Undergraduate Course: Lucretius, 'De rerum natura' (LATI10022)
Course Outline
| School |
School of History, Classics and Archaeology |
College |
College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
20 |
| Home subject area |
Latin |
Other subject area |
None |
| Course website |
None |
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| Course description |
This course will look at Lucretius' poem 'De rerum natura' ('On the Nature of the Universe'). The text will be read partly in Latin and partly in English translation and interpreted in its literary and philosophical contexts. Discussion will centre on the question of Lucretius' aims, the way he uses poetical imagery and rhetoric to achieve these aims, his treatment of the central question of immortality of the soul and of the fear of death in book 3, and his theory of development of human civilisation and invention of religion in book 5. Attention will also be paid to the enormous influence of Lucretius poem in the Renaissance and in the age of Enlightenment. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites |
Visiting students should usually have at least 3 courses in Classics related subject matter(at least 2 of which should be in Latin) at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this) for entry to this course. We will only consider University/College level courses but Elementary ot Intermediate Latin courses will not count. Students beyond Intermediate level but with less Latin than the prerequisite should consider taking either Latin 2a/2b. |
| Prospectus website |
http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/visiting-exchange/courses |
Course Delivery Information
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate in written examinations, in course work, and in tutorial discussion a sound knowledge and understanding of:
- the ancient genre of didactic epic;
- the main positions and arguments of Epicurean philosophy in the context of Greek and Latin Hellenistic philosophy;
- the relationship between Greek and Latin epic, didactic and philosophical traditions;
- the cultural and intellectual life in the Late Roman Republic;
- how the historical, cultural, religious, literary and philosophical backgrounds mentioned above inform Lucretius' work;
- the structure and purpose of Lucretius' poem, his poetical and philosophical achievement, and his lasting influence in the cultural history of Europe.
They should in addition be able to:
- use critically a variety of different methodologies and approaches to assess Lucretius' poem (and Latin poetry in general) in its complexity;
- read Latin poetry with a greater degree of understanding;
- demonstrate the bibliographical and analytical research skills to enable them to find independently, and to deal with, additional information relating to the study of Latin poetry and intellectual history.
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Assessment Information
| Essay - 40%; One (2-hour) degree examination - 60%. |
| Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
| In order for a student from outwith Classics to be enrolled on this course, contact must be made with a Course Secretary on 50 3580 in order for approval to be obtained. |
Contacts
| Course organiser |
Dr Simon Trepanier
Tel: (0131 6)50 3589
Email: Simon.Trepanier@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Ms Elaine Hutchison
Tel: (0131 6)50 3582
Email: E.Hutchison@ed.ac.uk |
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copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:14 am
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