Latin Language and Literature

The Bachelor's degree in Latin Language and Literature at the University of Geneva offers students a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the classical Latin language, its literature, history, and cultural context. This programme is designed for students who are passionate about ancient civilizations, linguistic studies, and literary analysis. Throughout the course of their studies, students will develop advanced reading, writing, and translation skills in Latin, enabling them to engage directly with original texts from classical authors such as Cicero, Virgil, Ovid, and Livy.

The curriculum combines linguistic training with detailed examinations of Latin literature, including poetry, prose, and historical texts, providing students with a thorough understanding of the literary styles, rhetorical devices, and thematic concerns of different periods. In addition, the programme emphasizes the historical and cultural background of the Latin language, fostering a deeper appreciation of its influence on Western civilization and modern languages. Students will also explore Latin’s role in medieval and Renaissance scholarship, as well as its contribution to the development of European literature, philosophy, and law.

Academic instruction encourages both critical thinking and analytical skills, with courses comprising close textual analysis, comparative studies, and interdisciplinary approaches that link Latin texts to art, history, and philosophy. The programme is structured to progressively build students’ competence, starting with foundational Latin language courses and advancing to specialized seminars on Latin literature and culture. Practical skills are further enhanced through exercises in translation, commentary, and research methodology.

The degree prepares graduates for diverse career paths, including academia, education, translation, museum and library work, cultural heritage management, or further specialization through master’s and doctoral studies. The University of Geneva’s vibrant academic environment, including access to extensive library resources and research centres dedicated to classical studies, provides students with the tools necessary for scholarly success. This programme aims to cultivate not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep understanding of the classical world, encouraging students to critically analyze texts and appreciate their ongoing influence in contemporary thought and culture.

The Latin Language and Literature programme at the University of Geneva offers students an in-depth exploration of the classical Latin language along with its extensive literary tradition. This programme is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Latin language skills, including grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, while also immersing students in the rich cultural, historical, and literary contexts of the ancient Roman world. Students will engage with a wide range of Latin texts, from early republican writings to late antique literature, enabling them to appreciate the diversity and development of Roman literary expression.

Throughout their studies, students will learn to read and interpret Latin texts in their original language, developing precise translation skills and critical analysis capabilities. The curriculum emphasizes the mastery of classical Latin, supplemented by courses on Latin prose and poetry, with a focus on stylistic features, rhetorical devices, and thematic nuances. In addition to linguistic proficiency, students will gain knowledge of Roman history, philosophy, and society, which are essential for a nuanced understanding of the literature.

The programme encourages analytical and interpretative skills through the study of textual criticism, historiography, and literary theory. Students will also have opportunities to explore Latin language use in scientific, legal, and religious texts, reflecting the breadth of Latin's influence across various domains of ancient life. Practical workshops, seminars, and tutorials facilitate interactive learning and personalized feedback, fostering a collaborative academic environment.

Graduates of the Latin Language and Literature programme will be well-equipped for careers in academia, education, publishing, museology, and cultural heritage preservation. They will also develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, textual analysis, and effective communication. The programme aims to cultivate a deep appreciation for Latin language and literature, as well as an understanding of its enduring significance in Western civilization.

The Bachelor’s degree in Latin Language and Literature at the University of Geneva requires students to complete a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop a deep understanding of Latin language, literature, and civilization. The program typically consists of core courses focusing on Latin language skills, including grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, alongside specialized courses exploring classical Latin literature, cultural history, and philology. Students are expected to engage with a broad range of literary texts from different periods, analyzing poetic, prose, and rhetorical works by renowned authors such as Cicero, Virgil, and Ovid.

In addition to language and literature courses, students undertake modules on the history and archaeology of the Roman world, examining archaeological findings, historical contexts, and primary sources to gain a holistic understanding of Latin civilization. The program emphasizes critical reading, textual analysis, and historical interpretation, equipping students with the skills necessary for research and academic writing in classical studies. To encourage proficiency, the curriculum includes training in Latin translation, both from Latin to modern languages and vice versa, fostering advanced linguistic competence.

Students also participate in seminars discussing contemporary scholarship on Latin literature and methodology, enhancing their analytical and argumentative skills. Practical components such as essay writing, presentations, and participation in academic discussions are integral parts of the program. Many courses involve close textual analysis, supporting students in developing a nuanced appreciation for stylistic and rhetorical features of Latin texts.

Furthermore, the program may include optional courses related to related disciplines such as ancient history, philosophy, and archaeology, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the classical field. To graduate, students must successfully complete a set number of courses, accumulate a designated amount of credits, and produce a final thesis or research project that demonstrates their ability to conduct independent scholarly research. Overall, the program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, education, translation, or cultural heritage by providing rigorous training in Latin language and classical literature within a scholarly environment.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

Latin Language and Literature at the University of Geneva offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Latin language, literature, and culture from antiquity to the modern era. This program emphasizes the mastery of Latin linguistic skills, including reading, translation, and interpretation of classical texts. Students engage with a wide range of ancient Roman authors such as Cicero, Virgil, Ovid, Seneca, and Augustine, among others, exploring their literary styles, historical contexts, and philosophical themes.

The curriculum is designed to develop both language proficiency and critical analytical skills. Courses cover classical Latin grammar and syntax, vocabulary enrichment, and paleography, alongside studies of Latin poetry, prose, and rhetoric. In addition to language-specific coursework, students examine Latin literature's influence on later Western culture, including medieval, Renaissance, and modern periods. The program often incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to explore Latin's role in history, philosophy, theology, and linguistics.

Students have access to excellent resources, including ancient manuscripts, digital archives, and specialized research libraries. The program promotes active engagement through seminars, workshops, and individual research projects, preparing graduates for careers in academia, translation, publishing, or cultural heritage preservation. Moreover, the program fosters international mobility, offering exchange opportunities with partner universities renowned for classical studies.

Graduates of this program acquire advanced reading comprehension of Latin texts, critical thinking, and research competencies that enable them to pursue doctoral studies or professional careers that require expertise in classical languages and literature. The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural and historical contexts of Latin texts to better appreciate their significance and enduring legacy in Western civilization.