Faculty: Dr. Ann R. Raia

 Associate Professor of Classics

 The College of New Rochelle

 School of Arts & Sciences

 Office: Castle 325

 Phone: (914) 654-5398

 E-mail: araia@cnr.edu

 Fax: (914) 654-5259

 Office Hours: Tues. 3:30-4:30;
  Fri. 10-11; and by appt.

 Class Meeting:
  Tues. Thurs. 9:30-10:50

 Latin Lab:
  Friday, 2:30-3:30

 

CLS 122: Introduction to Latin II

(photo courtesy of VRoma)

Course Syllabus
Spring 2006

Course Description
In the second semester* of this one-year course for beginners you will continue to study the vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of Latin grammar in a communal and highly active learning setting, reading aloud and translating adapted and original Latin texts in both prose and poetry to develop your language skills. To that end the course employs a contemporary reading text, the Oxford Latin Course, which embeds Latin skills mastery in linguistic, literary, and cultural contexts. The one-hour Latin lab in the computer classroom enables you to take advantage of electronic resources in the Classics for language drill and translations, as well as to explore Roman images and interactive learning sites.
*Pre-requisite: At least 1 year of HS Latin or 1 semester of college Latin

Course Objectives and Anticipated Outcomes: at the conclusion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate:

  1. Knowledge of the essential forms, grammar, and syntax of Latin and familiarity with its basic vocabulary and English word derivations
  2. Understanding of how these fundamentals differ from the forms, grammar, and syntax of English, leading to an increased understanding of how both languages function
  3. Ability to read, understand, and translate adapted passages in Latin
  4. Ability to read, understand, and translate unadapted Latin passages with appropriate assistance
  5. Familiarity with the life and culture of Ancient Rome and recognition of its values and social attitudes, particularly as these are evidenced in the language

Materials of Instruction
Print Texts:
        M. Balme, J. Morwood, Oxford Latin Course, Parts I, II . 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, 1999 repr.
        M.W.Blundell, A. Cumming. Auricula Meretricula. Rev. Ed. Focus Classical Library, 1993
        N. Goldman, L. Szymanski. English Grammar for Students of Latin. The Olivia & Hill Press, 1983 (excerpts)
Worksheets and Study Aids: distributed as needed
On Line Resources: :
     Angel: course website for syllabus, assignments, resources, contact
     Bulfinch's Mythology
     R. Cape, Vita Romana Cottidiana
     Forum Romanum: Latin language resources
     Horace's Villa
     Maecenas: images of Ancient Greece & Rome
     J. Siegel, Illustrated Guide to the Classical World
     Lacus Curtius : Gateway into the Roman World
     Maps of the Roman Empire
     Philodemus Project: papyrus texts from Pompeii by Epicurean philosopher friend of Horace
     J. Quin, Horace's Epodes: in Latin and English
     Suetonius, Life of Horace
     VRoma: virtual Rome and more!
     S. Willet, Horace: bio, notes, translations of Odes
Latin on the Internet
     R. Cape, Workbook for Oxford Latin
     C.J. Cherryh, Latin the Easy Way (how Latin works)
     Flashcards for the Oxford Latin text
     Game: "Can You Climb the Latin Mountain?"
     L. Gibbs, Latin Proverbs
     Glossary of Grammatical Terms
     W. Harris, Understanding Latin Grammar: introduction to Latin grammar through English
     Latin Derivatives: English Words from Latin
     Latin Vocabulary: Prefixes
     E. Moutoux, English Derivatives
     B McManus, Diagramming Latin Sentences
     B. McManus, Self-Help Quizzes for the Oxford Latin text
     Oxford Latin Text Website for books I-III
     National Latin Exam: assessment, standards, activities for Latin in the schools
     C. Pavur, Latin Praxis
     M. Phillips, Drills for the Oxford Latin text
     Ritchie's Fabulae Faciles: Greek myths in Latin
     Scribax: random Latin sentences for practice
     G. Swann, Latine Discere: study aids for the Oxford Latin text
MCL Software Programs: for Lab use or independent borrowing
     ANCIENT ROME: 3-D virtual reality reconstruction of Rome
     HORACE TRAIL: follow in Horace's footsteps
     LATINA: Latin flashcard drill
     ROME: THE ETERNAL CITY: photo guide to the landmarks
     TRANSPARENT LATIN: guide to translation

Methods of Instruction
    Class time will be devoted to: reading aloud, writing, and translating Latin passages, both prepared and at sight, including poetry, prose, proverbs, and graffiti; oral and written drills; explanation and discussion of Latin language and culture.
    Latin lab is designed for drills, viewing Latin CD's, exploring VRoma and other Latin sites: February 3, February 17, February 24, April 7, April 21
    Independent assignments and presentations on aspects of language and culture
     Regular quizzes to anchor learning
    Field trip to view ancient art exhibits: March 30, Metropolitan Museum of Art

    Feature film, documentary, and reconstruction videos, e.g., Ancient Rome, CyberRome, Gladiator, Quo Vadis, Pompeii, Antony & Cleopatra, the 2005 HBO series Rome.

Course Requirements and Assessment Methods: Students are expected to--

  1. attend two 75 minute class meetings and one hour Latin lab session a week, arriving prepared (you should expect to spend a minimum of 2 hours on homework for each class meeting) and participating fully for the entire period.
    In case of absence, you are responsible for contacting the professor and making necessary arrangements, reviewing the material of the lesson missed, consulting Angel for new assignments, and coming to the next class with all assignments (All Objectives)
  2. prepare carefully, completely, and on time all written, study, and computer assignments, using on-line resources, Angel and individual appointments for resolving difficulties (All Objectives)
  3. participate in reading, translating, and recitation (all Objectives)
  4. complete 5 quizzes: Thurs. Feb. 2; Tues. Feb. 21; Tues. March 7; Tues. March 28; Tues April 18 (make-ups will be given only for excused absences). The class agreed to take the National Latin Exam in March to measure their learning against national norms; the NLE scores will not be calculated in their grade; one quiz will be dropped from the requirements. (Objectives 1, 3, 4)
  5. take a final examination to test Latin competency (All Objectives)

Grading: Students will be graded on the quality of their completion of the requirements listed above as follows:
        50% class and lab attendance, assignments, participation*
        30% quizzes
        20% final examination

*Students who exceed the maximum number of un-excused absences (4 in a class that meets twice a week) will find their grade negatively affected in this category

Course Policies: attendance is required, as is appropriate class behavior; students are expected to meet deadlines: un-excused late assignments will not be accepted; make-ups will be arranged for students who have medical or other serious excuses; students are expected to report an illness through proper channels; those found cheating or plagiarizing will earn an F for the course. At the beginning of the course, students with documented special needs are expected to inform the instructor of accommodations or services needed for successful academic participation.

Outline of Course:

Class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-10:50 in the assigned classroom unless special events are scheduled
Latin Lab meets once a week for 1 hour (TBA) in the computer classroom in Mooney Center.
Individual tutoring appointments can be arranged at the student's discretion or the request of the professor.
Assignments for the next class will be written on the blackboard each day and posted on Angel. Make a habit of regularly consulting the course website for announcements, new materials and updates.

The goal for this semester is to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to read and understand adapted and unadapted Latin passages. To that end we will complete the first volume of the Oxford Latin Text and move on through the second. For lighter reading and practice we will sight-read Auricula Meretricula, a clever modern dramatic adaptation of Roman comedic language and themes, O! Tu Loca Ibis!, as well as more challenging excerpts (from Winnie Ille Pu, Harrius Potterus, et similia).

WEEK 1
January 24: Introduction to the Spring Semester
Review of the syllabus content, methods, goals and suggestions for activities.
Discussion from faculty-tutor and student perspectives of last semester's strengths, needs, and issues.
Scheduling of the Latin lab.
Review of Oxford Latin Text, lessons 12-13

WEEK 8:
March 10-20: SPRING BREAK

WEEK 17:
TUESDAY, May 16, 9:30-10:50: FINAL EXAMINATION
Outline: 1. Identification of forms; 2. Reading aloud of Latin; 3. Mixed translation of and response to prepared and sight passages.