Image 1 of 1
2. Course Overview
• Comprehensive Description: This course is conceived as a practical complement to introductory Latin sequences (Language I–II), offering students the opportunity to actively use the language in a supportive and collaborative environment. While reading remains the primary goal of most Latin learners, this course emphasizes the value of spoken Latin as a means of consolidating grammatical structures, expanding vocabulary, and fostering a deeper and more intuitive understanding of the language. Sessions are organized around guided conversations, image description, collaborative tasks, and communicative activities that encourage students to engage with Latin as a living medium of interaction. Rather than relying heavily on neologisms or artificially modern scenarios, the course draws its thematic content from Roman history, mythology, and everyday life, reinforcing the core vocabulary and structures most frequently encountered in classical texts. Particular attention is given to developing oral fluency and pronunciation, while also cultivating confidence in spontaneous expression. Students will practice asking and answering questions, describing people and situations, and participating in simple but meaningful exchanges using the linguistic resources available to them. In this way, the course helps transform knowledge that often remains passive into an active skill set that directly supports reading comprehension. Beyond linguistic development, the course fosters engagement with Roman culture and encourages the formation of a small community of practice among participants. By creating a relaxed and participatory space in which Latin is not only studied but also used, the course aims to extend students’ interaction with the language beyond the classroom and to deepen both their enjoyment and understanding of the classical world.
3. Proficiency & Requirements
• Language Level:
o Framework Reference: This course is designed as a complement to Latin Language I and II. It follows a conversational approach using Familia Romana (Chapters I-XVIII) as a guide.
o General Description: Intended for students enrolled in or who have completed introductory Latin courses, with a focus on developing active use of language through guided conversation.
• Estimated Self-Study Time:
o Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per week.
o Preparation Type: Students are expected to actively participate in the activities designed by the instructor, as well as carry out homework and preparatory work when assigned.
4. Materials & Bibliography
• Required Textbooks:
o Hans H. Ørberg, Lingua Latina per se Illustrata. Pars I: Familia Romana.
o Hans H. Ørberg, Lingua Latina per se Illustrata. Colloquia Personarum.
o Hans H. Ørberg, Lingua Latina per se Illustrata. Exercitia Latina I.
Disclaimer: "The acquisition of the physical or digital textbook is mandatory for course attendance. Please ensure you have your copy before the first session."
• Further Reading:
o Spanish:
Bassols de Climent, Mariano. Sintaxis latina. Madrid: CSIC, 1956.
Rubio Fernández, Lisardo. Introducción a la sintaxis estructural del latín. Madrid: Ariel, 1966.
Valentí Fiol, Eduardo. Sintaxis latina. Barcelona: Bosch, 1960.
o English:
Allen, Joseph H., and James B. Greenough. New Latin Grammar. Boston: Ginn & Company, 1903.
D’Ooge, Benjamin L. Latin for Beginners. Boston: Ginn & Company, 1909.
Gildersleeve, Basil L., and Gonzalez Lodge. Latin Grammar. New York: Macmillan, 1895.
Morwood, James. Oxford Latin Grammar. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.
Wheelock, Frederic M. Wheelock’s Latin. 7th ed. New York: HarperCollins, 2011.
o French:
Deléani, Simone, and Jean-Marie Vermander. Initiation à la langue latine et à son système. Paris: Sedes, 1997.
Ernout, Alfred, and François Thomas. Syntaxe latine. Paris: Klincksieck, 1953.
Morisset, René, Maurice Gason, et al. Précis de grammaire des lettres latines. Paris: Nathan, 1956.
o Italian:
Conte, Gian Biagio, Emilio Pianezzola, and Giuliano Ranucci. Lezioni di latino. Florence: Le Monnier, 2003.
Flocchini, Nicola. Lingua e civiltà latina. Milan: Bompiani, 1998.
Traina, Alfonso, and Tullio Bertotti. Sintassi normativa della lingua latina. Bologna: Cappelli, 1972.
5. ATTENDANCE, CERTIFICATION AND RECORDINGS
By enrolling, you agree to our standard academic regulations. These guidelines include the minimum attendance required to earn a Certificate of Completion, policies regarding lesson recording availability, mandatory parental consent for minors, and intellectual property protections. Please read our complete Attendance, Certifications, and Recordings Policy herefor full details on attendance, certifications, session recordings, user privacy, intellectual property rights, and special learning accommodations.
