BA Ancient History

This course unit will explore a theme in Latin literature which was not only enormously popular in its own day, but also had a huge influence over the development of European art and poetry. Ekphrasis, the poetic representation of a work of art, is a site in which verbal and visual art interact. While reading passages from important and canonical texts, together with some lesser-known works, students will not only develop their ability to read the Latin language but also gain a deeper appreciation of the role of language in aesthetics.

1. Explore the theme of ekphrasis through close reading of a selection of Latin texts in the original.

2. Improve reading of Latin language.

3. Develop students’ understanding of ancient aesthetics.

• Have increased knowledge of the Latin language
• Link together but also differentiate instantiations of a theme through different periods

• Have increased ability to read and translate Latin
• Develop critical reflection on and evaluation of literature
• Be able to make a reasoned argument for a particular point of view regarding literary interpretation
• Developed a basic understanding of how scansion and other technical aspects learned in Advanced Language courses can enhance interpretation

• Have increased ability to use library, electronic and online resources to enhance the study of Latin texts
• Engage with other members of the class in order to develop literary reading as a communal activity

• Attention to detail
• Self-organisation and time-management
• Teamwork

Commentaries (25%)

Commentaries 2 (25%)

Online exam (50%)

Written feedback via Turnitin within three weeks

Dinter, M. (2013) ‘Intermediality in Latin Epic: en video quaecumque audita’, Lovatt, H. and Vout, C. (edd). Epic Visions: Visuality in Greek and Latin Epic and Its Reception. Cambridge: 122–138 

Elsner, J. (2002), ed., The Verbal and the Visual: Cultures of Ekphrasis in Antiquity, Ramus special issue. 

Faber R.A. (2018) ‘Intermediality and ekphrasis in Latin epic poetry’, Greece and Rome 65:1-14 

Fowler, D.P. (1991) ‘Narrate and describe: the problem of ekphrasis’, JRS 81:25-35