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A large part of the primary evidence for ancient history consists of (literary) texts of a highly complex nature, written in Greek or Latin. In this course, students 1) learn how to apply information concerning the genre and transmission of these texts to their use as historical source; 2) they practice slow reading of these texts, often in translation, when possible and necessary in the original language; 3) they learn how to ask the necessary questions as to the interpretation and historical context of these texts and 4) how to use the relevant critical apparatus on their way to an answer.
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A large part of the primary evidence for ancient history consists of (literary) texts of a highly complex nature, written in Greek or Latin. Reading these texts and using them as historical sources requires first of all the art of asking pertinent historical questions concerning this text. On the way towards an answer, one needs a solid notion of the intellectual, cultural and social context of a text, some knowledge of the transmission and technical conventions of this text(genre) and how to use the professional, critical apparatus.
In this course, students learn how to read these texts slowly, to practice the art of questioning and learn how to handle the relevant information.
Every session will consist of a short lecture introduction, followed by focussed reading and discussion of primary texts, prepared by the students.
Reading material consists of a) texts selected from the Loeb Classical Library (available in UBU) b) secondary literature (see below)
NB: epigraphical texts are the subject of the course Knowledge and skills: epigraphy.
The entrance requirements for Exchange Students will be checked by the International Office and the Programme coordinator. Acceptance is not self-evident.
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