Otacilia Severa, wife of Emperor Philip I,  "the Arab." Coin dated 247/248 AD image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen,
Latin 102 

Syllabus

Spring 2012

games for Rome's 1000th birthday and the new Saeculum, about 110 years in length image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen,

Instructor: Dr. Victor A. Leuci


Objectives:The course is an introduction to Latin grammar and syntax. Our goals are

  1. to develop the skill necessary to read, understand, and appreciate Latin literature,
  2. 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, and
  3. to encourage a better understanding of English through the study of Latin.
Relationship to the General Education Curriculum: Latin 102 satisfies the second course option of study within the Cultural Diversity and Global Interdependence Context of Tier II. As stated in the course objectives, Latin 102 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.

Texts:
  • M. Balme and J. Morwood, Oxford Latin Course, Part II, 2nd ed., Oxford Univ Pr (ISBN: 0195212053) 1996
  •  Recommended: Norma W. Goldman, English Grammar for Students of Latin, 3rd ed., The Olivia and Hill Press, Ann Arbor, MI, (ISBN13: 9780934034340) 2004
  • Highly Recommended:  some sort of Latin dictionary
  • Possibly: M Balme and J. Morwood, Oxford Latin Course, Part III, 2nd ed., Oxford Univ Pr (ISBN: 019521207X) 1996
  • Web resources:
  • http://www.umsl.edu/~phillips/oldrills/index.html (good source for drills)
  • http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/cml/rcape/latin/index.html
  • http://www.nd.edu/~archives/latgramm.htm (an on-line dictionary)
  • http://www.cornellcollege.edu/classical_studies/latin/latin-links.shtml (good listing of links)
  • http://www.presenceofmind.net/Latin/study.html (study guides & vocab sheets as downloadable pdf's)
  • http://www.prolatein.de/latinnews.html (links here for two sites that have current news in Latin)
  • Podcasts via iTunes: Nuntii Latini / YLE Radio 1 or Radio Bremen: Nuntii Latini: summaries of world news/events in Latin (the first from Finland, the second from Germany)
    • Grading: There will be on average 1 quiz after every two chapters and an exam after four to six chapters. There will also be 3 vocabulary quizzes. The final exam will be worth 1 exam. Each exam will be worth 100 points and each quiz 40 points.  You may drop one exam and one quiz. Class participation and homework will count 100 points. Homework is always due at the beginning of class and homework for excused abcenses should be turned in as soon as possible.

    Honor Code:     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).

    College Wide Policies and Procedures: 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.

    Attendance: 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.

    Assignments:Below links to the projected assignments for the semester. The assignments, however, will be adjusted to needs of the class, and we will not rush ahead simply to stay in line with the syllabus. I will announce well in advance any changes in the assignments as they become necessary.

    Unit I: Review and Chapters 17-21 (click here for specific due dates)

    Unit II: Chapters 22-26 (click here for specific due dates)

    Unit III: Chapters 27-32 (or further) (click here for specific due dates)