Plunge into the midst of a Roman scandal , using Cicero’s speech to decide for yourself whether Cluentius really did poison his stepfather. Then experience the ups and downs of ancient romance through Catullus’s heart-on-his-sleeve love poetry.
Subject Information
Studying Latin will leave you with a deep appreciation of how the Romans thought, fought and loved. The course offers the chance to build on the language skills acquired in GCSE to increase confidence and fluency of reading. By the end of the course all students should be able to read unseen Roman poetry and prose. It also offers the chance to do an in-depth study of two Roman authors: the powerful polemics of the great orator Cicero, and the tender and cheeky love poetry of Catullus.
Course Details
If you enjoyed the challenge of translating Latin at GCSE then you can look forward to gaining more linguistic keys to start reading a huge range of unadapted prose and verse Latin. There is also an element of detailed comprehension of Latin grammar that will help secure your grasp of the language.
In the literature half of the course, you will read Cicero’s defence of Cluentius, who was accused of poisoning his stepfather. You will also read many of Catullus’s love poems to discover how the Romans navigated the trials and tribulations of love.
Lessons will be supplemented by guest speakers from Cambridge University and further afield as well as study days designed for A-level students. We aim to run our popular biannual trip to Rome and Pompeii as well as museum trips in the UK.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements
- Grade 6 in GCSE Latin.
Where could Latin take me?
Latin leads on perfectly to studying Classics or Ancient History at degree level, as well as being incredibly beneficial to further study of English.
Latinists are good at solving puzzles so often find they are also at home in STEM-based subjects and careers. Coding is a popular onward move.
Delving into complex literature leads to skills that are coveted in journalism, broadcasting, publishing, curating, law, politics, the civil service, media, the languages and teaching.
A deep understanding of Roman culture lends itself to further study in history and archaeology.
