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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "LAT 282"
COURSE NAME: "Directed Readings in Latin"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Erik Walters
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: LAT 102 or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course presumes ALL basic grammar begun in LAT 101 and LAT 102, including a fundamental knowledge of the Subjunctive Mood, and introduces the student to utilizing all skills learned via direct readings of selected Latin authors in lingua latina. This is NOT a language in translation course, that language spoken and written first by the pre-Roman Latin peoples of central Italy, then of the Romans (Early, Classical and Late Latin c. 4th century BCE through the fourth century CE), and finally philosophers, scientists, theologians, humanists, lawyers, and literary figures from 476 CE - c.1700 (Medieval and Renaissance Latin). Latin along with Greek and Sanskrit has been one of the most enduring of languages ever studied, spoken and written (2,500 years). The Romance languages (French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish) all derive from Latin, while English vocabulary and German grammar arguably have much more in common with Latin than with each other. They are all an evolved form of the original language. A knowledge of classical Latin gives access to the documentation and literature of the other periods as well as the only key to understanding modern languarges of Western Civilization. Latin's influence in the development of philosophy, language, law, the natural sciences, religion, and political theory is unavoidable. Scientia potestas est.

The course is aimed at:. Completing the basics begun in LAT 101 and 102 for a reading knowledge of classical Latin. Learning vocabulary derived from Latin in English (and to a lesser extent in Italian, Spanish, and French). Considering the historical, social and intellectual contexts of the Roman world in which Latin was the medium of expression. Examining linguistic features of Latin grammar and vocabulary which may apply to other language structure and development. Preparing the student with the basics and confidence to continue studying Latin either formally or informally.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course is an intensive continuation in learning the Latin language as such. This is NOT an historical survey course or a language in translation course!!! While a brief review of both English and Latin grammar is foreseen, students must have a comprehension of said grammar appropriate to an undergraduate university level, particularly with regard to Latin including:1) Good knowledge of all 5 declensions of nouns; 2) Good knowledge of both family groups of adjectives (those of 1st and 2nd declensions and those of 3rd declension)3) Good knowledge of all 4 verb declensions and at least 3 irregular verbs (esse; posse; ire) in all 6 tenses in imperative, indicative, and subjunctive moods, active and passive voices. Latin like other languages is made of words (lexicon) and structure (syntax) or how the words are put together and arranged. In other words Latin is an inflected language (word endings) unlike English that is based on word order. Therefore, the study of Latin will be useful both as an introduction to another form of language structure as well as a preparation for modern languages that use similar structures (e.g. German, Greek, Russian). Readings will allow you to practice Latin narrative structure, i.e. how the words fall into phrases and sentences, and how paragraphys are built. Students will translate both from Latin into English and from English into Latin. LAT 282 will allow you to move to a 300+ level course at John Cabot University or another institution.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of the course, you should be able to read simple narratives in Latin, have learned many English (Italian, Spanish, French) cognates, recognize the Latin origins of frequent abbreviations in Latin, and be knowledgeable in the outlines of the history, social life and developments of the Roman world. Most importantly, the student will be thoroughly confident throughout one's whole life when confronted by Latin with the indispensible aid of a Latin lexicon (i.e. dictionary). A good Latin dictionary (there are few) is necessary for this course (consult the required reading and textbook section).
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Cassell’s Latin DictionaryD.P. SimpsonWiley Publishing, Inc.978-0025225800     
An Elementary Latin DictionaryC.T. LEWISOxford University Press0199102058     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
8 quizzesFour quizzes before mid-term and four after mid-term, of which four are open book and four closed book. Two lowest quiz grades will be dropped.30%
Mid-term examMid-term exam consists of Latin to English and English to Latin of given texts.35%
Final examThe exam consists of Latin to English and/or English to Latin of given texts.35%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course. (95-100% A; 93-94% A-)
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments. (91-92% B+; 89-90% B; 85-88% B-)
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings. (83-84% C+; 80-82% C; 77-79% C-)
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail. (70-76% D)
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant. (69% F)
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Class attendance is essential to a meaningful comprehension of material. No points will be added or deducted from course grade for absences, but it remains in the students' interests to be present in order to learn the language.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

1 Introduction: pp. xv-xiv Ovid: pp. xxiv-xxvi (reading)

C. I: pp.1-5 (reading)

2 C. I: pp. 1-5 (review) C. II: 11-15 (reading)

Exercises: pp. 6-7

3 C. II: pp. 11-15 (review) Exercises: pp. 16-17

Civis Romanus 1

4 Quiz: I-II C. III: pp.19-23 (translation)

Exercises (correction)

5 C. III: pp. 19-23 (review) C. IV: pp. 27-32 (translation)

Exercises: pp. 23-24

6 C. IV: pp. 27-32 (review) C. V: pp. 37-40 (translation)

Exercises: pp. 32-34

7 C. V: pp. 37-40 (review) Exercises: pp. 40-42

Civis Romanus 2

8 Quiz: III-V C. VI: pp. 45-48 (translation)

Exercises (correction)

9 C. VI: pp. 45-48 (review) C. VII: pp. 53-56 (translation)

Exercises: pp. 49-50

10 C. VII: 53-56 (review) C. VIII: 61-64 (translation)

Exercises: pp. 56-58


11 C. VIII: 61-64 (review) C. IX: 69-74 (translation)

Exercises: 65-66


12 C. IX: 69-74 (review) Exercises: 74-76

Civis Romanus 3

13 General Review: I-VII Civis Romanus 4

Exercises (correction)

14 MIDTERM EXAM C. X: 79-82 (translation)

15 C. X: 79-82 (review) Exercises: 82-83

Civis Romanus 5

16 Quiz: VIII-X C. XI: 87-92 (translation)

Exercises (correction)

17 C. XI: 87-92 (review) C. XII: 97-100 (translation)

Exercises: 92-94

18 C. XII: 97-100 (review) C. XIII: 105-110 (translation)

19 C. XIII: 105-110 (review) C. XIV: 115-119 (translation)

20 C. XIV: 115-119 (review) Exercises: 119-121

Civis Romanus 6

21 Quiz: XII-XIV C. XV: 123-127 (translation)

Exercises (correction)

22 C. XV: 123-127 (review) C. XVI: 131-134 (translation)

23 C. XVI 131-134 (review) Exercises: 134-136

Civis Romanus 7

24 Drill on the declensions of nouns Civis Romanus 8

Exercises (correction)

25 Drill on the principal parts of verbs Civis Romanus 9

CR 8 (correction)

26 Civis Romanus 10-11 Civis Romanus 12

CR 9 (correction)

27 General Review 1 Civis Romanus 13

CR 12 (correction)

28 General Review 2 Civis Romanus 14

CR 13 (correction)