Classics and Modern Languages - Course Outline

International Opportunities

Students have to spend a year abroad in a foreign country before the final year of the course. Some of the undergraduates spend their year abroad in an overseas school as a paid language assistant. Some of the colleges facilitate to arrange these placements and Modern Languages Faculty or colleges provides financial support to students. College support can be available to assist undergraduate with academically related travel to Greece or Italy.

Timetable in Brief

The course time is divided between language classes, lectures, private study and tutorials. Some of the student works shall be in preparation of essays for their tutorials; however, the systematic reading of literary texts, not essentially aimed at any specific tutorial, requires a considerable input of effort and time.

Option First

First Year (Course I) or First and Second Year (Course II)

The Course II students spend a preliminary year studying Greek or Latin then follow Course I

Course I

• Literature in the ancient languages or language (two papers)
• Translation from the ancient language or languages into English (one paper)
• Literature (in modern language) (two papers)
• Language exercises (comprising translation) for the modern language (two papers)

Assessment

First university exams in Modern Language Seven papers

Option Second

First and Second Year (Terms 1-5)

Courses

• As for the Classics Moderations, students see entry for Classics for the first five terms
• Course II students must follow Classics
• Moderations Course II
• Additionally, undergraduates generally maintain contact with the modern language through language classes

Assessment

First university examinations in Classics Ten papers

Options First and Second (Plus intercalated year abroad)

Terms 4-9 (Course I Option 1), 6-12 (Option 2), or 7-12 (Course II Option 1)

Courses

• Modern Language (four - five papers), consisting of: a period of literature, language exercises (two papers plus oral exam) and options (prescribed texts and authors from 12th to 20th century, or structure and history of the modern language)
• Classics (three-four papers): a core paper in Greek or in Latin literature, two or three Classics options
• Possibility of a long essay or a paper focusing on the links between the modern and the ancient literatures

Assessment

Final University Examinations

Students have a total nine papers (one optional and eight compulsory) and oral examination in the modern language. Students may be offered a thesis instead of one of the compulsory papers in Classics. There is possibility for the optional paper that is an expanded essay on any subject, which falls within the scope of the school. The course provides students thorough understanding of the subject. It is fine combination of theory and practical exercises. Students are given hands-on exercises with the view of enhancing their skills and knowledge.