Reading and interpreting Latin inscriptions
- Course Code: RL007
- Dates: 18/05/24 - 18/05/24
- Time: 10:30 - 16:30
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 1 session
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Sean Gabb
Course Code: RL007
Duration: 1 session
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course provides an overview on Latin Inscriptions and how to read them. Students will get acquainted with the difficulties associated with the field of epigraphy and what skills need to be developed in order to read inscriptions.
What will we cover?
After a general introduction on structure, materials and subtypes of inscriptions, we will learn some strategies related to reading inscriptions, such as abbreviations, the different formulae commonly used and the typical information that appears in a Latin inscription. The use of cases in inscriptions will be tackled as well, although an advanced level of Latin is not required.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify different types of inscriptions. Realize the important of placing inscriptions within their appropriate context, and understand the type of information they provide. Read basic inscriptions and identify abbreviated words and formulae.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
A beginner level of Latin (basic uses of cases) is desirable, although it is not a requirement for the course. Translations and transcriptions of the inscriptions that we see in lesson will be provided.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be split into two parts. In the morning, we will have a theory session, where we will look at the different features (formulae, abbreviations, etc.), first in theory, and then in context. In the afternoon, a visit to the British Museum will follow, and we will see some of the inscriptions studied in the morning at the Roman Britain room.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No textbook required. Materials will be provided in lesson.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other Classical languages or civilisation classes. Students who have finished Latin Inscriptions can develop their knowledge in epigraphy or move on to other related areas such as numismatics (reading of coins' legendae).
Sean has been teaching Greek and Latin for a very long time, and he loves what he does. While not doing that, he's made the time to write around forty books. These include twelve historical novels, by "Richard Blake," and published by Hodder & Stoughton. They also include editions of Book VI of "The Aeneid," the "Historia Langobardorum" of Paul the Deacon, and various parts of St Jerome's Latin version of The New Testament. One of his science fiction novels was nominated for the 2015 Prometheus Award.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.