Lucretius, 'De rerum natura' (U03531)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : HCL-3-LUC-RN

This course will look at Lucretius' poem 'De rerum natura' ('On the Nature of the Universe'). The text will be read partly in Latin and partly in English translation and interpreted in its literary and philosophical contexts. Discussion will centre on the question of Lucretius' aims, the way he uses poetical imagery and rhetoric to achieve these aims, his treatment of the central question of immortality of the soul and of the fear of death in book 3, and his theory of development of human civilisation and invention of religion in book 5. Attention will also be paid to the enormous influence of Lucretius poem in the Renaissance and in the age of Enlightenment.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A Pass in Latin 2A and Latin 2B, or equivalent experience at the discretion of the course organiser.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Latin, (School of History and Classics, Schedule E)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Friday	14:00	15:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students should be able to demonstrate in written examinations, in course work, and in tutorial discussion a sound knowledge and understanding of:
- the ancient genre of didactic epic;
- the main positions and arguments of Epicurean philosophy in the context of Greek and Latin Hellenistic philosophy;
- the relationship between Greek and Latin epic, didactic and philosophical traditions;
- the cultural and intellectual life in the Late Roman Republic;
- how the historical, cultural, religious, literary and philosophical backgrounds mentioned above inform Lucretius' work;
- the structure and purpose of Lucretius' poem, his poetical and philosophical achievement, and his lasting influence in the cultural history of Europe.

They should in addition be able to:
- use critically a variety of different methodologies and approaches to assess Lucretius' poem (and Latin poetry in general) in its complexity;
- read Latin poetry with a greater degree of understanding;
- demonstrate the bibliographical and analytical research skills to enable them to find independently, and to deal with, additional information relating to the study of Latin poetry and intellectual history.