Orientation

Mind over Chatter!

To be ignorant of Latin is somewhat to be cut off from a great deal of history and civilization. Latin was the language of ancient figures, such as Virgil and Caesar. It was and still is the language of the great minds.
It was the language of Medieval Europe. It is the language of science as well. For instance, Sir Isaac Newton’s Principia, the foundation of classical Physics and Mathematics are in Latin, not English, his native language.

The Smart Choice

Indeed, to know Latin is to have access to some 2,500 years of literature. There are few languages that can make a similar claim. One major reason is that Latin literature had over a 1,000-year head start on any of today’s vernaculars. A second major reason is that Latin, unlike modern languages, has been a very stable language for millennia. While new words and expressions have been added to Latin over the course of time in order to express new ideas and inventions, the language itself has not been altered.

Beyond the mere learning of Latin, every Latin student will reap invaluable benefits and skills for more success in life, such as logical thinking, attention to detail and accuracy. Their SAT and other Test scores are generally higher.

Latin Influence

Today Latin is the base for all Romance languages – French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Rumanian, Romansch and other lesser known regional languages in Europe. However, Latin has influenced most modern Indo-European languages, such as German, Greek, Russian and English which contain many Latin root words. As a Latin student, you will have a head start when studying other languages.

Be all you can be …

In 1984 the SAT average for students taking the Latin Achievement Test was 166 points higher than the national average. If you study Latin long enough and seriously, you will improve your general verbal skills and effectiveness!

… study Latin!

A Brief Orientation for all Students

In order to be a successful class and out of mutual respect towards each other, it is important that we all follow these basic expectations of courtesy:

Since there are two levels of Latin students in one class room, some adjustments need to be made that require your full cooperation.

As not to disturb the students who are at another learning level, you will find less traditional class room teaching, but more individual or small group lessons. Students will work more independently or may work together quietly, if they are on the same level, either with someone or in small groups. This requires concentration on the assignment and a minimum of socializing.

If you need help, please raise your hand rather than shouting across the room. Be patient until it is your turn.

Please do not interrupt when I am talking to or helping someone.
Please limit private conversations during class time.
If you have a disagreement please ask to meet with me.
Foul and inappropriate language can never be tolerated.
Please sit upright in your chair and pay attention. This helps you concentrate better.
The consumption of food & snacks is not allowed in this class room. This includes chewing gum.
If you have to use the restroom during class, please ask to be excused.
Electronic devices may not be used during class time.

As you will experience soon, Latin presents many rewarding challenges. Once you have met them, you will have a sense of satisfaction that you have done your best in this subject and that you are proud of what you truly had worked for and accomplished. Always strive to be a responsible person of good will in all you say and do, both in class and beyond.

PACE

In general, one chapter (in your text book) per week is to be finished. This consists of completing all formative work and taking the chapter test, before moving on to the next chapter. Typically, all assignments and the chapter test are due within a week. Since Latin is no longer a conversational language, though still spoken at various places, we do not need to engage in conversation and speaking points for grading.

BE PREPARED

Please come to class with:

   * Your Latin Book, if you took it home
   * Your Grammar Chart, if you took it home
   * A note book with a pen or pencil
   * Any written work you have completed at home or in class

GRADING

Grading consists of both formative work and chapter tests. At the end of each Quarter there is also a Final, consisting of a translation piece. Your formative work and the chapter test you have taken are entered on your grading sheet (in Pinnacle) once they are both completed. Please note, the due dates are posted on Pinnacle as well as announced during class.

Formative Work

While I will do my very best to help you succeed in Latin, your cooperation and independent Latin work both at home and during class are essential to a compacted curriculum.
Therefore, you will receive specific assignments to be completed by a certain deadline. They are to be handed in on time (as announced and so reiterated on Pinnacle) for proper formative credits.

In order to receive full credits (100%), your assignments must be

handed in on time
complete
without major errors*
contain your name & the date when submitted

If any of the above criteria are not met, the appropriate points are deducted and you would not receive 100%. If your formative work falls below passing, it will need to be re-submitted. You may hand what you have completed so far in your formative work every day. If you choose not to work on your assignments during class, you will need to do them after school that day (through SOS or detention).
If you are unable to finish your work or if you encounter difficulties preventing you from completing your work, please ask for clarification or assistance right away.

* major errors would show that you have not comprehended or studied the respective grammar or vocabulary in a chapter

2. Chapter Tests

After you have handed in your formative work you may take the chapter test. All test are online.

Each test covers vocabulary and grammar of the respective chapter. You will have 15 minutes to complete the test. No Latin material is allowed during the test. Neither is talking to another student or using electronic devices.

Please let me know ahead of time when you are planning to take the test. If there is no computer available in the class room, I may send you to the library to take the test. Please return to class immediately and directly once finished.

3. Finals

Usually on the last day of each Quarter, there is a Final. It consists of a translation from Latin into English (similar to those in the text book) and counts double (200%). The Final covers all grammar and vocabulary in the previous Quarter.

ETHICS

Lying is making an assertion that intentionally deceives or misleads. This deceitful assertion may be in oral or written form, or clearly communicated by a gesture. Your responsibility for the truth goes beyond what is said or written. It includes what is understood and perceived by others.

Cheating is defined as attempting or aiding in the intent to receive undeserved credit or to give an unfair advantage. The essence of cheating is the act of deceiving the school or the teacher into thinking that some piece of work is your own, when in fact it is not.

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