THEL205 - Ecclesiastical Latin B

Year

Credit points

Campus offering

Prerequisites

THEL102 Ecclesiastical Latin A

Teaching organisation

Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit aims to develop students' understanding of Ecclesiastical Latin, and enable them to access a world of biblical texts and theological scholarship which is essential to the study of theology in the Catholic tradition. Latin is the language of the Vulgate Bible and the Liturgy, and was the main language of scholarship in the West up to the modern period. Learning Ecclesiastical Latin therefore enables students to read foundational texts, access the works of central figures in the Catholic tradition in the original language, and engage in research and interpretive study in theology and biblical studies, especially in the Catholic theological tradition.

This unit builds on knowledge and skills developed in Ecclesiastical Latin A (THEL102). Students study Ecclesiastical Latin through reading and translating increasingly complex texts from the Liturgy and the Bible in the Latin Vulgate version. They study intermediate level topics in Latin grammar and syntax. Translation activities enable students to demonstrate their linguistic skills and apply them to the study and interpretation of key elements of the Catholic theological tradition.

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

LO1 - Build on the basics of Ecclesiastical Latin grammar and syntax learnt in Ecclesiastical Latin A, working in a fully online environment (GA5; GA10);

LO2 - Read and translate selected original Latin texts into English (GA4; GA5; GA8; GA9);

LO3 - Translate intermediate-level English constructions into Latin (GA5).

LO4 - Apply methods relevant to biblical studies and apply knowledge of Ecclesiastical Latin to the study and interpretation of Christian scriptures and liturgical traditions, especially the Catholic theological tradition (GA4, GA5, GA8)

Graduate attributes

GA4 - think critically and reflectively 

GA5 - demonstrate values, knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate to the discipline and/or profession 

GA8 - locate, organise, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information 

GA9 - demonstrate effective communication in oral and written English language and visual media 

GA10 - utilise information and communication and other relevant technologies effectively.

Content

Topics will include: 

• Ecclesiastical Latin grammar and syntax as presented in units 11-20 of the set text; 
• Ecclesiastical Latin morphology; 
• Translation of original Latin Texts.

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit involves 150 hours of focused learning, or the equivalent of 10 hours per week for 15 weeks. The total number of hours includes structured online learning activities, including activities such as lectures, tutorials, online learning (including group work), video-conferencing, or supervision. The remaining hours typically involve individual reading of texts, memorizing paradigms and increasingly complex vocabulary, research, and the preparation of tasks for assessment.

The unit is normally offered in a fully online mode. Students interact with each other and with academic staff through formally structured and sequenced online learning activities that support the achievement of the learning outcomes. Students are asked to demonstrate understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, integrating new information with existing knowledge. They then apply what they have learned in translation exercises. Collaborative and peer learning is also emphasized, as students work together on short grammar, syntax, and translation exercises.

THEL205 recognises students as adult learners who engage best when learning outcomes are clear and they are given the opportunity to be responsible for their own learning. In many ways, the student is the one who drives the learning forward, and their active participation in this unit is essential. Formative and summative assessment tasks assist the students to chart and maintain progress throughout the unit. Particularly, informal assessment by instructors and through peer-assessment in the online environment is designed to give students clear feedback about progress and support them to learn throughout the unit, and staged summative assessment also provides important feedback opportunities. Learning and assessment is thus designed to be a collaborative, engaging and supportive experience, which helps students to develop relevant knowledge, skills, and graduate attributes.

Assessment strategy and rationale

In order to pass this unit, students are required to attempt all assessment tasks and achieve an overall grade of Pass (50% or higher). 

The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome. 

The unit’s main focus is on consolidating understanding of grammar and syntax and building students’ capacities in translation. It thus builds on THEL 102 and also prepares students for a greater level of interpretive work required in THEL206. 

The first assessment task aims to embed and test knowledge of grammar and syntax. Quizzes are staged to enable students to chart progress and embed knowledge required for the translation-focused assessments.  

The second assessment task focuses on technical ability in translation (including the application of principles of grammar and syntax). It also builds expertise required for the final translation assignment and presentation.  

The third assessment task places stronger weight on translation and interpretive ability. It simultaneously enables students to apply their knowledge of features of Latin grammar and syntax. As the final piece of assessment in the unit, it is the most complex, enabling students to reflect on their work across the unit and demonstrate skills in translation, linguistic analysis, critical thinking, and communication.  

Classes include similar informal tasks (both for individual students and small groups), preparing students for assessment tasks related to translation and grammar and syntax knowledge. The assessment strategy is concerned to provide appropriate scaffolding to enable students to build on their previous knowledge and apply it to new situations. Assessment tasks are therefore closely related to classroom activities, and are clearly related to learning outcomes and associated graduate attributes. 

Overview of assessments

Representative texts and references

Blaise, A., A Handbook of Christian Latin: Style, Morphology, and Syntax. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 1994.

Collins, J. F. A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin. Reprinted with corrections. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 1991.

Diamond, W. Dictionary of Liturgical Latin. Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing Co., 2007.

Gildersleeve, B. L. and G. Lodge. Gildersleeve’s Latin Grammar. 3rd ed. Wauconda: Bolchazy Carducci Publishers, 2008.

Glare, P. G. W. The Oxford Latin Dictionary. 2nd ed. 2 vols. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.

Gryson, R. et al. Biblia Sacra Vulgata, 4th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Gesellschaft, 1994.

Kuhnmuench, O. Liturgical Latin. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1939.

Lewis, C. T. and C. Short, eds. Lewis and Short Online Latin Dictionary. Available at http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.04.0059 (accessed 23/08/13).

Souter, A. A Glossary of Later Latin to 600 A.D. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1949.

Weber, R. and R. Gryson, eds. Biblia sacra iuxta vulgatam versionem. 5th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft: 1995.