Mr. Still

 

LATIN COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, OBJECTIVES, AND GRADING POLICIES

 

Latin I introduces the declensions of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives; the conjugations of verbs in active and passive voice; and the basic syntactical relationships of Latin sentences.  Translation material typically covers topics, which are relevant to Roman mythology, culture, history and other classical allusions.

 

As a result of the studies in this course, students should be able to:

-Decline and conjugate Latin forms, and to recognize their uses in simple Latin sentences

-Develop a basic vocabulary of Latin words, as well as adequate lexicographic, “word-finding” skills

-Translate simple Latin sentences and analyze basic syntactical relationships

-Identify Latin and Greek roots for English and other Indo-European language group derivatives

-Appreciate classical influences on modern cultural institutions

-Achieve their own individual goals and meet their personal expectations.

 

 

Latin II completes the survey of Latin grammatical constructions, with emphasis on users of subjunctive verb forms, verbals and periphrastic constructions.  Latin II places greater emphasis on literary style then the introductory course, and typically includes a study of Julius Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic Wars.

 

As a result of their studies in this course, students should be able to:

-Recognize, analyze, and appropriately translate complex Latin grammatical constructions and devices

-Expand their Latin vocabulary and lexicographic skills

-Translate representative Latin passages, with an emphasis on style

-Identify the stylistic influences of the classical languages on modern English writing conventions

-Increase their appreciation of classical influences on modern cultural institutions

-Achieve their own individual goals and meet their personal expectations.

 

Latin III/IV alternates in a two-year cycle between the studies of Cicero and Vergil, with emphasis on the orations against Catiline and The Aeneid, respectively.  At this stage of Latin study, there is a focus on literary style, literary and rhetorical devices, and figures of speech.

 

As a result of their studies in this course, students should be able to:

-Recognize in the writings of Cicero and Vergil the foundations of many modern English stylistic and rhetorical devices

-Translate literary Latin, with attention to accuracy, speed and style

-Achieve their own individual goals and meet their personal expectations.

 

GRADING is the same at all three levels of study, with points awarded for tests, quizzes, and homeworks.  90% is an A, 80% is a B, 70% is a C.