Honors Latin I
(1.0 Credit)
The Honors Latin I class introduces students to the Latin language, as well as the history, culture, literature, and mythology of the ancient Romans. Latin language study bolsters students’ understanding of the mechanics and structure of English (and other primary languages), enhances English vocabulary, and begins to prepare them to read influential Latin texts in the original language of composition. In accordance with contemporary Classical Language Learning Standards, students acquire not only elementary reading and writing skills but also basic oral communication skills (e.g., greetings, questions, commands) and vocabulary (e.g., animals, body parts, days of the week, weather terms, rooms of the Roman house and baths). The study of Latin grammar and vocabulary is supplemented regularly with readings, documentaries, and other sources highlighting the profound influence of the Romans on all aspects of modern life: socio-political, philosophical, and artistic. In Latin I, students focus, in particular, on the Roman Monarchy and Republic (753 - 27 B.C.). Individual research, oral presentations, and art projects permit students to demonstrate understanding of the rich context from which the Latin language arose.

Honors Latin II
(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Latin I)
The Honors Latin II class completes the study of essential grammatical concepts, while deepening students’ knowledge of the ancient Romans. By the end of this course, students will have mastered all declensions of nouns and those of most pronouns; all tenses and moods of verbs, both active and passive; and complex grammatical structures using participles, infinitives, and subjunctive verb forms (e.g., ablative absolutes, periphrastics, indirect statement, purpose and result clauses). Through translation of increasingly difficult Latin passages (including original ancient texts), as well as composition assignments in Latin, students hone their Latin comprehension and communication skills. The study of Latin grammar and vocabulary is again supplemented regularly with readings, documentaries, and other sources highlighting the profound influence of the Romans on all aspects of modern life: socio-political, philosophical, and artistic. In Honors Latin II, students focus more on the period of the Roman Empire (27 B.C. - 476 A.D.). Individual research, oral presentations, and art projects permit students to demonstrate understanding of the rich context from which the Latin language arose.

Honors Latin III & IV
(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Latin II/III)
The Honors Latin III/IV class introduces students to the world of Latin literature, even as they continue to solidify their mastery of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax through both reading and writing in Latin. Although the literary selections change from year to year based on student and teacher interest, prose works such as the speeches of Cicero and Petronius’ Satyricon (the first novel in Western literature) and poetry from the likes of Catullus and Ovid (Metamorphoses) are standard fare. In these works, students will explore issues of genre, stylistic devices and themes, and literary analysis generally, as they translate original Latin texts and comment on their literary and historical significance through class discussion, individual and group presentations, art projects, and essays.

N.B. This course may be offered every other year, in rotation with the AP Latin class.

 

**AP Latin
(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Latin II/III/IV & Faculty Recommendation)
The AP Latin course focuses on the in-depth study of selections from two of the greatest works in Latin literature: Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic War. The course requires students to prepare and translate the readings and place these texts in a meaningful context, which helps develop critical, historical, and literary sensitivities. Throughout the course, students consider themes in the context of ancient literature and bring these works to life through classroom discussions, debates, and presentations. Additional English readings from both of these works help place the Latin readings in a significant context. If students take this course, they may take the AP Latin test.

N.B. This course may be offered every other year, in rotation with the Honors Latin III/IV Latin class.

Honors Latin V
(1.0 Credit; Prerequisite: Latin IV/AP)
The Honors Latin V course is offered to those students who have completed Latin IV and/or AP Latin and wish to continue their study of the language in high school. This course will include readings in original Latin texts from authors not previously covered in Latin III, IV, or AP.