Office hours: TR 11-12

Syllabus

Course Description: The goal of this course is to complete preparations for the student to read authentic classical Latin. The semester will begin with a brief, concentrated review, and continue to review the fundamentals of Latin as the course proceeds. The focus of our reading will be a novel written in the sixth century in that hazy period when there were still some people who spoke like Cicero, plenty who learned Latin as a second language, and more than a few with no Latin at all. Our author probably qualifies as someone who learned Latin much as we have, and so should provide us with a pleasant transition from easy beginning Latin texts to the full cultural and linguistic complexity of classical Latin. We will read the text, drill vocabulary and endings, discuss new grammar, use the new grammar in occasional compositions, and also discuss literary and social points of interest in the story.

Course Objectives: 1. Ability to read and comprehend Latin in the original;
2. Ability to pronounce Latin with consistent classical (or ecclesiastical) pronunciation;
3. Knowledge of the vocabulary, phonetics, morphology and syntax of Latin and the etymological impact of Latin;
4. Ability to discuss the culture and civilization of Greco-Roman society, including history, daily life, art, architecture, and geography;
5. Ability to explain the relationship of Greco-Roman culture and civilization to subsequent cultures and civilizations;
6. Knowledge of major literary masterpieces and their relationship to the historical and social context of the society;
7. Competency in (i) current methodologies for teaching Latin at the elementary and secondary levels; (ii) lesson planning, scope and sequencing of material, instructional strategies and assessment under the guidance of an experienced Latin teacher; and
8. Understanding of and proficiency in grammar, usage, and mechanics and their integration in writing.

Course Requirements: Above all else a steady, daily effort will be required. Students will have to a) read each assigned section of the story carefully, b) be prepared to take a quiz on its vocabulary and basic meaning, c) bring in questions on new grammatical structures as well as other points of interest, d) write several compositions using the vocabulary and new grammar of the story, and e) take a midterm and cumulative final exam.

Grading:

• Class participation 20%

• Quizzes 20%

• Compositions 20%

• Midterm 20%

• Final 20%

Texts:

Konstan and Roberts, Historia Apollonii Regis Tyri, Bryn Mawr Commentaries.

Wilson, Essentials of Latin Grammar, Passport Books.

Collins Gem Latin Dictionary

[N.B. The instructor does not allow make up tests under any circumstances, nor does he accept late work.]

Attendance: Since class participation is a significant graded percentage of this course, each class a student misses will detract fromthis grade. Several absences will not do permanent damage, but more than 8 (out of 42 meetings -- i.e. almost 20%) will be serious.

Honor Policy: Like any academic work at UR all work done for this course falls under the honor code. If you have any doubt what constitutes "unauthorized assistance," please come and talk to the instructor before trying it.

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