Latin 3 – Latin Literature

The course is the third year of the School of Higher Studies in Latin.
A sound and excellent knowledge of Latin Language is required. The course may be attended by:
– those who have attended at least the 75% of the course Latin 2;
– those who, having sound knowledge of Latin, might be able to pass the exam Latin 2 even without having attended classes.

Objectives

• In-depth knowledge of the Latin works, covered in class
• Understanding of any Latin text, prose and poems, even of high difficulty, without using the dictionary
• In-depth knowledge of all the most complex structures of Latin syntax and rhetoric
• Knowledge of the 4000 most frequent words in Latin classical literature
• Ability to write and speak in Latin
• Understanding of the basic techniques for teaching a lesson of Latin language through the inductive-contextual methodology.

Program

The course involves a complete reading of Seneca’s celebrated dialogue de vita beata, accompanied by detailed commentary on the author’s language, style, and philosophical thought. The work was written after 58 AD, in a context of accusations levelled against the philosopher that compelled him to produce a sort of self-defence. The central theme of the work, which explores the relationship between Stoic and Epicurean ethics, is whether happiness, understood as a virtuous life in accordance with nature, is compatible with wealth; or, in other words, whether a wise person can be rich.

The instructor will provide or recommend any additional resources deemed useful for an optimal understanding of the texts under study.

The course is delivered entirely online. Live-streamed lectures are recorded and remain available for students to watch at any time.