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LAT 101: Beginning Latin I
Syllabus, Fall 2015
LAT 101: Beginning Latin I
Syllabus, Fall 2015
Dr. Victor A. Leuci
Balme, Maurice & James Morwood. Oxford Latin Course. College Edition. Readings and Vocabulary. New York: Oxford University Press. 2012. Print
Balme, Maurice & James Morwood. Oxford Latin Course. College Edition. Grammar, Exercises, Context. New York: Oxford University Press. 2012. Print
Oxford University Press has a companion website that includes flashcards, extra grammar exercises, and links for other websites. Click here
Note: This edition of the Oxford Latin Course is significantly different from the previous editions, so using earlier editions is not feasible.
The course is an introduction to Latin grammar and syntax. Our goals are to develop the skill necessary to read, understand, and appreciate Latin literature, to establish a basic understanding of Roman culture in such a way as to understand some of the ways in which the ancient world was similar to and different from our own contemporary world, to encourage a better understanding of English through the study of Latin.
Latin 101 satisfies the language requirement of the initial semester of study of a foreign language within Tier I. As stated in the course objectives, Latin 101 provides students with opportunities to learn fundamental skills necessary to understand more directly the ways in which members of another culture communicate with one another. Mastering the linguistic patterns of the language and gaining a familiarity with other culturally determined forms of communication, e.g. gestures, patterns of social interaction, offer opportunities for reflection on varying cultural, social, and historical traditions. Learning a foreign language encourages awareness of and respect for other cultures; through language study students should gain insights into some of the ways that their own culture is similar to and different from that of those who spoke and wrote in another language. It is hoped that students will acquire a deeper understanding of cultural differences and greater respect for other peoples and cultures because of their foreign language study.
The course will consist of both lectures and discussion. More than two unexcused absences will be considered excessive, and no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences.
Exams: There will be on average one exam every two to four chapters. The final exam will be worth one exam. Each exam will be worth 100 points. You may drop one exam.
Quizzes: There will be on average one quiz after every one or two chapters. Each quiz is worth 40 points. Very short quizzes will either count as part of homework or combined to count as a quiz (or quizzes, depending on how many there are in a semester). You may drop one regular quiz.
Vocabulary Quizzes: There will be 4 vocabulary quizzes (one prior to every exam). Each vocabulary quiz will be work 45 points and you may drop one vocabulary quiz.
Class participation+homework: worth 100 points total. As noted above, very short quizzes may count either as homework or as part of a larger quiz. Homework is always due at the beginning of class and homework for excused absences should be turned in as soon as possible.
Plus/Minus: The grading scale is:
Workload: Since this is a 4 hour class, expect to spend 12 hours a week, on average, preparing for class, attending class, reviewing vocabulary & forms, studying for quizzes, and studying for exams. The exact amount per week will vary depending on what we are doing that week (see the worksheet in Moodle for more details).
All students and faculty must adhere to the Honor Code; please see the Student Life Handbook for the full description of the Honor Code--p. 21 in the Student Life Handbook gives a short definition: "No Westminster student shall commit any act of academic dishonesty in order to advance her or his own academic performance, or to impede or advance the academic progress of others," but the sections on plagiarism and cheating are especially important (see Honor Commission Constitution, Article IX).
check pdf in Moodle or the Student Life Handbook for the following: ADA/Equal Access Policy, Policy on Harassment and Discrimination, College Duty, Emergency Procedures.
Regular attendance and participation are essential for the success of the class. More than 3 unexcused absences will be considered excessive, and no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences. Note that each unexcused absence past 3 will result in a 4 point deduction from your overall grade.
The assignments are not "set-in-stone," and may vary depending on how each class period goes. The syllabus will be updated as needed. Click on the link at the top of the page to go to the assignment due dates.