Students who are interested in taking Latin next semester
Beginner
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. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to transition very successfully into a full-year Latin course of study.
Teacher Background
With over 12 years of experience, she teaches Latin, Roman History, and Classical Mythology at Hunter College. Holding education certificates from Harvard University, Trinity College, and Oxford University, she has assisted students in preparation for various competitions, including the National Latin Exam, National Junior Classical League, Princeton Certamen, and Yale Certamen. Notably, her student teams achieved first place in the Princeton Certamen and reached the semi-finals in the Yale Certamen.
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
Learning Topics
Topics include but are not limited to: Pronunciation and alphabet, basic geography, oral exercises, discourse, gender, numbers and case, first declension nouns, first and second conjugation verbs, Roman naming conventions, second declension masculine nouns, drama, etc.
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.
Class Schedule
10 classes, 2 hours each class, 20 hours of instruction in total.
