Learning Outcome 2: Reading and Viewing

The learner is able to read and view for understanding and to evaluate critically and respond to a wide range of Latin texts and visual material. Such response includes use of another language for oral translation, precis or summary of a Latin text, or comment on material viewed.

We know this when the learner is able to:

2.1 demonstrate various reading and viewing strategies for comprehension and appreciation:

  • ask questions to make predictions;
  • skim texts for information by reading titles, introductions, first paragraphs and introductory sentences of paragraphs;
  • scan texts for specific information;
  • read/view according to purpose and task;
  • summarise main ideas in point form, sentences and / or paragraphs;
  • work out the meaning of unfamiliar words or images in a variety of contexts by using knowledge of Latin grammar and contextual clues;
  • reread, review and revise to promote understanding.

2.2 explain the meaning of a range of written and / or graphic texts:

  • find information and detail in texts;
  • explain the writer's, and/or character's viewpoint and give some supporting evidence from the text;
  • explain figurative and rhetorical devices such as metaphor, simile, symbol and contrast and how they affect meaning;
  • explain the writer's conclusions and compare with own;
  • interpret a range of graphic texts such as representations of mosaics, statues or ruins;
  • give and justify personal responses to texts.

2.3 recognise how language and images may reflect and shape values and attitudes:

  • explain obvious socio-cultural / political values, attitudes and beliefs in familiar texts such as attitudes towards gender, class, age, power relations, human rights and environmental issues;
  • explain ideas and themes in texts.

2.4 explore key features of texts and explain how they contribute to meaning (these features should never be dealt with in isolation):

  • transactional and creative texts (e.g. Caesar, Cicero, Pliny, various ancient historians):

    ~ identify and explain the purpose, structure and language use in texts such as reports, retelling, explanations, descriptions and expositions, letters, graffiti and inscriptions.

  • literary texts (e.g. Vergil, Ovid, Martial):

    ~ explain development of plot, sub-plot and character;

    ~ interpret messages and themes and their significance in the text as a whole;

    ~ explain how background and setting relate to character and/or theme;

    ~ interpret word choices, imagery and sound devices;

    ~ explain how rhyme, rhythm and punctuation shape meaning where relevant;

    ~ explain the use of dialogue and action.

  • visual and multi-media texts (replicas or reproductions of buildings or art works, videos and films):

    ~ explain the basic visual techniques used in sculpture, pottery and frescoes

    ~ explain the use of monumental architecture, statues and coins for propaganda by the powerful.

2.5 demonstrate, through reading of Latin literature, that he / she derives enjoyment from Latin literature (the full range of set reading as this is adapted or prescribed from year to year):

  • understand a Latin text and demonstrate this understanding either orally or in writing, usually by translation, but also through a so-called comprehension test;
  • enjoy what he / she reads for its own sake;
  • explain in words his / her response to a piece of writing;
  • identify the literary and stylistic means whereby authors elicit such response.

2.6 demonstrate, through reading of Latin literature, Greek and Roman myths and Classical texts in translation, interest in and critical awareness of literature;

  • identify the generic characteristics of any Latin text studied in detail;
  • enjoy major Greek and Roman myths as wonderful stories;
  • understand the significance of myth in the development of a society's view of itself and others;
  • distinguish subtleties in distinction between 'myth' and 'history';
  • display familiarity with the contents in translation of a selection of related or other Classical works, both Greek and Latin;
  • apply his / her acquired knowledge of genre and the literary-critical methods he / she has developed to any other literature that he / she studies.

2.7 demonstrate knowledge of the literary, cultural and historical context of the Latin texts studied;

  • identify the context of any particular passage set for comment.
  • provide appropriate cultural information about the Latin passages set for study;
  • display appropriate knowledge of the historical background of works studied;
  • provide required contextual and/or generic elucidation for any literary passage set for study.

2.8 demonstrate awareness of the Classical literary tradition (references to Latin vocabulary or Classical themes in, e.g., the Harry Potter series, films such as Gladiator, Shakespeare's plays, certain English or Afrikaans novels, South African adaptations of Greek tragedies such as Medea);

  • understand and enjoy the ubiquity of use of or allusion to Classical mythology in modern literatures, the arts, and social and human sciences;
  • recognise and be prepared to discuss Classical influences in other literatures studied in any other language;
  • recognise and express appreciation for the subtleties of literary allusion in later literatures;
  • show heightened understanding of the target literatures.

2.9 demonstrate appreciation of the universality of the human condition;

  • examine and discuss issues raised by ancient authors or discovered in background study as these apply to aspects of South African society or its immediate history;
  • compare these to the values and cultural norms considered of universal importance by social thinkers of today, as embodied in the S.A. Constitution.

Learning Outcome 3: Writing and Presenting

Index Outcomes Learning outcome 3