Exploring Ancient Literature: Learn to read simple Latin Inscriptions.

No previous knowledge of the language is required, but this course is also suitable for those who already know some Latin and would like to find out about the language used on inscriptions.

Concise and elegant, Latin is the ideal language for carving in stone on gravestones, monuments and public buildings. This two-week course is designed to help those with little or no previous experience of the language to begin to make sense of inscriptions written in Latin. In the first class we’ll look at a range of real texts from ancient Rome and the Roman Empire. In the second class we'll read more modern examples of epitaphs and other monuments, including some from Leicester and Leicestershire. In particular we’ll learn the most common phrases and abbreviations used in different kinds of text. If you have an example of a short Latin inscription that you would like us to explore, you are encouraged to bring it with you.

This course focuses on learning and exploration without any formal exams or qualifications. Our classroom-based lessons are enhanced by Google Classroom, our online learning space accessible through your secure Leicesterlearns account. You'll work with your tutor to track your progress using an Individual Learning Plan, and you'll have the opportunity to reflect briefly on your learning, receiving helpful feedback and suggestions for improvement. To ensure a successful learning experience for everyone, we ask that you arrive promptly for each lesson and aim for at least 80% attendance. Finally, at the end of the course, we'll invite you to share your feedback through a short online survey on Google Classroom.

There are no specific entry requirements to join this course

This course leads to other Ancient Literature courses.