Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus: Intermediate Latin for High Schoolers (Part 4)

To learn Latin is to be able to explore the ancient world in a more profound way, to feel connected more deeply to the people from which so much of Western civilization stems, to develop a greater appreciation for literature, history, art, and architecture. To learn Latin is to have intimate access to some of the greatest works of literature and philosophy in human history. To learn Latin is to be a citizen of the world. Join us on the adventure as we continue our study of the language and the history of Caesar, Cicero, Catullus, Seneca, and Lucretius (among others)!

This course is designed for learners who have already completed Part Three of the Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus intermediate series and would like to continue their Latin studies. In most cases, the completion of Part Three of the intermediate series is a prerequisite for this course; in certain cases, however, a learner who has some background in the Latin language may be granted entry to this course without this prerequisite. If you think this might apply to your learner, please contact me to discuss. 

In this class, we will continue to use the Wheelock's textbook, and we will continue our work with the Latin language; ancient Roman culture, history, and literature; and etymology. Learners can expect to deepen their grammatical skills--both in Latin and in English--in this course. Learning will take place via reading, translation (both Latin to English and English to Latin), composition, and discussion. Supplementary reading and writing activities may be supplied by the teacher, and learners can expect to translate longer passages and short stories, pulled both from the textbook and from other sources. Learners can expect readings at this level to increase in complexity, and though most readings are still adapted, learners can expect them to be less so than in previous classes. Learners are exposed to adapted excerpts from a wide variety of Latin literature in this course. In this class, the aim is to complete discussion of the concepts introduced through the thirty-second chapter of Wheelock's, though certain grammatical concepts from future chapters may be introduced alongside the material from these chapters, and learners can expect that the pace of the class will be customized to their level, which means that we may cover less material than planned, or we may cover more. This should be the penultimate part of the intermediate series; after this class, there is one concluding part of the intermediate series. Should learners wish to continue their studies from there, they can do so in the advanced Latin course. Students may also learn some popular Latin phrases as a way to explore Latin grammar in context. Videos, slides, shared Google docs, and virtual and/or visual tours may all play a role in this course.

This course is designed for flexibility; again, though the weekly lessons outlined below are guidelines for what learners can expect, the pacing can be altered to accommodate learner interest and the speed at which material is mastered. Learners should feel assured that the course material can and will be adapted to fit their learning style and speed, and this could impact the amount of material covered. Learners can expect that Part Four of the intermediate series will pick up exactly where they left off in Part Three. 

Week One: More work with purpose clauses and the jussive subjunctive

Week Two: Introduction to the imperfect subjunctive and result clauses

Week Three: Subjunctive forms of certain irregular verbs

Week Four: Introduction to the perfect and pluperfect subjunctive

Week Five: Introduction to indirect questions

Week Six: Cum clauses

Week Seven: More irregular verbs!

Week Eight: Comparative adverbs

Week Nine: Proviso clauses

Week Ten: Putting it All Together: A Review of Subjunctive Forms and Uses (in preparation for more subjunctive uses in next class)