Unit outline_

LATN4101: Research Skills in Latin Literature

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Deepen your expertise in Latin poetry 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 poetry. You will develop your skills as an independent literary critic, engage in intensive in-class discussion, and explore authors such as Lucan, Catullus, Seneca or Virgil. 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
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam
? 
Final exam
Translation and commentary on select extracts from the set text.
35% Formal exam period 1.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO4 LO6
In-person written or creative task in class test
Short in-class tests requiring translation of and comment on seen passages
10% Week 06
Due date: 10 Sep 2025 at 11:00
250 word equiv. AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7
In-person written or creative task In-class test
Short in-class tests requiring translation of and comment on seen passages
10% Week 11
Due date: 22 Oct 2025 at 11:00
250 word equiv. AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7
Written work Essay
An essay on a self-devised topic relating to the set texts
45% Week 13
Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 28 Nov 2025
4000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Assessment summary

  • In-class translation and comment tests: There will be three short in-class tests requiring translation of and comment on seen passages to assess understanding of the Latin and of elegiac style and themes. The best two of three will count to the final grade.
  • Essay: A 4,000-word essay will require discussion of how either Ovid or Sulpicia respond to earlier Roman elegy.
  • Exam: The final exam will be held in the formal exam period. You will be asked to translate and comment on a selection of passages from the poems studied. You will be also be required to scan three elegiac couplets. A sample exam will be provided.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

 

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.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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 University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to unit and Sallust; Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 03 Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 04 Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 05 Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 06 Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 07 Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 08 Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 09 Sallust reading (see schedule on Canvas) Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 10 Introduction to Cicero Catilinarians, Reading Cat. 3 Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 11 Reading Cicero, Cat. 3 Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 12 Reading Cicero, Cat. 3 Seminar (3 hr)  
Week 13 Reading Cicero, Cat. 3 and revision of unit Seminar (3 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements


 

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

Set Text:

D. R. Shackleton Bailey Cicero: Select Letters, Cambridge 1980

ISBN: 9780521295246

 

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. Critically analyse the Latin poetry of Republican Rome, paying close attention to poets’ use of language to construct meaning
  • LO2. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of one or more genres of Latin poetry
  • LO3. Demonstrate competence in the terminology and theory used in the academic study of Latin literature
  • LO4. Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which Latin literature reflects the cultural and political concerns of Roman society
  • LO5. Construct and defend coherent and valid evidence-based arguments about Latin literature and its interpretation
  • LO6. Demonstrate high-level skills in critical thinking, and the ability to work independently and creatively
  • LO7. Translate the Latin poetry of Republican Rome accurately into English

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. Over iterations of 4,000 level Latin units we use student feedback to inform text choices, adjust the amount and difficulty of the texts read, rebalance assessment weighting and types, and plan the reading schedule of the unit.

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.