CLASSICS 202L: Latin 4

TEXT

This course continues the work accomplished in CLAS 201L. This course will focus on the readings in the text, in particular "Loci Immutati". Students will then move on to real Latin narrative texts, selections from the Lives of Cornelius Nepos, and Book I of Caesar's Bellum Gallicum Emphasis will be placed on advancing the skills necessary to read entire works in the Latin original; texts will consist historical prose.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• (1) ATTENDANCE: The attendance policy of the Department of Foreign Languages is that all classes must be attended. However, it is understood that this is sometimes impossible, and so the student is allowed three (-3-) "unexcused absences". Beyond three unexcused absences, the Instructor is entitled (but not required) to lower the student's grade by as much as one full grade (e.g. from B- to C-). Students should keep close watch on their own attendance. There will be a sign-up sheet at each class which the student is responsible for signing; the sheet must be signed in the classroom during the class period. "Excused absences" do not count, if the excuse is presented in writing, with documentation, and it is found by the Instructor to be an acceptable excuse (illness, appearance in court, job interview (a limited number of times), kidnapping [if reported to the FBI] are examples of 'excused absences') Unacceptable excuses include: sleeping-in, meeting relatives at the airport, missed a ride. Car trouble is negotiable. There is no credit given specifically for attendance.
  
  
• (2) CLASS PARTICIPATION: The student should be prepared to volunteer, or accept being volunteered by the Instructor in any class at any time. Learning a language is not a cram situation; it requires continuous attention. Up to 10% of the final course grade. This may include drills through computer programs, which are available in the Language Lab (JR 316) or on-line.
  
  Electronic helps can be found on the Instructor's list at:
  Latin Helps
  
  
• (3) QUIZZES: There will be regular quizzes, announced the class before the quiz. Quizzes are held at the end of the class hour. The number of quizzes will depend upon the speed of your progress in Latin. All together, the quizzes will be worth approximately 40% of the final course grade (thus, the more quizzes, the less any one quiz damages your grade).
  
  
• (4) THE MIDTERM (an academic tradition): Comprehensive. 50 minutes. In the 8th week of the class (probably the Friday of that week). Approximately 20% of the final course grade.
  
  
• (5) THE FINAL. Comprehensive. On the day specified in the "Course Schedule". Non-negotiable, unless you have 3 exams on the same day. Exams cannot be given early, by university regulations. So plan your Christmas holiday trips accordingly. The FINAL will be worth about 25-30% of the final course grade. 1 1/2 hours.
  
  

GOALS OF THE COURSE

• -To acquire a firm and extensive knowledge of Latin Morphology and Grammar, in all moods of the verb (both regular and irregular) and all declensions of the noun, with adjectives and adverbs as appropriate.
  
  
• -To expand the basic working knowledge of Latin Vocabulary, focusing on the texts of Cornelius Nepos and Julius Caesar, Bellum Gallicum.
  
  
• -To acquire more sophisticated skills in translating and comprehending the content of an entire unaltered Latin text; this will aid in refreshing each student's knowledge of English grammar and syntax as well.
  
  
• -To expand the student's knowledge, through word study and cultural commentary on the Readings, of Roman institutions and ways of thought (the cross-cultural component).
  
  
• -To expand the student's familiarity with figures of speech and figures of rhetoric, as found in the class readings.