About Introduction to Latin
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With expert guidance from tutor Dr Antony Makrinos (UCL), you will learn vocabulary, grammar and syntax to translate a variety of Latin texts into English and study the pronunciation and principles of sentence construction through close reading of selected texts. By exploring the Latin language and its history you will gain a greater understanding of the development of the English language.
This course is suitable for beginners. Ahead of the weekend, a selection of readings will be provided to familiarise yourself with the Latin alphabet, pronunciation, punctuation and transliteration.
A vegetarian lunch is provided on both days. Please let us know your dietary requirements as soon as you book your place by emailing adultlearning@bl.uk
More information
Dr Antony Makrinos
Dr Antony Makrinos is an Associate Professor in Classics at UCL and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
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Dr Antony Makrinos has been a Visiting Lecturer in the School of English and Drama at Queen Mary College and a Research and Teaching Fellow at KCL and UCL. He is currently an Associate Professor in Classics at UCL and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research interests include Greek epic (esp. Homer), scholarship in Byzantium, Greek education and Reception studies. He works on an edition of Eustathius’ Commentary on Homer’s Odyssey (book one). He has published articles and chapters on Homer and Eustathius and contributed to many undergraduate and graduate courses in Classics. He is also the Director of the Summer School in Homer at UCL.
Programme
Saturday
We will begin our weekend by looking at the Latin alphabet and rules of pronunciation, diphthongs and syllables, accentuation and transliteration and we will discuss basic rules of syntax, verb forms, nouns, and adjectives. We will also discuss some of the tenses of verbs, mainly present, imperfect and future, and their uses.
Later in the day we will move on to some readings from the textbook Learn to Read Latin and we will practice morphology and vocabulary through some simple exercises. We will read, analyse and translate sentences from the first chapters of the book, and learn some basic vocabulary.
Sunday
On day two we will further focus on syntax, discussing the concepts of subject, object and predicate. We will also discuss infinitives, first and second declension adjectives and the uses of all the cases in Latin.
In the afternoon, we will be adding some more vocabulary and trying to practice through simple exercises and our day will conclude with some texts from the original Latin including Virgil and Roman love poetry.
Required Reading
Introductory reading: Participants are invited to familiarize themselves with the Latin alphabet, pronunciation, punctuation and transliteration. Handouts that will help with the participants’ preparation will also be circulated.
Module text: A. Keller & S. Russell, Learn to Read Latin, second edition, Yale UP 2015
Previous skills, knowledge or experience
None required. A willingness to participate in group discussion, and to undertake the required reading for each session, will help you get the most from this course.
Facilities and refreshments
The course takes place in the Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre, located in the lower ground floor of the British Library.
Tea and coffee are served at the beginning of each day. A vegetarian lunch is provided both days, please email your dietary requirements to adultlearning@bl.uk as soon as you book your place.
Accessibility
Please email adultlearning@bl.uk to discuss your accessibility requirements.
Concessions
There are a range of concessions available. These include discounts for Young Persons (16–25s) and visitors on Universal/Pension Credit. Press Book Now to see the full range of concessions for this event.
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