LATIN 101 - Lingua Latina

COURSE GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS

Latin 101 will cover the first 15 chapters of Lingua Latina. The approach is intensively grammatical. Each chapter will be translated in class, with all grammatical constructions explained. Students are expected to master (i.e. memorize) the vocabulary and the various paradigms (declension and conjugation patterns) necessary to progress in reading proficiency.

TEXTS

Our required texts will be Lingua Latina I (Familia Romana) and its supplemental commentary and grammar Lingua Latina, A College Companion. A Latin-English dictionary is required (the New College Latin-English Dictionary is in the campus bookstore, but any good dictionary will do). A systematic Latin grammar is recommended (the introductory Cambridge Student's Latin Grammar is quite good). For students lacking a strong foundation in English grammar, English Grammar for Students of Latin is essential. It is available in the campus bookstore or on-line.

ON-LINE RESOURCES

Full grammatical and vocabulary commentary for our text is provided on line. These sheets provide essential aid in understanding the text and the grammar involved. Please download and study them continuously:

Grammar Commentary:

Capitulum I - Imperium Romanum
Capitulum II - Familia Romana
Capitulum III - Puer Improbus
Capitulum IV - Dominus et Servi
Capitulum V - Villa et Hortus
Capitulum VI - Via Latina
Capitulum VII - Puella et Rosa
Capitulum VIII - Taberna Romana
Capitulum IX - Pastor et Oves
Capitulum X - Bestiae et Homines
Capitulum XI - Corpus Humanum
Capitulum XII - Miles Romanus
Capitulum XIII - Annus et Menses
Capitulum XIV - Novus Dies
Capitulum XV - Magister et Discipuli

Reading Commentary:

Capitulum I - Imperium Romanum
Capitulum II - Familia Romana
Capitulum III - Puer Improbus
Capitulum IV - Dominus et Servi
Capitulum V - Villa et Hortus
Capitulum VI - Via Latina
Capitulum VII - Puella et Rosa
Capitulum VIII - Taberna Romana
Capitulum IX - Pastor et Oves
Capitulum X - Bestiae et Homines

VOCABULARY SHEETS

Capitulum I
Capitulum II
Capitulum III
Capitulum IV
Capitulum V
Capitulum VI
Capitulum VII
Capitulum VIII
Capitulum IX
Capitulum X
Capitulum XI
Capitulum XII
Capitulum XIII
Capitulum XIV
Capitulum XV

Third Declension Nouns (Chapters 9-15)

Master Vocabulary

LATIN HANDOUTS

THE DECLENSION SYSTEM

Latin is an inflected language. That is, the endings of words change to reflect grammatical function. The changes of a noun are called "Declensions" and the changes of a verb are called "Conjugations". It is absolutely ESSENTIAL in the study of Latin that the declension system and its grammatical functions be mastered. Below are introductory handouts that will aid the student in beginning this process.

The Eight Parts of Speech

The Declension of Nouns

There is also an on-line exercise program for learning the declension of Latin nouns:

On-Line Declension Exerciser

CLASS SCHEDULE

Fall 2016

HOMEWORK

Students should be prepared to spend a regular amount of time on homework before each class session. In addition to brief written homework to be turned in at most class sessions, homework consists of preparation of the next session's quiz and reading passage, and the following essential tasks:

1) Work through and translate for yourself the text in each chapter of our textbook and regularly read through earlier chapters for review.
2) Do all the exercises in each chapter in writing.
3) Memorize all new vocabulary in each chapter and review old vocabulary.
4) Review all new grammar and consult your grammar books for reinforcement whenever necessary.
5) Practice new morphology in connection with previously covered materials, especially in preparation for quizzes.
6) Prepare a list of questions to be asked in class if you have any problems, e.g. with translating or understanding grammatical constructions.

QUIZZES AND EXAMS

There will be a quiz each class, which will cover either 1) the vocabulary of the chapter or 2) a major grammatical construction introduced in the chapter. No "make-ups" of daily quizzes are available.

We will have four exams. The first exam will cover Chapters I-V, the second Chapters VI-IX, the third Chapters X-XII, and the final exam Chapters XIII-XV. The exams will test memorization of forms, comprehension of grammatical concepts, and translation of passages from each of the chapters covered. The exams (including the Final) will not be cumulative, since the subject itself is cumulative by nature. Absences from an exam are excused only in cases of emergency with appropriate notification in advance to the instructor.

MASTER SYLLABUS

Class Syllabus

ATTENDANCE

Those who miss the readings, explanations, discussions, queries and suggestions of a class session have handicapped themselves in a number of obvious ways which cannot easily be remedied.

The Instructor

William L. Carey, Esq.
Blankingship & Keith, P.C.
4020 University Drive, Suite 300
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-691-1235

Email: wcarey@gmu.edu

Additional Information

Course Number: LATN 101
Title: Elementary Latin I
Class Times: MW 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Class Location: Lecture Hall 2

Disability Accommodations: If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 993-2474, http://ods.gmu.edu. All academic accommodations must be arranged through the ODS.

Electronic Devices: Cell phones, pagers, laptops and tablets (e.g., iPads) and other communicative devices are not allowed in this class. Please keep them turned off, stowed away, and out of sight.