Latin 12   Elementary Latin II Spring 2004

INSTRUCTOR:	Robert W. Cape, Jr., Associate Professor of Classics
OFFICE:	AD 310	PHONE: x2241	MAIL: #61653	EMAIL: rcape@austincollege.edu
OFFICE HOURS:	3:00-4:00 p.m. MWF, & by appointment or just dropping by.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

M. Balme and J. Morwood, Oxford Latin Course: Part II, 2ed. (Oxford University Press, 1996).

M. Balme and J. Morwood, Oxford Latin Course: Part III, 2ed. (Oxford University Press, 1997).

INTERNET RESOURCE:

R. W. Cape, Internet Workbook for the Oxford Latin Course

Goals:

This course is the second in the sequence of beginning Latin and will build on skills developed in Latin 11. Our goals are to enhance our ability to read Latin with precision and understanding, and to appreciate Latin as a transmitter of ideas and culture. Since learning a language provides the foundation for understanding a culture we will discuss many aspects of Roman life and society in the context of our readings.

Because there are few old Romans who speak Latin we will concentrate less on conversation than on reading, but we will still work to develop oral Latin skills (listening and speaking). We will also gain practice writing Latin (the popularity of translations into Latin, such as Winne Ille Pu and Cattus Petasatus [The Cat in the Hat, 2000], indicates that this skill is more useful--and profitable--than you might have thought). Daily classes will be devoted to learning and applying new vocabulary and grammatical principles and to reviewing reading exercises and discussing them in the context of Roman culture. In class we shall work individually and in groups; I encourage you to develop study groups or make study partners outside class. Homework will cover reviewing new vocabulary and grammar, preparing the next session's reading assignment and, sometimes, translations and exercises to be turned in.

Attendance and Participation:

Because this is a performance class, regular attendance is required of all students. Students are expected to be prepared for and to participate actively in every class. Lack of preparation is no excuse for not participating. Since learning a language is a sequential process and any class sessions or homework missed can seriously affect future performance, only three absences will be allowed. Each absence after the third will lower the total grade by four percentage points. With seven absences a student may be dropped from the course.

Assignments and Grading:

Homework assignments are given daily for the next day's class. These are to be completed prior to the class meeting and will be the basis for that day's participation. Written homework assignments will be given from time to time. Students are responsible for finding out what the homework assignment is if they have missed a class. Homework, quizzes and exams missed during an absence cannot be made up except under exceptional circumstances.

A short, 15 minute quiz will be given every week. These quizzes are meant to help students review material recently covered and serve as diagnostic instruments to indicate how well they are progressing in the course. There will be one midterm and one final. The midterm and final are comprehensive exams that measure the student's total progress at specific points in the course. The midterm is scheduled tentatively for March 26, but the actual date will be determined by the progress of the class. The date will be announced in class. The final will be given on May 14, at the regularly scheduled time.

Robert W. Cape, Jr., Associate Professor of Classics
Classical & Modern Languages
900 N. Grand Avenue, Suite #61653
Austin College
Sherman, TX 75090-4440
phone: (903) 813-2241  fax: (903) 813-2011