Latin 202
 
Intermediate Latin II
Spring 2008

INSTRUCTOR:

Robert W. Cape, Jr., Professor of Classics

OFFICE:

  AD 310    

PHONE: x2241    

MAIL: #61653    

EMAIL: rcape@austincollege.edu

OFFICE HOURS:

  1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. TTh, & by appointment or just dropping by.

REQUIRED TEXTS:
  • R. W. Cape, Cicero, De Amicitia (selections) (photocopy)
  • R. W. Cape, Catullus, Carmina (selections) (photocopy)
  • G. S. West, Cicero, Pro Archia, 2nd. ed. Bryn Mawr Commentaries.
  • D. P. Simpson, Cassell's Latin Dictionary: English-Latin     Latin-English . Cassell's, 1959/1977.
  • Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar,updated by A. Mahoney. Focus, 2001.
  • R. M. Ogilvie, Roman Literature and Society. Penguin, 1980.
  • Objectives:

    Latin 202is fourth in the sequence of elementary and intermediate language courses and marks the transition from learning the basics of the language to developing skills to read and comprehend original Latin texts. Our goals are, in general, 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.

    By the end of the semester, you should notice a marked increase in your abilities

    1. to read short segments of Latin prose for
      a) information and
      b) stylistic appreciation;
    2. to read Ciceronian oratory with an understanding for
      a) the structure of the argument
      b) major rhetorical features
      c) stylistic levels, and
      d) historical context;
    3. to follow a philosophical argument;
    4. to read and appreciate the artistry of Catullan poetry;
    5. to understand the general course of literary development in Rome.

    These goals represent processes rather than fixed endpoints for our work this semester. In order to realize them in a manner appropriate to the second intermediate Latin course, students will demonstrate the following:

    1. solid knowledge of standard Latin grammatical principles as demonstrated by reading in context, close and accurate translation, and in discussions about grammar outside of textual context.
    2. an ability to read with good understanding selected original Latin texts dealing with a variety of basic issues in Roman society. These texts will be carefully annotated for first time readers. The texts convey information about which the reader has to make some linguistic and cultural suppositions.
    3. knowledge about the major authors and literary movements in Rome from 200BC to AD 150.

    It is expected that each student will achieve these objectives at his or her own level, depending on individual time, energy, and commitment to learning the material.

    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 and there will be one short paper. 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 reading and comprehension of the texts. Written homework will be assigned from time to time, and will be collected. Students will also be responsible for one or two in-class presentations on topics to be chosen during the course of the semester. The midterm and final are comprehensive exams which measure the student's total progress at specific points in the course. The midterm will be given on March 13. The final will be given on May 9-11am, the regularly scheduled time. The midterm and final may include "take-home" sections.

    Grade percentages:

    weekly quizzes

    25%

    written homework

    15%

    class presentations

    10%

    attendance and participation

    15%

    midterm

    15%

    final

    20%

    (Tuesday, May 13, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.)

    Occasional notifications about assignments and materials may be sent via email. This will be done only when the information is timely and cannot be communicated in class, or when electronic materials are distributed. All email will be sent to the Austin College email address listed for each student. Students are still responsible for the materials even if their mailbox is full or mail is not forwarded to an account that is read more often. Please let me know if you have questions or concerns about this.

    Austin College's Standards of Academic Integrity are assumed to apply to your work for this course.


    [Bob Cape's Homepage] [Department Catalog Information]


    Robert W. Cape, Jr., 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


    Mail comments to rcape@austincollege.edu