Ancient Latin Literature and its Tradition

As classical philologies, Latin and Greek focus on Roman and Greek antiquity, respectively, and the diverse impact they have had on language, literature and culture. This includes exploring topics and questions from history, philosophy, religion and mythology.

Our discourse with the ancients is based on seminal texts from antiquity and periods in history where the impact of ancient Greek and Roman ideas has been the greatest, texts that are fundamental to Europe’s identity. Accordingly, intense engagement with Latin and Greek literature has always occurred in a historical context, from antiquity to the Middle Ages to the present day. That is why this degree program demands such solid knowledge of Latin/Greek. With regard to translating and understanding original texts, such knowledge is indispensable.

The University of Bonn focuses its research in this field on philological/editorial activities, the reception history of Latin and Greek texts, and the history of their legacy. Another research focus is the application of modern literary theories to historical texts. Individual electives allow students to follow their interests in the respective areas.

This subject must be combined with a second subject.

Possible lines of work:

Academic and cultural organizations, academia (research management, teaching/research at universities, research institutions, etc.), book industry (archives, libraries, publishers), teaching at a German public school, adult education, media (press, radio, television, online media), consulting