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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "LAT 101"
COURSE NAME: "Elementary Latin I"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Danica Pusic
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 10:00 AM 11:15 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This is an introduction to Latin, 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 BC through the 4th AD), 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.  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. Knowledge of classical Latin gives access to the documentation and literature of the other periods as well as the only key to understanding modern languages of Western Civilization.  Latin's influence in the development of philosophy, language, law, the natural sciences, religion, and political theory is unavoidable.   

The course is aimed at:

- Developing the basics 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 structures 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 introduction to learning the Latin language as such.  This is NOT a historical survey course or a language in translation course.

While a brief review of English grammar is foreseen, students must have a comprehension of said grammar appropriate to an undergraduate university level.

By the end of the course students will have learned: 

1) all five declensions for nouns, pronouns, and adjectives;
2) all six verb tenses in the active voice and indicative mood (present, imperfect, future, perfect, pluperfect, and future perfect);
3) about 1,000 vocabulary words.

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 paragraphs are built.   

The first semester of Latin will allow you to move to a second semester course at (Latin 102) 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).

Outside of class you will be expected to review carefully the material recently covered by handouts and textbook, to memorize recent vocabulary and to complete any written assignments. Written assignments (such as translation of practice sentences) must be completed by the following class meeting and "turn-in" homework is due at the beginning of class. No e-mail submissions will be accepted.

 Additional readings and changes to the syllabus may be announced in class.

 Note: Do not get behind at any time. Ask for help before you feel you are slipping.


TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Latin Via OvidN. Goldman & J. E. NyenhuisWayne State University Press978-0-8143-1732-7     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Civis RomanusCobban & ColebournBolchazy-Carducci978-0-86516-569-4  
Elementary Latin DictionaryC. T. LewisOxford University Press 978-0199102051  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Preparation and in-class review of exercises, participation and attendance 20%
Frequent quizzes 30%
Midterm exam 25%
Final exam 25%

-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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Each absence should be adequately justified and the professor should be informed about it by e-mail, possibly prior to the class. Students with more than three absences will get extra assignments; these shall be graded. 
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

Class             Focus                                 Assigment

 

1          Introduction: pp. xv-xxiv                   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                                       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                                         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                                   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                                  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

              Civis Romanus 8 (correction)

 

26          Civis Romanus 10-11                          Civis Romanus 12                   

              Civis Romanus 9 (correction)

 

27          General Review 1                                Civis Romanus 13

               Civis Romanus 12 (correction)                 

 

28          General Review 2                                Civis Romanus 14

               Civis Romanus 13 (correction)

 

29          FINAL EXAM