LAT 118: Roman Historians (4 units)

LAT 118: Roman Historians (4 units)

Prof. Rex Stem

Course Description: In this course, which is designed for intermediate Latin students (i.e., in the equivalent of their second year of college Latin), we will study Julius Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War. We will read a selection of passages in Latin, most of the Gallic War in English, and some essays about Caesar as an author. The primary goal is to improve your accuracy, speed, and understanding when reading and translating connected Latin prose. The secondary goal will be to appreciate the literary and political strategies behind Caesar’s writings. Skills in formal translation and critical thinking will also be pursued in analytical writing. There will be two midterm exams, a final exam, and some short interpretive papers.

Prerequisite: LAT 100 or equivalent

GE credit: AH, WC, WE

Format: Lecture/Discussion - 3 hours; Term Paper

Required Texts:

• F. Kelsey and R. Stem, eds., Julius Caesar: Commentaries on the Gallic War (Michigan Classical Press, ISBN 978-0979971389)
• Julius Caesar, The Gallic War, trans. Carolyn Hammond (Oxford, ISBN 978-0199540266)