Description and Objectives

Course Description and Objectives

The objective of this course is to understand how the Romans and their Greek influences used language to shape our modern ideas about literature, art, education, government, and family life. Students will read and imitate the language of original source material, supplemented by work with Latin derivatives, resulting in increased fluency in reading and writing in English.

 

Topics Covered

• Structure of Roman socio-political society
• Greek and Roman use of language in myth, social mores, and politics.
• Early and modern Christian, dramatic, and philosophical use of Latin.
• Vocabulary and fluency development.
• Development of creative and analytical writing skills based on imitation of source texts.

Textbooks

Texts

• Imperium, by Robert Harris
• Augustus, by John Williams
• Selections from Greek, Roman, early Christian and modern authors.

Course Requirements

Course Requirements

• Completion of all readings and assignments by if not before the given due date.
• Active and responsible participation in the Cursus Honorum
• Evidence of care in preparation for written, oral, and performance assignments

Assignments 

Types of assignments include:

• Derivative research and use
• Speeches (Orationes), Praesentationes (Presentations), Fabulae (Storytelling), Festae (Festivals)
• Forum Day and Field of Mars Election participation
• Cursus Honorum participation

Cursus Honorum

The daily structure of the class will imitate the socio-political structure of Roman society. Days will be designated by the students in the role of Consul for Reading, Writing, Oratio/Praesentationis/Festa, and Forum Days, as well as elections on the Field of Mars and the Festa Ultima. Students will take on the political roles of Roman officials, and carry out class assignments in this context. Participation in the Cursus Honorum entails acquisition of points over time, resulting in a cumulative grade at the end of the semester.

Successful Students

• Successful students will be on time and prepared to engage the material.
• They will come to class with books and prepared materials (Oratio, Fabula, etc) in hand
• They will foster habits of creative initiative and a collaborative spirit.Successful Students
  • Successful students will be on time and prepared to engage the material.
  • They will come to class with books and prepared materials (Oratio, Fabula, etc) in hand
  • They will foster habits of creative initiative and a collaborative spirit.

Successful Students

Successful Students

• Successful students will be on time and prepared to engage the material.
• They will come to class with books and prepared materials (Oratio, Fabula, etc) in hand
• They will foster habits of creative initiative and a collaborative spirit.

Additional Resources

Exam

• The exam for this class will cover all quarter material. Detailed explanation will be given in review classes before the exam.