Classical Latin was not only the language used by the ancient Romans, but also by a rich variety of great authors from the early Middle Ages up to the 19^th century, such as Boethius, Alcuin, Petrarca, Luther, Erasmus, Spinoza, Descartes, Newton, David Ruhnken and David van Lennep. Learning Latin therefore enables students to understand authors from most diverse historical periods and thus to transcend the confines of their own time.
 
The study of Latin literature has been the central focus of Liberal Arts Education from the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to the early 20^th century. UC’s Latin courses are therefore the continuation of one of the basic educational traditions of Western civilisation.

This course serves as a first introduction to the tradition of Latin Literature in the original language. Accessible works or fragments from both ancient and neo-classical Latin authors will be studied – such as Cicero, Horace, Pliny the Younger, Seneca, Pico della Mirandola and Erasmus – and interpreted within their historical context.
 
Format
Although this course focuses on reading and interpreting Latin literature, there is also an emphasis on language acquisition. In the first four weeks a brief explanation of the Latin verb system will be offered next to the readings. Also in later weeks, students will have ample opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the Latin language.