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This module provides an introduction to important aspects of classical scholarship, with a particular focus on ancient texts. After some consideration of what 'studying Classics' might be taken to mean, students are introduced to key bibliographical and other scholarly resources in a hands-on session in the University Library. The module then proceeds to look at the history of the transmission of ancient texts from the time of their creation to the present day. This involves the study of the papyrus book and the codex, the circumstances in which and the means by which ancient works were preserved during the Middle Ages, the importance of the Renaissance for the survival and transmission of these texts, and the development of the science of textual criticism. Following this, attention is devoted to two broad topics: problems involved in the translation of Greek and Latin texts into modern languages such as English, and approaches to the interpretation of ancient texts, especially since the rise of literary theory.
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