The Sacred Chickens of Ancient Rome: A Latin Language and Roman History Class
Students will learn about Roman history, religion, and the Latin language; together we will read Emma Vanderpool's "Sacri Pulli: A Tale of War and Chickens" in Latin.
Larissa Laver
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(233)
Star Educator
What's included
12 live meetings
10 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. I always encourage students to spend time in between lessons working on their Latin. Whether that means studying vocabulary on Quizlet, rereading the text from class, or practicing noun declensions is entirely up to the student - the point is to spend extra time working on the material to solidify what we go over in class time.Class Experience
This class is designed for students with up to one year of Latin reading experience. If students are able to read the English alphabet confidently, and are willing to pick up small bits of Latin by reading this lovely novella, then this class will be a great fit. Students will learn the basics of how the Latin language works by reading and interpreting the text together in class. The text used, Emma Vanderpool's *Sacri Pulli: A Tale of War and Chickens* is not an instructional grammar text; it is a novella with a glossary of words at the end. Students will come away from this class with a clearer understanding of subject nouns, object nouns, and verbs. I strive to meet students wherever they are in their learning journey, and adapt each course and lesson accordingly to fit the needs of my wonderfully unique students! *The following schedule is subject to slight change, but all of the topics outlined below will be covered throughout the span of this class: Weeks 1-2: Who were the Romans? Why were chickens sacred to them? Begin reading "Capitulum I: Piccius the Pullus Sacer" Weeks 2-3: Learn conjugation of "sum" and "voco" (both present tense); Finish reading "Capitulum I: Piccius the Pullus Sacer" Week 4: Read "Capitulum II: Marcus the Pullarius"; Sing "Marcus Agrum Habebat"; What does a modern chicken coop need to keep the chickens safe and healthy? Week 5: Read "Capitulum III: Publius Claudius Pulcher"; Who was the *real* Publius Claudius Pulcher? Learn the background to the First Punic War and geography of the ancient Roman world Week 6: Finish "Capitulum III: Publius Claudius Pulcher"; Begin reading "Capitulum IV: Sacri Pulli Non Edunt"; Bonus topic: learn the difference between the verbs "is" and "eats" in Latin!; Some say chickens are omnivores... but what foods could actually kill a chicken? Week 7: Read "Capitulum V: Secretum"; How to tell if your chicken is sick Week 8: Finish reading "Capitulum V: Secretum"; vocabulary games Week 9: Read "Capitulum VI: Pulli Bibant!"; Discuss the real Publius Claudius Pulcher; discuss the English idiom "mad as a wet hen" Week 10-11: Read "Capitulum VII: Fortasse..." and "VIII: Dei Deaeque" (lots of reading this week!) Week 12: Wrap up week - Reading, singing, reviewing (with fun games)
Other Details
Parental Guidance
As with many Roman topics and stories of war, phrases like "killing men" occur in this textbook. No graphic descriptions occur beyond this phrase.
The text also discusses Roman religion, and I will expand on this with discussion of Roman religious beliefs. As with all Outschool classes, the content is presented from a historical point of view - i.e. this is what the ancient Romans believed and why - but not promoted; the instruction is strictly secular. Any questions that arise with a religious tone will be directed to the learner's parents. For example, student asks "Is Jupiter real?" My answer: "Well, I've never met him myself; but that's a great question for you to ask your parents! I bet they'd love to discuss it with you!" In an event such as this, I will happily also message the parent directly to let them know that a question arose during class.
Regarding use of Quizlet: students who wish to play live games in class will need to enter a “nickname” to log into the game; this can be done without a Quizlet account. If anyone wants to study using my Quizlet page outside of class time, they can do so with a free Quizlet account.
Pre-Requisites
Some basic Latin grammar is helpful, but not a requirement. Desire to learn and try a new thing can overcome the absence of any prerequisite Latin :)
Supply List
Emma Vanderpool's book "Sacri Pulli: A Tale of War and Chickens", available online here: https://www.amazon.com/Sacri-Pulli-Tale-War-Chickens/dp/1686669410/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sacri+pulli&qid=1626720584&sr=8-1 I receive no commissions or promotions from your purchase of this or any other course materials!
Joined April, 2020
4.9
233reviews
Star Educator
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in History from Brandeis University
Bachelor's Degree in Foreign Language from Gordon College
I have both a BA and MA in fields of Classical Studies, and more than a decade in brick-and-mortar classrooms with students of all ages (quite literally - my students have ranged from age 4 through early 20s and everything in between). Reviews
Live Group Class
$25
weekly or $300 for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
50 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-10
3-5 learners per class
