Previous Knowledge Required: a working knowledge of English parts of speech and how the parts relate to Latin cases; 1st/2nd/3rd (including i-stems) nouns and 1st/2nd adjectives (declensions and how to use the cases); 1st/2nd /3rd/4th and Esse/Posse verb conjugations in the Present System (present, future, imperfect) and the Perfect System (perfect, pluperfect, future perfect); rudimentary vocabulary including common conjunctions and prepositions; demonstrative pronouns (hic/ille/iste and idem), personal pronouns (ego/nos, etc), reflexive & intensive pronouns/adjectives, Roman numerals (including the genitive of the whole), and the ablative types. You'll need to be familiar with parsing sentences and have some ability to sight-read.

In this class, we will put into practice translating authentic Latin passages from Cicero: a speech entitled the "Pro Archia," which uses Alexander the Great as an annecdotal example of the power of literature; and two excerpts from "De Senectute," about Cyrus the Great and Quintus Fabius Maximus. We will discuss the context of the writings through a historical lens. I will also introduce the concept of students writing their own Latin sentences to prepare them for more intense writing skills.

This is a very interactive class. We do repetitions, drills, and sight reading. We discuss Roman culture, linguistics, and how Latin still affects many modern languages. I always create a slide show for visual representation. Education is a conversation, and your voice is valued. Please feel free to share ideas, comments, and ask questions!

No 3rd party accounts are necessary. We do use the free online resource (Latin Wiktionary) as our dictionary and case-checker!

Nota Bene #1: Students should have a dedicated notebook (or a digital one, if they prefer taking notes on the computer) in order to take notes, write their vocabulary, and make declension and conjugation charts. I reserve the right to modify the lesson content according to the student's needs.

Nota Bene #2: If this is your first Latin class with me, I'll send a vocabulary list prior to class so you may refer to it during class. If you're one of my regular Latin students, you already have this, so please bring it to class!