World Language - Classical Languages

The student of Latin 1 is introduced to the morphology of an inflected language with the primary focus on the noun system and indicative mood of verbs. The syntax of the language builds from words and phrases to sentences. The student develops a basic Latin vocabulary with opportunities to enlarge his/her English vocabulary through derivative study. Classical pronunciation to aid in reading comprehension is taught. The student is introduced to the customs of daily life and the geography of ancient Rome.

Latin 2 is an elective course offered in Grades 9-12. The student continues a study of Latin morphology with the primary focus on the subjunctive mood of verbs, infinitives and participles, increasingly sophisticated syntactic concepts are introduced, and the student expands his/her comprehension skills through readings of appropriate difficulty. The student continues to develop a Latin vocabulary and to enlarge his/her English vocabulary through derivative study. The student studies the people, places, and events that shaped Roman history.

Latin 3 is an elective course offered in Grades 10-12 that serves to synthesize the skills already mastered, to complete the corpus of grammar, and to introduce specialized syntactic constructions. The course provides for translation practice, reading comprehension, an introduction to rhetorical devices, and both Latin and English vocabulary expansion through a study of Latin selections. The student develops an understanding of the relationship between the works read and their social, economic, political, and historical contexts.

Latin 4 is an elective course offered in Grades 11 and 12 that serves to refine all grammar skills and to apply these skills to the reading and translation of Latin literature. The student studies in-depth selected works of Latin literature. Emphasis is on increasing comprehension, refining skills for critical analysis, and enhancing the student's ability to respond to the aesthetic elements of literature. Continued attention is given to the acquisition of Latin vocabulary, especially those words/idioms particular to authors read and to the varying connotations of familiar words.

Latin 5 is an elective course offered in Grades 11 and 12. Extensive reading of various Latin selections of both prose and poetry is emphasized. Discussions will focus on works by Virgil, Horace, Catullus, Ovid, Caesar, Cicero, and Livy, emphasizing their styles, context, and themes of Roman life. Highly motivated seniors may select to study one or two of the authors in depth in preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam.