Unlocking Introductory Latin: Semester 1

In this twelve-week course, students will begin to explore the language and culture of Ancient Rome. We will meet bi-weekly for one hour of instruction. Contingent upon interest this term, I may continue next semester, as well, to further the students along this pathway we started together. 

The course will be structured around grammar exercises that allow students to read authentic, ancient texts as early as possible. I will emphasize along the way the linguistic roots of Latin terms for modern English, as well, to stress Latin's modern relevance. 

The primary text will be Wheelock's Latin, though I have a plethora of ancillary materials from which to draw in order to enhance the learning experience for maximum engagement.  All lessons will also be supplemented with cultural anecdotes regarding Ancient Rome to better place the language in its appropriate context.

The course outline for this semester is as follows- 
Lesson 1: Language families, cognates vs. derivatives, Latin alphabet & pronunciation guide, 

Lesson 2: The Roman Empire/how Latin spread, Latin in modern English

Lesson 3: Greetings/common expressions, review alphabet/pronunciation, macrons, verbs (1st & 2nd conjugation)

Lesson 4: Greetings, review pronunciation, practice verbs

Lesson 5: Review pronunciation, discuss adverbs, practice conjugations   

Lesson 6: Practice adverbs, practice conjugations

Lesson 7: Introduce Caput 1 vocabulary, practice conjugations, simple sentence translation 

Lesson 8: Practice conjugations, practice vocabulary

Lesson 9: Review vocabulary, practice conjugations, Horace translation

Lesson 10: Practice conjugations, practice vocabulary, practice translation

Lesson 11: Review vocabulary, practice conjugations, English-to-Latin translations

Lesson 12: Translations from Latin to English and English to Latin

Lesson 13: Discuss nouns & cases, introduce first declension nouns & adjectives 

Lesson 14: Practice nouns and adjectives

Lesson 15: Review first declension nouns and adjectives, discuss word order

Lesson 16: Practice nouns and adjectives, examine Roman graffiti

Lesson 17: Introduce Caput 2 vocabulary, practice

Lesson 18: Practice vocabulary, practice conjugations

Lesson 19: Review vocabulary, simple sentence translations

Lesson 20: Translations with a close dissection of word order

Lesson 21: Review vocabulary, Catullus translation

Lesson 22: Translations from Latin to English and English to Latin 

Lesson 23: Cumulative review 

Lesson 24: Cumulative review, Q&A period, semester farewell

Pacing will be ultimately contingent upon student needs and interest. Depth of understanding and language mastery are at the goal of this introductory course. No previous knowledge of Latin is required. 

My teaching style is highly interactive, warm, and engaging. Students will only feel brave enough to try their language skills when they know they are in a safe space. I cannot wait to explore this fascinating topic together.