LATN 221/321/421
Type: 200 - 400 level
Units: 3.00 (each)
Term: Winter 2025
Instructor: Dr. D'Elia
Delivery: In-Person
Tacitus (ca. 56-ca. 120) is the greatest historian and critic of the Roman empire, renowned for his descriptions of power, corruption, and the loss of liberty; and negative effects of empire on the ancient Germans, Britons, and Jews; and his account of the first persecution of the Christians, and Nero’s madness. Tacitus is also famous for his Latin style and brevity. His Latin is amazing but also challenging. In this course we will be reading short Latin selections from the most famous parts of Tacitus’ historical writings (Annals; Histories; Germania; Agricola). In addition to translating these Latin passages into faithful English in class, we will discuss in detail particular aspects of Latin grammar and style illustrated in them. We will meet and learn together in the same classroom, but students at different levels will be graded with different expectations and adjusted requirements, which will include fewer passages to translate on quizzes and the final exam, and a shorter final paper. Grading focuses on active participation, which is defined as regular attendance and in-class translation – here the sincere effort counts, not some “perfection,” which is impossible in something as difficult, irregular, and beautiful as Latin.
Students will be provided with a PDF of Latin readings from the works of Tacitus (and some related authors, such as Caesar on the druids in Gaul). The readings will cover a variety of themes and topics, including Tacitus’ accounts of Nero’s murder of his mother Agrippina, his burning of Rome and persecution of Christians, the deaths of the philosopher Seneca and the comic author Petronius; and Tacitus’ descriptions of the ancient Germans and Britons, the ancient Jews, and the effects of Roman imperialism on these indigenous peoples. Other readings, including commentaries and perhaps translations, will also be provided if students are interested in additional themes. Students will NOT be responsible for all the Latin readings. In the first class, we will read some short selections and decide as a group what we want to focus on. Quizzes and exams are for the most part based on what we cover in class.
Learning Outcomes: After this course, students will be able to: read Tacitus and other Roman historians in their original eloquent Latin without consulting an English translation; explain the intricacies of the Latin language and Tacitus’ style; understand the nature of power and corruption; and describe how Romans viewed other peoples and how the Roman empire affected them.
Please Note: 221, 321, & 421 are co-taught with 814: History.