Courses

Latin I - Year

This course serves as an introduction to the Latin language and Roman culture. Through the use of Wheelock's Latin, along with inscriptions and other primary source material, students learn all of Latin grammar except for the subjunctive mood and itsconcomitant syntax. The emphasis is on reading authentic Latin with a firm grasp of fundamental Latin grammar and vocabulary. In addition, students explore topics in Roman culture such as the geography of the empire, Roman games, public and private architecture, and Roman views of death.

Latin II — Caesar - Year

This course completes Wheelock’s Latin, with a continued emphasis on reading and translating passages of authentic Latin. When students have mastered the fundamentals of Latin grammar and syntax, they embark on a translation of passages from Caesar’s Commentaries, a lucid account of the Gallic wars written by Rome’s most famous statesman and general. In addition,students consider the tumultuous history of Rome from thelegends of its founding through the ascension of Augustus.

Latin III — Cicero and Ovid- Year

This course provides students with the opportunity to read and translate great works from Latin literature, including Cicero’s orations, Sallust’s historical monographs, Pliny’s letters, and Ovid’s Metamorphoses—a classic retelling of compelling tales from Greek mythology. Along with their translation of these great works, students continue to review and expand upon their knowledge of Latin grammar and syntax. On the cultural side, students consider the history of the late republic and early empire in connection with the works they are reading. In addition, this being a designated writing course, students will complete writing assignments (in English) of varying lengths on topics related to their reading. (Students may next take Latin IV or, with the permission of the department, Latin V.)

Latin IV — Latin Literature - Year

This course is designed to allow students interested in Latin to read on specific topics chosen by the class and the instructor. Emphases will be on the continuing development of translation skills and understanding of Roman History and Culture. Possible topics include history, biography and drama. At times, this course will be taught concurrently with Latin V.

Advanced Placement Latin V — Vergil - Year

The entire year is devoted to reading Vergil’s Aeneid, with an emphasis on studying epic as a literary form. Students learn how to translate literally, to analyze, to interpret, to read aloud with attention to pauses and phrasing, and to scan the dactylic hexameter verse. This course is intended to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Examination in Vergil.

Greek I - Year

This course serves as an introduction to the ancient Greek language and culture. Students cover most of the grammar and syntax of Attic Greek in the first year. Beginning early in the course, students hone their reading and translation skills on lightly adapted passages from Aesop, Herodotus, Menander, Plato, Xenophon, and the New Testament. Students will explore topics in Greek history and culture such as the Persian Wars, art and architecture, the Olympic Games, and the invention of democracy.

Greek II - Lysias and Plato - Year

This course completes the introduction of Greek grammar, with an emphasis on mastering the forms of the Greek verb. When students have completed their study of Attic grammar and syntax, they turn to the translation and appreciation of selected works left to us from the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. Recent selections have included On the murder of Eratosthenes, a vivid defense speech written by the orator Lysias; Plato’s Crito, a moving depiction of the last days before Socrates’ execution at the hands of the Athenian democracy; and Xenophon's Anabasis, a first-hand account of the exploits of a Greek mercenary force fighting in the Persian Empire. In addition, students consider the history, literature, and thought of the classical Greeks as they relate to the works they are reading.

Greek III — Special Topics - Year

Depending on the interest of the students and the discretion of the instructor, students may read and translate selections fromthe Greek New Testament, tragedies by Sophocles or Euripides, selections from Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey, or readings in Greek philosophy or history.