KT24-25 Latin Epigraphy
Course Name
Latin Epigraphy on LocationUniversity
VUEC
5/6 ECCourse date
semester 2 (2024 - 2025)Registration open until
Location
Amsterdam/RomeInstructor(s)
Dr. Ton Derks (VU) & prof.dr. Caroline Kroon (UvA) & Prof. dr. Daniëlle Slootjes (UvA)E-mail Contact
Dr. Ton DerksCourse objectives
The student who has successfully completed this course;
- is able to read and understand Latin inscriptions at a level that fits with their preceding education (VWO with Latin; introductory courses Latin I and Latin II at university; B Classics);
- has a good knowledge of the handbooks, corpora and databases for epigraphic research and has the ability to effectively use them for their own research;
- has a good knowledge of the most commonly used abbreviations and is able to apply the rules of transcription on a new text;
- is able to write a systematic epigraphic commentary on an unseen text and is able to assess which elements of the text are common and which unusual;
- is able to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to the interpretation of epigraphic texts by including the materiality and spatial context of the epigraphic support into the interpretation of the epigraphic text.
Course content
An intensive introduction to the sources and methods of Latin epigraphy, mainly through on-site teaching.
The course comprises individual study and research (under supervision) in the library of the KNIR, alternated with lectures, and museum and site visits. The program includes visits to the epigraphic collections of the Museo Nazionale Romano, the Musei Capitolini and the Vatican, and further comprises a city walk along monuments with in situ preserved ancient inscriptions, and excursions to the Roman necropolis at Isola sacra and the ancient city of Ostia.
Latin inscriptions offer ideal material for innovative interdisciplinary teaching of classical languages and cultures in a secondary school classroom. Students will also become acquainted with Rome, an important destination of school excursions.
Students need to have at least a basic working knowledge of Latin (secondary school exam/A-level Latin or introductory courses Latin I and II at university).
Assessment
Format
Seminars, practical assignments, group tutorials, excursions
Exam
Paper 100%
Assignments: formative only
Work load
5 EC =
20h Reading work for introductory classes
16h Contact hours Amsterdam
44h Contact hours Rome
28h Research and presentation
32h Research and final writing-up paper after return
UvA/VU
UvA/VU-students who need 6 ECTS will make slightly longer assignments or do an extra assignment. This must be determined with your lecturer in week 1.
Background Literature and Course Materials
All literature will be made available online
For the first session, students will have to read:
Panciera, S., 2012: What is an inscription? Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik 183, 1-10.
Further information
| Vrijdag 7-2-2025 | Amsterdam | 13:30-17:15 |
| Vrijdag 14-2-2025 | Amsterdam | 13:30-17:15 |
| Vrijdag 21-2-2025 | Amsterdam | 13:30-17:15 |
| Vrijdag 28-2-2025 | Amsterdam | 13:30-17:15 |
| Vrijdag 7-3-2025 | Amsterdam | 13:30-17:15 |
| Rome 21-30 March 2025 |
Costs:
Students pay their own flight or train ticket to Rome. Successful completion of the course qualifies for a reimbursement of travel costs of 100 euros.
Enrollment
- Note: enrollment for the course closes on 21 December.
- A maximum of 15 students can be admitted; selection will take place if there are more interested students.
- Students should also sign up via the website of the Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome (www.knir.it)
Additional information
The course takes the form of four introductory classes in Amsterdam, followed by an intensive seminar at the Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome (21-30 March 2025).