following is effectively a running commentary: Courtney, Edward (2001) A Companion to Petronius (Oxford).

Apuleius Metamorphoses 2

Set edition: Zimmermann, Maike ed. (2012)  Apulei: Metamorphoseon Libri XI. Oxford Classical Texts (Oxford)

The only commentary is in hard copy, in French, and currently on order, but I shall make its insights available to you: van Mal-Maeder, Danielle (ed.) (2001) Apuleius Madaurensis Metamorphoses, Livre II. Texte, Introduction et Commentaire (Brill)

(Honours only):

Historia Apollonii Regis Tyri (recension A) 1-24

Set edition and commentary: Panayotakis, Stelios (2012) The Story of Apollonius, King of Tyre: A Commentary (De Gruyter) – available online

Additional commentary: Kortekaas, G.A.A. ed. (2007) Commentary on the Historia Apollonii Regis Tyri (Brill)

A full bibliography of scholarship is available on Canvas.

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.

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 selfevaluation, 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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

The texts for this unit change on every iteration.

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.