F08-Lat101Syll

Otacilia Severa, wife of Emperor Philip I, "the Arab." Coin dated 247/248 AD image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen,

Latin 101

Beginning Latin I

Fall 2008

games for Rome's 1000th birthday and the new Saeculum,about 110 years in length image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen,

Instructor:

Dr. Victor A. Leuci
Newnham Hall 37
592-5324
Home (573) 815-9333 (not after 10:00 pm)
e-mail: victor.leuci@westminster-mo.edu
Web site: www2.westminster-mo.edu/wc_users/homepages/faculty/leuciv/index.html
Office Hours: (Aug. 27 to Dec. 11) MTWTh 9:00 am-9:45 am, and by appointment
Link to bio

Texts:

M. Balme and J. Morwood, Oxford Latin Course, Part I, 2^nd ed., Oxford Univ Pr (ISBN: 0195212037) 1996

M. Balme and J. Morwood, Oxford Latin Course, Part II, 2^nd ed., Oxford Univ Pr (ISBN: 0195212053) 1996

D. A. Kidd, Collins Gem Latin Dictionary: Latin-English English-Latin, Rev Ed, HarperCollins, (ISBN: 000470763X) 1996

Web resources:

http://www.umsl.edu/~phillips/oldrills/index.html (good source for drills)

http://www.oxford-latin.net/Bolles/OLC_main.htm

http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/cml/rcape/latin/index.html

http://www.nd.edu/~archives/latgramm.htm (an on-line dictionary)

http://www.cornellcollege.edu/classical_studies/latin/latin-links.shtml (good listing of links)

http://www.presenceofmind.net/Latin/study.html (study guides & vocab sheets as downloadable pdf's)

http://www.eu2006.fi/news_and_documents/newsletters/en_GB/newsletters/ (weekly summary of world news in Latin)

You should also consider purchasing a good English dictionary, e.g., Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language, American Heritage Dictionary of etc.

Objectives:The course is an introduction to Latin grammar and syntax. Our goals are

to develop the skill necessary to read, understand, and appreciate Latin literature,
to establish a basic understanding of Roman culture in such a way as to understand some of the ways in which the ancient world was similar to and different from our own contemporary world, and
to encourage a better understanding of English through the study of Latin.

Relationship to the General Education Curriculum: Latin 101 satisfies the language requirement of the initial semester of study of a foreign language within Tier I. As stated in the course objectives, Latin 101 provides students with opportunities to learn fundamental skills necessary to understand more directly the ways in which members of another culture communicate with one another. Mastering the linguistic patterns of the language and gaining a familiarity with other culturally determined forms of communication, e.g. gestures, patterns of social interaction, offer opportunities for reflection on varying cultural, social, and historical traditions. Learning a foreign language encourages awareness of and respect for other cultures; through language study students should gain insights into some of the ways that their own culture is similar to and different from that of those who spoke and wrote in another language. It is hoped that students will acquire a deeper understanding of cultural differences and greater respect for other peoples and cultures because of their foreign language study.

Grading: There will be on average 1 quiz after every two chapters and an exam after four to eight chapters. There will also be one to three vocabulary quizzes. The final exam will be worth 1 exam. Each exam will be worth 100 points and each quiz 40 points. Very short quizzes, or quizlets, will either count as part of homework or combined to count as a quiz (or quizzes, depending on how many there are in a semester). You may drop one exam and one quiz. Class participation and homework will count 100 points. Homework is always due at the beginning of class and homework for excused absences should be turned in as soon as possible.

Honor Code: All students and faculty must adhere to the Honor Code; please see the Student Life Handbook for the full description of the Honor Code--p. 21 in the Student Life Handbook gives a short definition: "No Westminster student shall commit any act of academic dishonesty in order to advance her or his own academic performance, or to impede or advance the academic progress of others," but the sections on plagiarism and cheating are especially important (see Homor Commission Constitution, Article IX).

ADA Accommodation: Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me to arrange an appointment as soon as possible. At that time, we can discuss the course format, anticipate your needs, and explore possible accommodations. Westminster's ADA policy can be found at the College's website (click here)

Attendance: Regular attendance and participation are essential for the success of the class. More than 3 unexcused absences will be considered excessive, and no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences. Note that each unexcused absence past 3 will result in a 4 point deduction from your overall grade.

Assignments: The assignments, however, will be adjusted to needs of the class--we will not rush ahead simply to stay in line with the syllabus. I will announce in advance any changes in the assignments as they become necessary.

Unit I: Chapter 1-8 (click here for due dates)

Unit II: Chapters 9-12 (click here for due dates)

Unit III: Chapters 13-16 (click here for due dates)

Unit IIII: Chapters 17- (click here for due dates)