LATIN 305 A: Introduction To Latin Literature

Latin 305 (5 credits)     Introduction to Latin Literature     Autumn 2022    MTWF 11:30-12:20   

Prof. Stephen Hinds, Department of Classics    shinds@uw.edu

Fulfills A&H (VLPA)

Introduction to Latin Literature: Catullus and Caesar

Latin 305 introduces students who have already laid a foundation in elementary Latin to the sustained reading and understanding, in the original language, of two authors from a key period in Roman history, the last generation of the Roman Republic in the mid first century BCE. These authors – the poet Catullus and the statesman Julius Caesar – would reshape the personal and political language of Roman life for generations to come, Catullus as an urbane poet of social and sexual intrigue, and the later-assassinated Julius Caesar as a general and politician whose career would reshape the entire Mediterranean world.  Through Catullus, in the poems to be read, we will encounter the cut and thrust of Roman high society, and eavesdrop on the famous love affair with Lesbia; under Caesar’s Roman imperial gaze, we will see the Celtic culture of Gaul (ancient France) being documented even as it is under attack by the very man who here offers his anthropological reflections upon it. 

The aim will be to explore fundamental elements of Latin style and grammar through line by line translation and detailed interpretation, and to come to a broad understanding of Catullus and Caesar as Roman authors in their linguistic, cultural and historical contexts.  User-friendly textbooks offering detailed commentary and context on the readings will be prescribed, to be available through the University Bookstore.  The course incorporates a review of Latin grammar and syntax, fueled by reference to grammar books. 

There will be three or four quizzes, and a final exam.

This class is intended for students who have had one year of college-level Latin or the equivalent, regular or accelerated; it will be a comfortable fit for most students who have completed a program of high school Latin.  If you haven't taken Latin before, check out Latin 101 (beginning Latin, offered Autumn quarter) or Latin 300 (accelerated beginning Latin, offered in Winter and Summer quarters).  Ask me ahead of the start of term if in doubt about the best Latin course for your level.  

Latin 305 opens our second-year college Latin sequence: you will have the opportunity to follow up with Latin 306 and Latin 307 in the same time-slot in Winter and Spring Quarters.

Course textbooks, to be available before Autumn quarter from the University Bookstore:

   [Updated June 9 2022, to replace an out-of-print item] 

D.H. Garrison, ed. The Student’s Catullus. Oklahoma Univ. Press, fourth edition 2012. 

E.C. Kennedy, ed. Caesar De Bello Gallico VI. Bristol Classical Press, 1982 [published by Bloomsbury.com]. 

J.H. Allen and J.B. Greenough. New Latin Grammar  [any edition should be fine].