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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "LAT 282"
COURSE NAME: "Directed Readings in Latin"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Danica Pusic
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 4:30PM 5:45PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: LAT 102 or permission of the instructor
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to offer the opportunity to read texts in the original to students with a basic level of Latin language preparation. The level of readings may range from intermediate to advanced. Language levels will be determined at the beginning of the course, and students will be arranged in suitable reading groups. Texts appropriate to each group’s level will be chosen by the professor and the individual students. Texts will vary, but advanced students may choose from among annotated editions of Cicero, Caesar, Catullus, Virgil, Ovid, and Livy. All groups will work independently and in weekly reading groups with the professor, when issues of language, grammar, and literary technique will be discussed.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:


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; posseire) in all 6 tenses in indicative and imperative moods, active voice
4) Vocabulary of at least 1000 words
5) all pronouns
6) all six verb tenses in the indicative mood passive voice, subjunctive mood in both active and passive voices, and deponent verbs


Readings will allow you to practice Latin narrative structure, i.e. how the words fall into phrases and sentences, and how paragraphs 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, the student be able to read the original texts 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
Civis RomanusCobban and ColebournBolchazy-Carducci978-0-86516-569-4     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

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 20%
Final exam 30%
   

-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:
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