Head of Department:  D G Hope                       Board:  OCR

The Course The course develops the basics of the language covered in the first three years and a more general awareness of the nature and structure of language.  As well as being rewarding in itself, it has undoubted value in improving communication skills and is a good preparation for those hoping to pursue Languages, History or English at A level, and Law or Medicine at University.

Much of the grammar and syntax will have been covered already:  the two year course consolidates these areas and widens vocabulary with the aim of increasing speed and facility with translation.  A defined vocabulary list of about 550 words is prescribed.

Students will read adapted and some unadapted Roman literature, both prose and verse, as set texts and will acquire an appreciation of style and literary content and an awareness of historical and cultural contexts.

Assessment There are four written papers as follows:

Paper 1:  Language 1  (25%)

Paper 2:  Language 2    (25%)

Paper 3:  Prose Literature (25%)

Paper 4:  Verse Literature (25%) 

The prose and verse set text questions will be based on at least two passages.  Each question will include some or all of the following:

• Comprehension questions.

• Translation of a short extract or extracts.

• Appreciation of one or more of simile, metaphor, alliteration, assonance, and author’s use of rhythm, words and word-order, or the expression of personal reactions to a word, phrase or passage.  Candidates will not be expected to use sophisticated techniques, but to express how they are affected in, for example, an emotional or moral context.

• Questions set to test candidates’ understanding of the different way of life, institutions, attitudes and motives of the Romans as shown by their literature.

• Questions set to test candidates’ overall grasp of the set text(s), not necessarily confined to the quoted lines.