Bachelier en langues et lettres anciennes et modernes, latin-français

Overview

Latin… 

There are no prerequisites for the Latin program, although some prior basic knowledge is strongly recommended. If you did not study Latin in high school, an introductory course is available specifically for you. If you are already at an advanced level, you can directly enroll in the “Reading Latin Texts” or “Analysis of Latin Authors” courses; the latter focuses as much on literary and historical analysis as on the study of the language itself. 

Starting in the first year, you will specialize in Latin. The curriculum includes theoretical courses, translation and essay exercises, linguistic analysis, the study of Latin literature, and an introduction to research methods. 

To understand the historical and cultural context of Latin literature, a knowledge of Antiquity is necessary. You will therefore receive training in the history, archaeology, and art history of Greco-Roman Antiquity. 

Since Latin literature developed along the lines of Greek literature, your program also includes instruction in the fundamentals of the Greek language. A gradual introduction is provided if you did not take Greek courses in high school. 

… to French 

In linguistics, you will learn to analyze and describe the French language in its various aspects (phonology, morphosyntax, semantics) and to understand how it has evolved over the course of history to reach its current form. Courses in written and spoken French will help you develop the excellent command of the French language that is essential for these studies. 

In literature, you’ll be introduced to reading and analyzing texts, the history of literary themes and genres, and the study of French and Francophone authors, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary era. 

Several courses draw connections between Latin and French, particularly through the study of the evolution of Latin into the Romance languages and the earlier forms of the French language. 

You're off to a good start

  • You have an excellent command of French, particularly in spelling;  
  • You have a genuine “knack for writing” and enjoy reading carefully;  
  • You are capable of rigor and precision in analyzing a text;  
  • You enjoy researching information and developing complex arguments.

Teaching Methods

Lettres études

Lectures, practical exercises, individual assignments… every effort is made to ensure that you master Latin and French, their history, and the cultures they represent. 

To learn Latin, you’ll take lectures in a large auditorium and specialized courses in small groups. These courses are supplemented by regular practice sessions that gradually train you in translation and essay writing. All exercises are reviewed and corrected by the instructor during a dedicated session. 

Practical courses in written and spoken French include regular exercise sessions. Completing the assigned exercises is essential to ensuring your learning. 

The history of Latin and French literature is covered in theoretical courses, which are supplemented by readings (Latin works in translation, novels, plays, short stories, etc.) and personal analyses. 

In the third year, you will complete a final-year project under the direct supervision of a faculty member from the Classics Department, who will guide you in choosing a topic, conducting research, and writing the paper. This project prepares you to independently conduct scientific research. 

At the end of your bachelor’s degree, you have the opportunity to experience a different approach to university education and enjoy a cultural—and even linguistic—experience through the “Erasmus” program. 

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Section - Histoire

Beyond the Classroom

Additional activities to satisfy your thirst for culture!

Throughout your program, a variety of complementary activities are offered: visits to museums and exhibitions, trips abroad (including Rome), lectures, meetings with authors, translation workshops, and more…

Support for Success

Succeeding in a year of university studies involves many challenges. 

To help you overcome them, UNamur supports you in developing your academic, methodological, and interpersonal skills—with the help of many professionals. 

Preparatory courses, individualized assistance… Discover the resources available to support your education. 

Discover resources to help you succeed in Latin and French
aides à la réussite-latin-francais

After the bachelor's degree: the master's degree

A bachelor’s degree in ancient and modern languages and literature automatically grants you admission to the master’s program in ancient and modern languages and literature at universities in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation that offer it.

During this second cycle, you can choose a master’s program that prepares you more specifically for teaching (Master’s in Teaching), research (Advanced Track), or another professional specialization in fields such as publishing, editing, computer science, linguistics, journalism, and more.

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Métiers des experts en latin-français

Careers for Latin-French Experts

While a majority of graduates in ancient and modern languages and literature (Latin-French) go on to teach Latin and French, this program actually opens the door to a wide variety of career paths, some of which may be unexpected.

Teaching and Training

  • Latin and/or French teacher at the upper secondary level
    (the required certification is awarded through the Master’s in Education);
  • Instructor at a teacher training college, particularly in programs preparing future teachers of Latin and French for lower secondary education. A Master’s degree with a specialization in teacher education is required for appointment;
  • Teacher of French as a Foreign Language (FLE). Recent graduates can gain initial professional experience abroad as French language assistants, selected by Wallonie-Bruxelles International (WBI). This is a unique opportunity to promote the French language and Belgium’s Francophone culture;
  • Instructor at private language centers, continuing education organizations, or similar institutions.

Publishing and the Book Industry

  • Preferred access, through the master’s program, to the specialized track in publishing and the book industry;
  • A variety of roles within the publishing chain, in both the print and digital book sectors: managing book series, proofreading, and handling media relations for publications…
  • Jobs in bookstores, libraries, and documentation centers, at various levels of responsibility.

Scientific Research

  • Professor and/or researcher at universities or research institutions in Belgium and abroad (access to these positions requires a doctoral degree);
  • A variety of research fields: linguistics (primarily historical), Latin, Neo-Latin, or French literature, and cultural history from antiquity to the present day. Graduates’ expertise is particularly recognized in the study of the Renaissance and the Modern Era, periods based on an abundance of Latin sources that remain largely untapped or untranslated.

Culture, Media, and Communication

  • Management and coordination of cultural projects within institutions such as cultural centers, poetry centers, theaters, and festivals…
  • Media professions: journalist, literary critic, or columnist in print, radio, or television media.

Other Career Opportunities

  • Civil service, at all levels (federal, community, regional, provincial, or local), in fields such as administration, culture, or international relations;
  • Private and nonprofit sectors: insurance, banking, consulting firms, nongovernmental organizations, etc.

Sought-After Transferable Skills

Some graduates now work in fields far removed from their initial training. Their academic background has, in fact, enabled them to develop transferable skills that are particularly valued in the job market, including:

  • excellent command of the French language, both written and spoken;
  • the ability to research, analyze, and synthesize high-quality information with rigor and a critical mindset;
  • intellectual independence, creativity, and the ability to handle complex issues with ease.

By keeping their curiosity constantly engaged and building on the experiences and connections they have accumulated throughout their studies—and sometimes by supplementing their education with additional degrees—our graduates can shape their career paths in a personalized way and with a high degree of autonomy.