Latin 395A - Latin Prose Composition
Fall 2007
Texts
Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar. Focus Publishing, 2004
M. Minkova. Introduction to Latin Prose Composition. Bolchazy-Carducci, 2002
M. Minkova & T. Tunberg. Readings and Exercises in Latin Prose Composition. Focus Publishing / R. Pullins Co.,
John Traupman. New College Latin/English Dictionary. Bantam, 207
- To improve and extend command of the Latin language and of ancient Roman culture and civilization;
- To introduce students to the intellectual discipline of Latin composition through wide reading and analysis to strengthen control of principles of grammar, syntax, and style;
- To read and analyze selected prose authors from a range of periods and literary styles;
- To help students use the internet effectively for research and learning about Latin and Roman culture of classical antiquity.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate ability to read and translate selected passages of Latin prose;
- Describe and explain grammatical and syntactic features of selected Latin texts with which we work throughout the course;
- Demonstrate control of Latin vocabulary, grammatical paradigms, and syntactic constructions;
- Describe and explain some important features of the history and culture of Rome;
- Demonstrate analytical language skills that may be applied not only to Latin but to English and other languages;
- Demonstrate ability to use various resources (internet, reference grammars, and lexicons) that pertain to the study of the Latin prose and Roman Antiquity.
Assessment Methods
Your course grade reflects these components:
- Quizzes: 25%
- Quizzes will be given throughout the semester. Most will be in-class exercises, though some may be done outside of class. Focuses of the quizzes will include matters of Latin vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, as well as stylistic interpretation of specific passages chosen from Latin writers. Dates for the quizzes will be announced in advance and will also be posted on the Assignments Page.
- Homework: 40%
- Wiki for our course (20%)
- Students will do some assignments involving the use of a wiki for Latin 395A. Students' contributions to this wiki will be evaluated on a weekly basis throughout the semester. The kind of contributions will be various but will include posting questions and observations about our course work, as well as responding to such questions and observations of others in the course. Students should keep in mind that evidence of careful analysis of assigned texts is a sine qua non in contributions to the wiki.
- Written assignments to be submitted in class (20%)
- Two compositions of extended Latin prose: 20%
- Final Examination: 15%
- The final will include material assigned in advance, as well as some material not seen before the exam.
Date and location
of Final Examination:
TBA
JAC 105
Please note that the Final
must be taken at the time and place announced in Centenary's
Class Schedule. It is college policy that no exceptions may be
made to this rule.
Computer Component
Some of the work for this course will involve using computer resources. Therefore, it is essential that all students acquire an e-mail/computer account from the college and have access to the internet.
Students' Responsibilities
Students are responsible for material covered in class, including announcements of quiz dates and homework assignments. Remember, too, that all assignments, including upcoming quizzes and exams, will be listed on the Assignments Page.
Students should understand the importance of daily preparation and of consistent attendance. No late homeworks will be accepted, and no make-up quizzes/exams will be given except in the case of college-wide excused events or documented illness or emergency. Students must make arrangements with me to take make-up quizzes or exams within a week of missing any of these.
Ways to Help Yourself in this Course
- COME TO CLASS and do the assignments on time and diligently. Remember that learning a language is a cumulative process that requires regular application. Cultivating procedures of close reading of literature in general and perhaps of poetry in particular requires steady practice.
- Use what you learn in
class about analytical methods so that you can apply these to
subsequent assignments.
- Be serious about Web resources
throughout the course. Technology's capacity for simultaneous
presentation of different types of resources promotes effective
learning in Latin. Also, its capacity to create a sense of immediacy
and intimate contact with the classical world reinforces interest
and personal investment in learning. Therefore, technological
resouces will be important tools in our study of the Latin language
and of Roman Antiquity.
Attendance
With the understanding that regular class attendance is crucial for good progress in Latin, students may miss six classes for any reason whatsover (illness, emergency, insufficient sleep, excused college event, etc.). A seventh absence will result in a failing grade for the course.
Students must be aware
that if they come to class after attendance has been taken, it
is their responsibility to speak to the professor at the end
of class to ensure that a tardy mark is recorded rather than
an absence. Otherwise, the absence will stand.
Contacting Your Professor
Professor: Steve Clark
Office hours: MWF 2 - 3:45 p.m., T 2 - 3:30 p.m.
Also by appointment
Office location: JAC 306B
Telephone: 318.869.5257
E-mail: sclark@centenary.edu
Site design by Stephanus
Last updated on 3 September, 2007
