The study of Latin and Ancient Greek empowers students with an understanding of, and an appreciation for the foundations of western culture. History, philosophy, law, government, art, architecture and astronomy all have roots in the Roman and Greek world.
The study of Latin will increase students’ skill in the study of modern Romance languages and tremendously improve their understanding of English vocabulary. Students studying Latin have scored significantly higher in SAT examinations, and the knowledge of this ancient language has been linked to successful college performance. Walking in the Roman Forum and visiting the Acropolis in Athens become almost spiritual experiences after having studied the languages and cultures of the people who gave birth to western civilization.
Requirements for Graduation: Completion of Latin II is required to graduate.
Students will learn the basic concepts of Latin grammar and will develop the ability to translate rudimentary Latin sentences into English.
Grammatical concepts and new word forms are introduced in the context of the reading selection and are then explained more fully after the story is read. Each chapter of the texts, Ecce Romani 1A and Ecce Romani 1B, begins with a story written in Latin. The stories are based on the lives of Gaius Cornelius Calvus, a Roman senator, and his family, and are centered on the experiences of his children, Marcus and Cornelia, and their friend, Sextus. Students are made aware of similarities and differences between their own culture and Roman culture by reading about the exploits of the Cornelii as they live on their country estate in Baiae, make a journey to Rome, and while they live in Rome. In addition, the texts provide additional historical, mythological, and cultural information for reading and discussion.
This course is a continuation of Latin I and has Latin I as a prerequisite. The text used is Ecce Romani II. Students in this course will become familiar with more complicated grammatical structures and will, by the end of the course, begin reading ancient texts.
In this course, students will be reading exclusively original Latin authors for the first time. Except for some abridgements, usually minor, these texts are entirely unadapted.
In addition to introducing students to extended reading in authentic Latin, this text-based course also aims to introduce them to the broader aspects of the Latin-speaking world, especially the characteristically Roman arts of politics, war and administration. The text contains little new grammar, and most of the students’ time is spent reading and discussing original Latin. The text used is Ecce Romani III. Latin II is a prerequisite for this class.
A variety of prose and poetry authors, including Petronius, Ovid, and Catullus are studied. Readings in Latin will be supplemented by background information, especially mythological and historical. Latin III is a prerequisite for this course. Texts used include Ecce Romani III, Selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Catullus: Expanded Edition.
In this course students will pursue close readings of original, unabridged Latin poetry and prose. They will develop their ability to read complex literature and translate it fluidly. They will also develop an appreciation for each author’s stylistic choices and unique engagement with the language. The sessions will include translation of prepared passages as well as sight translation, grammatical analysis, identification of literary devices, scansion, oral reading, and recitation of memorized passages.
The course will begin with selections from Vergil’s Aeneid. This will be followed by a selection of texts that may include Caesar’s Bellum Gallicum, Lucretius’ De Rerum Natura, Ovid’s Amor ̄es and Metamorphoses, and Petronius’ Satyricon. At the end of the year, the students will each select texts of their own choosing. Each student will lead 1-2 sessions of the class in addition to crafting a polished, literary translation.
This course introduces students to the grammar and syntax of Ancient Greek. By the end of the Ancient Greek I course, students will have the ability to compose basic Greek prose and translate sentences of moderate complexity. The ultimate goal is to develop their ability to read and comprehend unadapted passages of literary prose. The main textbook used is Athenaze, supplemented by Learn to Read Greek.
Students begin by learning the Greek alphabet and its pronunciation and then progress to reading short stories that introduce increasingly complex vocabulary and grammar. The course includes ongoing studies of etymology as well as survey of cultural, historical, and mythological topics.