LATN 102: Elementary Latin II
Prerequisite: LATN 101 or permission of the instructor
Credit Hours: (4)
Continued study of basic language structures and forms, pronunciation of classical Latin, English derivatives, and Roman civilization. This course has been approved for credit in the Foreign Languages Area of the Core Curriculum.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Suggested topics to be included in Latin 102 (second semester of first year sequence):
(1) Review of grammar and syntax covered in Latin 101.
(2) New grammar and syntax
(a) Fourth and fifth declension nouns (if not learned earlier); special
case uses.
(b) Additional verb tenses and passive voice.
(c) Participles and infinitives.
(d) Comparison of adjectives and adverbs.
(e) Subjunctive mood and common uses.
(f) Irregular verbs and deponent verbs.
(g) Indefinite pronouns and adjectives.
(3) Selected readings, slightly adapted or taken directly from Latin authors and discussion
of relevant literary, social, and historical background.
(4) Readings from Pliny's letters (adapted) on the eruption of Vesuvius; discussion
of the eruption in A.D. 79 and slide lectures on Pompeii and Herculaneum.
(5) Other aspects of Roman civilization - adapted readings and lectures on Julius
Caesar and Augustus; discussion of the political systems of the Republic and the early
Empire, Roman expansion in the Mediterranean world, Roman private life, Roman women,
and Roman houses as seen at Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Ostia.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Classes will include discussion of new grammar and syntax; review of grammar and syntax; translation and discussion of sentences and passages assigned for homework; translation of simple stories in Latin, short selections adapted from Latin authors (both prose and poetry), and very short unadapted selections from Latin authors (notes and vocabulary supplied, however); practice reading Latin aloud; discussion of English derivatives along with vocabulary in each lesson; discussion of aspects of classical civilization relevant to textbook exercises and additional readings; presentation of additional information on Roman life by means of short lectures, maps, charts, and slides.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Objectives for Latin 102 include continued mastery of the basic structures of Latin grammar and syntax; mastery of common vocabulary sufficient to begin reading passages adapted from Latin authors; improvement of English vocabulary; and continued study of various aspects of Roman civilization. At the end of the course, the student should be able to read a simple, adapted Latin passage with the aid of vocabulary and annotation.
Students will achieve a degree of competence in a foreign language and culture.
Students will be able to:
a. demonstrate language skills appropriate to the level of study
b. analyze similarities and differences between their own and the target cultures
c. explain contemporary international issues from the perspectives of their own and the target cultures
Assessment Measures
(1) Quizzes on new grammar and vocabulary.
(2) Worksheets on forms and syntax.
(3) Hour-exams (three) and final exam - identification and translation of Latin forms,
translation (Latin to English) of sentences or paragraphs (similar to or taken from
work done previously in class), explanation of English derivatives, and questions
based on aspects of classical civilization recently discussed in class (often in bonus
form).
(4) Informal evaluation of student performance through individual presentation of
assigned sentences or paragraphs for translation (Latin to English) and discussion
of relevant cultural issues.
Quizzes, worksheets, and tests highlight the importance of language per se. Readings will incorporate ancient Roman and occasionally Greek history and various aspects of ancient life. Thus testing, class preparation, and class work will give students opportunities to learn and to demonstrate knowledge of cultural perceptions acquired through the study of Latin and classical civilization.
Other Course Information
This course may be applied to the Latin minor, Classical Humanities minor, and Intercultural Studies minor. Many students continue the B.A. language requirement sequence with this course. Students with some high school Latin (two-three years) but in need of extra review could begin college Latin with this course rather than Latin 101.
Approval and Subsequent Reviews
September 2005 Reviewed Philip Sweet