LATIN SYLLABUS
Madeira High School, 2015-2016
Fortuna Fortibus Favet
Beyond the possibility of achieving higher SAT scores, learning the Latin language will help students to come to a better understanding of the Classical World. The Romans lived for 300 years in a world of peace that spanned across Europe into the Middle East and all the way into Northern Africa. The Romans created a civilized world in which they prospered academically, financially, and personally—much of the world today is based on the culture that the Romans created. The Romans have passed on their thoughts on such ideas through their language and ancient texts. Studying Latin will provide students with a cultural awareness of their own, present day civilization.
Expectations:
- Students will come to class prepared and on time.
- Students will keep Latin materials, notes, and papers in a separate notebook.
- Students will work hard to understand class material.
- Students will show respect and pride for themselves as well as others.
Results:
- Students will be able to read Latin.
- Students will gain a cultural awareness of their own civilization.
- Students will be able to gain a broader understanding of English by enriching their vocabulary through the study of roots and derivative and by comparing and contrasting Latin grammar structure to that of English.
- Students will be able to enhance literary knowledge and skills by studying mythology, ancient history, and culture.
Course Components:
Reading and Translation: This is the main goal of learning Latin. Students will spend time improving skills of searching for main ideas and themes, perfecting reading comprehension, and acquiring vocabulary. Translation skills will also be addressed.
Listening and Speaking: Students will be asked to participate in classroom conversational activities, skits, plays, presentations, Latin recitation, games, and oral reading so that students may learn and acquire correct pronunciation of Latin.
Writing: Students will be asked to use correct Latin according to the situation and compose short sentences on their own.
Culture: Students will spend time learning about the ancient history, daily life, and culture of the ancient Romans. This component helps students tie the language and life of the Romans to their own lives. Students will complete readings, create projects, and watch videos to aide their understanding.
Classroom Materials:
*Required Text: Cambridge Latin Course
Unit I – Life in Pompeii, 79 AD
Unit II – Roman Britain and Alexandria, 79-82 AD
Unit III – Roman Britain, Roman Army, Rome, 81-83 AD
Unit IV – Rome (Emperors and Authors such as Catullus, Pliny, Martial, Ovid, and Vergil), 83-87 AD
*Cambridge Unit I Workbook (Level I), Cambridge Unit II Workbook (Level II), Workbook in Latin-Two Years, Freundlich (Level III and Level IV)
*All students must have a separate folder or binder for their Latin materials. A copy of this syllabus must be at the front. Keep everything—it helps you to study for tests!
*Notecards—These are suggested to help students with vocabulary acquisition.
Assessment:
Quarterly grades will be determined by points earned through tests, quizzes, major projects, homework, classwork, and participation.
Major tests, quizzes, and projects will be weighted three times; in class “pop” quizzes will be weighted twice; homework, classwork, and participation will be weighted once. A student’s grade will be determined mostly by their performance on tests and quizzes (understanding and mastery of the language).
The grading scale aligns with that established by the Madeira City Schools.
Students will have an average of three major tests per quarter (about every five weeks) and one major project per quarter (upper levels).
Management Issues:
All students are expected to behave according to the Madeira High School Code of Conduct as stated within student assignment books.
*Homework Policy: Do your homework consistently—you will find it helps your grades and your acquisition of Latin. You are expected to be prepared for class. There will be homework every night.
-Personal Devices: Students are being encouraged to use technology, and many have their own “personal device” that they choose to complete homework on (laptop, cell phone, IPOD, tablets, etc.). It is not acceptable to “share” homework assignments with me on Google Drive as a means of turning in work. It is the student’s responsibility to bring his own work with him to class when it is due in order to be prepared.
-Absent: It is expected that students take initiative to stay up to date in class if they are absent. Please try to check “ProgressBook” and student email accounts or talk to a friend for missed assignments. Please do not email the teacher to find out what was missed unless there is an extended absence (more than two days). Make-up work is accepted in a timely fashion and will be discussed between teacher and student. Students may need to come early, stay after school, visit during common time (or set up an alternate time) to make up missed tests and quizzes, get missed notes, or complete missed classwork.
-Late Work: I do not accept late homework. Homework is used in class the day it is due. For major projects, a letter grade is deducted for each day it is late.
-Homework Passes: A homework pass allows the student to have a “free” night of homework. These may only be used on nightly assignments—not tests, projects, presentations, classwork, or quizzes. The student receives full points for the homework assignment. A student receives one per year. They DO NOT roll over.
-Extra Credit: There will be no extra credit offered.
*Plagiarism/Cheating:
-This will not be tolerated in any way and will be dealt with according to the “Academic Integrity Policy” as set forth in the Madeira City Schools Student Code of Conduct. The internet is making this particular issue more prevalent in today’s classrooms. Please do your own work.
*Cell Phones:
-Students are expected to follow the policies for cell phone use as described in the student handbook. Cell phones should NOT be out or make noises during class as it can distract others and disrupt learning.
Other Info:
- Membership dues for the National Junior Classical League, Ohio Junior Classical League, and Madeira Junior Classical League is ______. This is the FUN part of Latin and is required if you wish to attend the OJCL/NJCL Conventions. It is not required for class but is intended to enrich the learning experience of all Latin students.
- The National Latin Exam is offered to all Latin students across the country (it costs a small fee which is covered by the MJCL and the Madeira PTO). All Madeira Latin students will take this exam in early March.
- Latin State Convention in Columbus will take place onFebruary 19-21, 2016.
There are limited spots for Madeira Latin students (only 55). This activity is EXTRA and requires a lot of EXTRA work and planning. The usual cost for this weekend is around $200.00. Visit more information.
Contact Information:
Mrs. Jennifer Bruening, Magistra
E-mail:
Voice Mail: #2210
Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns. In regards to email, students should only use their student “Gmail account” to communicate with me.