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 whom so much of what surrounds us in our modern day 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 in human history. To learn Latin is to be a citizen of the world. Join me on the adventure as we continue our study of the language and the history of Caesar, Cicero, Catullus, Ovid, and Vergil (among others)!

This course is designed for learners who have already completed the Part Three class of the Carpe Diem series and would like to continue their Latin studies. In most cases, the completion of Part Three of the advanced 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, though we may use the Wheelock's textbook (used in previous classes) to revisit certain material for review, or to read some of the Loci Immutati passages, we will also be reading some authentic Latin that may be supplied by the teacher. Though a focus on authors like Catullus, Ovid, and Caesar can be expected, learners should expect that the material can be influenced by their preferences; if learners really enjoy Ovid, for example, then we may read more Ovid!  At this stage of study, we will be working with the grammar largely in situ; this course is focused more on developing smoother translation skills and more extensive vocabulary, and and as such, we will be working with grammar in context as opposed to doing more targeted work with certain concepts. Learners can also expect an introduction to certain rhetorical devices and an increased focus on literary analysis of any given text. Learning will take place via reading, translation (both Latin to English and English to Latin), composition, and discussion. While learners can certainly take this course without any intention of taking the AP Latin exam, for those learners who are interested in doing so can see this course as a way to feel more comfortable and confident with Latin literature before beginning the AP curriculum. 

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. 

Weeks One-Three -- The Dark Side of Catullus:  We'll explore some of Catullus's saddest, most insulting, and most scathing poems. 

Weeks Four-Eight -- "Carmen et error":  We'll spend some time with the bad boy of the Golden Age poets: Ovid. Eventually exiled for a poem ("carmen") and a mysterious and much-speculated-about mistake ("error"), Ovid was/is famous for his wit, irreverence, and   creativity. The Metamorphoses, one of his most famous works, is a source of detailed versions of many of the classical myths that are still told today. We'll read excerpts of this work, as well as some excerpts of his Ars Amatoria, a humorous didactic work that provides instruction to young men and women looking for romance.

Weeks Nine and Ten -- "Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres": Caesar's account of the war in Gaul has been an important part of Latin study for generations, to the extent that the opening lines became something of an in-joke among students. We'll spend some time with this important text, and we'll discuss some of the history that led to Rome's second civil war.