This course offers a comprehensive appraisal of the language of ancient Rome. It also explores some central features of Latin literature. In this course we aim to examine the cultural context surrounding classical Latin and its successors. In the first term, those who have knowledge of Latin grammar will be able to review it at a leisurely pace, while people with little or no knowledge will have an opportunity to learn the basics of the Latin grammar.
Aspects such as the origins and development of the Latin language, its power of communication, comparisons between formal and informal Latin in antiquity and beyond will also be considered. The second term will be devoted to a careful study of the Latin literary language through samplings of Latin authors, in both poetry and prose, ranging from antiquity to early modern times.