Late Antique and Medieval Latin Text Seminar: the Peregrinatio Egeriae
Level:
Master's CEU credits:
4
Semester:
Winter Academic Program:
CEU Instructor(s):
Cristian-Nicolae Gaşpar Brief course description:
Latin Intermediate is open to all students whose level is above Beginner, i.e., who have already mastered most of Latin morphology and have at least a basic knowledge of syntax, and who would like to improve their skills in reading and interpreting Medieval Latin. The main aim of the course is to offer the students a chance to get acquainted with and explore Postclassical Latin as represented in the late fourth-century pilgrimage account known as the Peregrinatio Egeriae ad loca sancta. We will read, translate, and analyze a representative selection of passages from Egeria’s travelogue. All throughout the semester, the translation of the texts will be accompanied by a detailed linguistic commentary meant to identify the specifically postclassical features of the language as well as by a cultural introduction meant to place the readings in their intellectual context so as to foster their better understanding.
Additional information:
Goals:
-To enhance the students’ knowledge of various aspects of Late and Medieval Latin morphology and syntax.
-To provide the students with a comprehensive knowledge of specific Medieval Latin vocabulary and with a basic knowledge of Latin rhetoric and stylistics.
-To offer the students theoretical insights into the use of vernacular in writing in the Later Roman Empire and the issues connected with transferring an oral discourse into writing
-To provide basic background information on the culture and spirituality which inform sources written in Postclassical Latin.
-To foster a better understanding of concepts such as educated and ‘popular’ language as they emerge in various discourses expressed in Medieval Latin.
-To familiarize the students with key theoretical concepts such as that of ‘Vulgar Latin’ and ‘Christian Latin’
-To offer a discussion in sociolinguistic terms of the impact of gender and social status on the use of various registers of Latin in the Roman Empire.
Required Readings Link:
Égérie. Journal de voyage (Itinéraire). Introduction, critical edition, French translation, and notes by Pierre Maraval. Sources chrétiennes 296. Paris: Les Éditions du Cerf, 1982, pp. 172-78 and 202-12. Learning Outcomes:
-The ability to analyze primary source materials, i.e., to select relevant primary source material and read it in the source language with an awareness of the linguistic and cultural background implied. Assessed through independent translation (homework) of assigned readings followed by discussion in class.
-Multicultural understanding as manifested in the awareness of and respect for points of view deriving from various national, social, or cultural backgrounds. Assessed through discussion in class and end-of-term examination.
-An awareness to the plurality of discourses using Latin in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Assessed through independent translation (homework) of assigned readings followed by discussion in class.
Assessment :
Attendance in class is required (min. 60 %). Student performance will be assessed throughout the semester through the translation of selected texts as independent work (homework), which will be then commented upon in class (formative assessment). The final (summative) assessment will take place at the end of the semester by means of a written exam consisting of a short text (10 to 15 lines) in Medieval Latin, chosen from among the three types of texts studied, to be translated with the help of the dictionary and the notes provided by the instructor. The final exam will also include three short questions relevant for the analysis of the contents and intellectual background of the text. In the final assessment, the ratio between class participation (including homework) and final examination will be 20% to 80%. Full description:
Latin Intermediate is open to all students whose level is above Beginner, i.e., who have already mastered most of Latin morphology and have at least a basic knowledge of syntax, and who would like to improve their skills in reading and interpreting Medieval Latin. The main aim of the course is to offer the students a chance to get acquainted with and explore Postclassical Latin as represented in the late fourth-century pilgrimage account known as the Peregrinatio Egeriae ad loca sancta. This unique text, which survives in fragmentary form, was authored by a late Roman lady of some rank, probable ascetic inclinations, and of modest education, at least by traditional Roman standards. For this purpose, we will read, translate, and analyze a representative selection of passages from Egeria’s travelogue. Our in-depth reading should illustrate the existence and possible stylistic use of a specific register of Latin in Late Antiquity, traditionally referred to as ‘Vulgar’ Latin, i.e., the colloquial language of the later Roman period (2nd to 5th centuries CE), for which Egeria’s text is a primary and invaluable source. In this context, issues such as lexical, grammatical, and stylistic variation from classical norms will be addressed as well as methodological points such as the possibility of accessing ‘everyday’ Latin through this fascinating text, which, although bearing the marks of orality is not entirely devoid of sui generis rhetorical ambitions. Finally, our reading will also focus on the important issue of the impact of linguistic and stylistic impact of the language of Latin biblical translations on the language of a late Roman female Christian speaker. In this context, we will also address the possibility of ‘Christian Latin’ as a Sondersprache in the Later Roman Empire with specific reference to the work of the Nijmegen school (J. Schrijnen and Chr. Mohrmann) and discuss its methodological implications. All throughout the semester, the translation of the texts will be accompanied by a detailed linguistic commentary meant to identify the specifically postclassical features of the language as well as by a cultural introduction meant to place the readings in their intellectual context so as to foster their better understanding. In addition to this, a number of classes will be devoted to providing topical overviews of Latin syntax in order to systematize, improve, and homogenize the students’ already existing knowledge.
Mandatory readings
Égérie. Journal de voyage (Itinéraire). Introduction, critical edition, French translation, and notes by Pierre Maraval. Sources chrétiennes 296. Paris: Les Éditions du Cerf, 1982.
Recommended readings
Dietz, Maribel. Wandering Monks, Virgins, and Pilgrims: Ascetic Travel in the Mediterranean World 300-800. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University Press, 2005, ch. 4, “Women and Religious Travel.”
Egeria’s Travels. Newly translated, with supporting documents and notes by John Wilkinson. 3rd ed. Warminster: Aris and Phillips, 1999.
Herman, József. Vulgar Latin. Translated by Roger Wright. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania University Press, 2000.
Löfstedt, Einar. Commento filologico alla Peregrinatio Aetheriae: Ricerche sulla storia della lingua latina. Italian translation, notes, and appendix by Paolo Pieroni. Bologna: Pàtron Editore, 2007.
Väänänen, Veikko. Le journal-épître d’Égérie (Itinerarium Egeriae): Étude linguistique. Helsinki: Suomalainen Tiedeakatemia, 1987.
Weekly outline:
Given the specific nature of this course, the definitive weekly outline will only emerge during the semester, being permanently tailored to the students’ needs and following the rhythm of their progress. The following detailed outline is tentative.
Week 1 a. Brief Introduction to Vulgar Latin; concepts, theoretical issues, historical development. [Format: lecture].
b. Introduction to the Peregrinatio Egeriae ad loca sancta; the text, its genesis and intellectual context; its linguistic makeup. [Format: lecture].
Week 2 a. & b. On Mount Nebo (I); text: 12.1-7 ed. Maraval, p. 172-178. [Format: translation seminar].
Week 3 a. & b. On Mount Nebo (II); text: 12.1-7 ed. Maraval, p. 172-178. [Format: translation seminar].
Week 4 a. On Mount Nebo (III); text: 12.1-7 ed. Maraval, p. 172-178. [Format: translation seminar].
b. Syntactical overview I: the syntax of cases. [Format: interactive lecture].
Week 5 a. & b. In Edessa (I); text: 192-19, ed. Maraval, p. 202-212. [Format: translation seminar].
Week 6 a. & b. In Edessa (II); text: 192-19, ed. Maraval, p. 202-212. [Format: translation seminar].
Week 7 a. In Edessa (III); text: 192-19, ed. Maraval, p. 202-212. [Format: translation seminar].
b. Syntactical Overview II: verbal syntax. [Format: interactive lecture].
Week 8 a. & b. In Edessa (IV-V); text: 192-19, ed. Maraval, p. 202-212. [Format: translation seminar].
Week 9 a. & b. In Edessa (VI-VII); text: 192-19, ed. Maraval, p. 202-212. [Format: translation seminar].
Week 10 a. Syntactical Overview III: nominal clauses, object clauses, relative clauses. [Format: interactive lecture].
b. Syntactical Overview IV: circumstantial clauses. [Format: interactive lecture].
Week 11 a. Syntactical Overview V: the consecutio temporum. [Format: interactive lecture].
b. Final revision.
Week 12 End-of-term written examination.
