Here Is a Brief Outline of What I Expect from You This Year

LATINA VIII

Expectations

Welcome back!

Here is a brief outline of what I expect from you this year.

Eighth Grade is a step up. In addition to building vocabulary and tackling more complex grammar, we will be leaving Ecce Romani behind for lengthy stretches of time and mind. We will start out with Caesar for review, go back to the book for new grammar, move into Catullus for a while, go back to the book, read some Vergil, go back, and then end with more Vergil.

While studying the literature, the onus will be on you to make the class your textbook; ie. your class notes will be your reference and study guide.

I will hand out the excerpts, we will make vocabulary sheets, and the rest relies on attending to class discussion and, as always, asking pertinent questions. All texts will also be available on line. While translating the original Latin will be our primary goal, my expectation is that you will move forward in your ability to analyze and synthesize meaning from literature. Critical thinking and cogent writing (in English!) will matter.

As in Sixth Grade, quizzes will be frequent and tests will be few. Quizzes will be similar in format to what I gave you previously, but, of course, there will be a bit more to them. Tests will be literature based. I have selected our readings not only for literary value, but for their reinforcement of the most recently covered grammar. I will also assign several writing pieces, for which I will hold you to the same standards as your English and Social Studies teachers.

We will be studying culture and history through our literature units, and these will also be the springboard for any projects you will undertake.

Nolite gemere! We will still have fun. It may be hard, but it will be fun.

A few rules:

·  Be kind.

·  Be prompt.

·  Come prepared and supplied.

·  Raise your hand to ask a question.

·  Allow me to pick someone for an answer – TRY not to raise your hand or call out.

·  Please remember how much I hate to watch people chew gum – YUCK!

·  Do your own work.

·  Do not slow the class down by not pulling your weight, doing the assignments, etc. We all feel it when one student is unprepared.

·  Individual grades are not to be discussed during class time. If you wish to discuss a grade, see me after class or during eighth period. I have been known to make mistakes.

·  Extra help is available eighth period: A days in the library, B days in 221. I can do after school by appointment.

·  I will not give extra help to anyone who has not done his/her homework.

·  I will not give extra help to anyone who does not pay attention or who disrupts class.

That should do for now!