Designed for
Students who are interested in taking Latin next semester
Level
Beginner
Class format
One-on-one and small group (Max. 7 students/class)
Class Introduction
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of Latin grammar, syntax, and morphology. At all times, we will contextualize our study of the language in the history, literature, and culture of the ancient Roman people. Students will acquire a core Latin vocabulary and develop skills in translating Latin, all of which will build upon their knowledge base of English, in terms vocabulary, grammar, and overall comprehension—critical factors in success on standardized exams like the SSATs. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to transition very successfully into a full-year Latin course of study.
Taught by: Top 30 boarding school directors and Latin teacher of The Hill School Classics. He has written 3 Latin/Greek textbooks and is an editor of the National Classical Literature Database.
Outcome
After completing the course, students are expected to reach the following goals:
- Understand the development and history of the Latin language and how it has impacted the English language, especially in respect to etymology and word roots
- Accurate pronunciation of Latin
- Develop a core Latin vocabulary
- Appreciate the complexities of grammar and gain a more thorough understanding of how languages in general convey meaning
- Translate simple Latin sentences accurately and idiomatically, with an appreciation and understanding of Latin grammar, syntax & morphology
- Understand and apply the main principles of verbal expression: tense, voice, mood, person & number
- Form, recognize & translate Latin verbs of the 1st & 2nd conjugations, including the irregular verbs sum “to be” and possum “to be able,” in the active voice in the present, future & imperfect tenses of the indicative mood
- Form, recognize & translate Latin nouns and adjectives of the 1st & 2nd declensions
- Understand and apply the case system of Latin nouns, mastering the basic functions of the nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, ablative & vocative cases
- Learn and understand the basic function of the imperative mood in Latin
- Learn about the mythical origins of both Rome and Italy, including the basics of the foundation myth of the Trojan War
- Learn about the pantheon of Roman gods and their basic attributes and functions
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of the cultural context of the Latin language (historical, religious, literary, cultural, mythical) and how Rome has served as a foundational force in the shape of the modern world
- Identify accurately the major waterways, cities, mountain ranges, and political entities of the ancient Mediterranean world
Course Content
Texts:
- LATIN: A Course in the Language and Civilization of Ancient Rome, Volume I, ed.
Feedback
Students and their parents will receive brief feedback after each class regarding the student’s general participation in class. Students will also receive feedback on graded assignments via email. At the end of the course, the student will receive a final report card, which thoroughly speaks to their overall participation in the course, including major assignments.
Schedule
1 lesson per week, 2 hours per lesson, 10 classes(20 hours) in total
