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image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen, #3803




Instructor

Dr. Victor A. Leuci

Texts

Balme, Maurice & James Morwood. Oxford Latin Course. College Edition. Readings and Vocabulary. New York: Oxford University Press. 2012. Print

Balme, Maurice & James Morwood. Oxford Latin Course. College Edition. Grammar, Exercises, Context. New York: Oxford University Press. 2012. Print

Note: This edition of the Oxford Latin Course is significantly different from the previous editions, so using earlier editions is not feasible.

Oxford University Press has a companion website that includes flashcards, extra grammar exercises, and links for other websites. Click here

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, to encourage a better understanding of English through the study of Latin.

Relationship to the General Education Curriculum

Latin 102 satisfies the second course option of study within the Cultural Diversity and Global Interdependence Context of Tier II. As stated in the course objectives, Latin 102 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.

Format

The course will consist of both lectures and discussion.

Grading

There will be on average one quiz after every one or two chapters and an exam after two to four chapters. There will also be four vocabulary quizzes. The final exam will be worth one exam. Each exam will be worth 100 points and each regular quiz 40 points, and each vocabulary quiz 30-45 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, one vocabulary quiz, and one regular quiz. Class participation and homework together will count 100 points total. 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 Honor Commission Constitution, Article IX).

College-Wide Policies and Procedures:

check pdf in Moodle or the Student Life Handbook for the following: ADA/Equal Access Policy, Policy on Harassment and Discrimination, College Duty, Emergency Procedures.

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 are not "set-in-stone," and may vary depending on how each class period goes. The syllabus will be updated as needed. Click on the link at the top of the page to go to the assignment due dates.