KT26-27 Creative Imitation
Course Name
KT26-27 Creative ImitationUniversity
RUEC
5/6 ECCourse date
semester 1 (2026 - 2027)Registration open until
Location
Utrecht (UU)Instructor(s)
Dr. Vincent Hunink (RU) & Dr. Robert Flierman (UU)E-mail Contact
Dr. Vincent Hunink (RU)Course objectives
After successful completion of the course you are able:
1. to translate the Latin texts in correct Dutch or English;
2. to analyze the grammatical and syntactical problems in the Latin texts;
3. to reflect in a critical manner on the form, style, content, and aspects of imitation in the Latin texts, with use of the subjects discussed in class and the secondary literature you have read;
4. to find and use medieval and neo-latin works in the three genres discussed in class;
5. to discuss the history of the three genres from Antiquity until the Renaissance;
6. apply the concept of creative imitation in the analysis of medieval and neo-latin literature, specifically in texts belonging to the three genres.
Course content
Imitatio as theory and method of production and consumption of Latin literary texts from Antiquity until the Renaissance.
1 class theoretical background, with source texts in translation and discussion of an example of creative imitation in Antiquity (Vergil and Ovid);
1 class medieval epic (Arator);
1 class ancient and Renaissance didactic epic (Lucretius, Fracastoro);
1 class ancient and medieval satire/parody (Petronius, Missa potatorum);
1 class Renaissance elegy.
NB The definitive choice of genres and texts will be determined by mutual agreement of the teachers
Educational perspective
The theme and some of the selected texts are well suited to present and discuss in the high school classroom.
Course requirements / Language proficiency
BA GLTC/Classics.
Note: all participants should be able to correctly translate Latin source texts in acceptable English (or, if their program allows this, Dutch). We expect Latin translation skills at a level common in The Netherlands after a BA GLTC.
It is of great importance that students have Latin translation skills as required. In case of doubt, please contact the course coordinator.
Five seminars on location (Utrecht). Each week different texts (from the three periods: antiquity, middle ages and renaissance) are studied and discussed.
Assessment
Written exam 100%
For students from the UvA and VU, 6 EC credits will be facilitated upon request. For this, they will, for example, need to complete a slightly longer or additional assignment. This will be coordinated during the first week.
5 EC = 140 hours
5 seminars (incl. preparation) 30 hours
Study of Latijn texts 80 hours
Study of sec.lit. 20 hours
Preparation exam: 10 hours
Total 140 hours.
Further information
Friday 13-11-2026 | 11:00-14:00 | Utrecht (UU) | Drift 23 107
Friday 20-11-2026 |11:00-14:00 | Utrecht (UU) | ICU Spinoza 104
Friday 27-11-2026 |11:00-14:00 | Utrecht (UU) | Drift 23 106
Friday 04-12-2026 |11:00-14:00 | Utrecht (UU) | Drift 23 106
Friday 11-12-2026 |11:00-14:00 | Utrecht (UU) | Drift 23 106
Friday 18-12-2026 |11:00-14:00 | Utrecht (UU) | Drift 23 106 (exam)
Background Literature and Course Materials
Texts will be made available in digital form (for free)