Latin III

Salve! Welcome to Latin III and the 2006-2007 school year!

Official Course Description

This class reinforces and expands student knowledge of the Roman world. Students will increase their understanding of Latin vocabulary and grammar with the goal of reading authentic Latin at a level commensurate with their skills. Texts become increasingly sophisticated in vocabulary, structure, and depth of meaning. The strong cultural component of the Latin sequence will continue with an emphasis on elaborating the readings. Authors may include Caesar, Petronius, Pliny, Tacitus, Catullus, Vergil, Horace, Ovid, Martial, or others.

What This Means for You

In Latin III this year, we are sharing the room with the AP Latin students, who are preparing for the AP examination over Vergil’s Aeneid, perhaps the masterpiece of Western literature. The total size of the two combined classes remains small, so even though distinct levels are running simultaneously, there will nonetheless be substantial opportunity for individual attention from and interaction with the teacher. Where reasonable or practical, Latin III students may opt to continue their study of Latin vocabulary and grammar as well as of classical civilization in conjunction with the AP students. The benefits of this approach are twofold: 1) By overlapping some of our study topics, teacher time available for both levels increases beyond a 50-50 split. For example, if we work on a grammar topic together for 20 minutes (with differing expectations for each group) and I then divide the remaining class time equally between the levels, both classes receive approximately 35 minutes of teacher time instead of only 25; 2) Since the same AP course will be offered at Marquette next year, any work on or understanding of the Aeneid that Latin III students achieve now becomes an important investment in future success in college-level the AP exam. For example, if the current Latin III students were to translate just one line of the Aeneid per day this year, they would enter AP Latin with 10% of the required syllabus already completed! I have successfully taught this same split class before; I hope that the families involved feel after two years together that they can trust me enough to do everything in my power to teach their students and bring them to the next level of achievement.

Our major objective remains the improvement of our ability to read and translate Latin. We will work to complete our study of standard grammar and further our ability to read real Latin beyond the beginnings we made in this area in Latin II. Here is my promise to you and your parents: I will never hold Latin III students accountable to the same standards as the AP students, even if, from time to time, both levels are working on somewhat overlapping materials. Under no circumstances is weighted grade credit available for Latin III, but you will never be required to complete the same workload or be tested as rigorously as students in fourth year. As you also heard last year, there is currently no possibility for dual credit through UMSL, but discussions are in the works to search for some solutions to this situation. I will share anything with you that I hear on this important issue.

How to Insure Your Success

Good study skills, regular attendance, and strong self-motivation will remain the key components of your success. Complete all daily assignments, maintain up-to-date notes, keep all handouts, participate actively in class, review frequently, and seek assistance when needed. Make sure you learn the assigned vocabulary and grammar concepts (especially the endings!) covered in class. Remember that any failure on your part to complete the work or demonstrate appropriate behavior in class jeopardizes not only your own grade, but also endangers the success of the fourth-year students on the AP exam. Please show the same consideration for them that you would hope to receive in an identical situation.