Latin 102

Syllabus

Essential Information

Class Time: MWF 1:00-1:50

Location: LH 107

Textbooks:

• Required

  • Wheelock and Lafleur, Wheelock’s Latin, 6^th edition Revised

  • Blundell and Cumming, Auricula Meretricula

  • Groton and May, 38 Latin Stories

• Recommended:

  • Comeau, Workbook for Wheelock’s Latin

  • Lafleur, Scribes and Scribblers

  • Goldman and Szymanski, English Grammar for Students of Latin

Welcome to Latin 102.  This course is the second semester of the Latin program at University of North Carolina Wilmington.  The central goal of this class is to increase your understanding of Latin and ability to read it, while developing awareness of Roman culture and the ways in which Latin and the Romans influenced later languages and cultures.  More specific goals are detailed below, together with the requirements, course schedule, and other helpful information.

Catalog description:  LAT 102. Introductory Latin (3) Emphasis on achievement of an active knowledge of the Latin language and reading ability in classical Latin. Intensive study of Latin grammar, aural/oral practice; reading from Latin authors, especially Ovid; discussions to introduce the students to the literature, culture and society of ancient Rome.

Additional comments: Latin 102 is designed for students who have an effective grounding in Elementary Latin.  It provides them with (1) a deeper understanding of the fundamental grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and interpretive skills and strategies necessary for reading Latin at the intermediate level;  (2) an expanded introduction to Roman literature and discursive writings, and more specific study of some authors, with attention to the varied perspectives these readings demonstrate;  (3) increased awareness of key aspects of Roman culture over time and throughout the Roman Empire, with attention to cultural difference as well as to surviving traditions of the Roman world; and (4) increased familiarity with the Latin etymological basis for English and other European languages, and the ability to interpret Latin as it survives in modern usage.

Your professor:

• Dr. Andrea Deagon
• Office: LH 273. 
• Phone: 910-962-3870 (office), 910-512-7279 (cell)
• Office Hours:  TR 11-2 pm, MW 2-3 pm, or by appointmen

Communicating with me:

The best way to be sure that I understand your individual issues and problems is to come to me during my office hours, or make an appointment to see me at another time.  You may call me or send me emails.  You may not get immediate responses with emails; if you don’t, please raise your issue in person with me before or after class or during my office hours. 

Schedule

Course Goals

Read this carefully, and keep it where you can refer to it.  Each of our class exercises & activities is oriented toward developing one or more of these language skills.  This list of course goals includes both the goal and the strategies we will use in working toward it. (Foreign Language SLO’s are appended at the end of the syllabus.)   

 (1) To learn the fundamentals of the Latin language.  This means:

1. developing a strong vocabulary base in the most common words used in Latin (FL-2);
2. learning how to form and read all tenses of all Latin verbs, and all declensions of nouns and adjectives (FL-2);
3. increasing your instinctive feel for how Latin makes meaning, including Latin idioms (FL-2);
4. using Latin actively (both orally and in writing) in class responses, homework assignments, and tests (FL-1) (FL-2); 
5. learning and reviewing complex dictionary forms(FL-2); and
6. reviewing compound verbs and recognizing them easily (FL-2).

(2) To develop your ability to read classical Latin.  This means:

1. gaining the ability to read constructed Latin to your level with fluency (FL-1); 
2. becoming fluent in pronunciation and prose speech patterns, as well as learning a few poetic meters (FL-1); 
3. analyzing Latin passages in ways that develop reading ability (through exercises focused on case endings, use of words in sentences, verb tenses and using them, Latin word order, etc.) (FL-2); 
4. using annotations & commentary on texts to the fullest extent (FL-2); 
5. reading short passages of unadulterated classical Latin from a number of different authors (FL-2); 
6. writing Latin sentences or passages modeled on readings (FL-2).

(3) To become familiar with Roman culture.  This means:

1. developing your awareness of the material realities behind vocabulary and narrative, through class discussion, Power Points focused on archeological remains, and your own research (FL-3); 
2. developing your knowledge of the social and cultural realities of the Roman world to increase your understanding of the perspectives you encounter in our readings (FL-3);
3. developing your knowledge of Roman history, politics, and customs through discussing the ways in which they occur in the readings (FL-3); and 
4. developing your visual sense of Roman material culture (through observing its art and archeology) (FL-3).

(4) To apply your insights about Latin language and Roman culture to the modern world.  This means:

1. using your knowledge of Latin to determine the etymological roots of English words, in order to improve both Latin and English vocabularies (FL-4); 
2. connecting Latin grammar and other ways of making meaning with English parallels (FL-4); 
3. comparing and contrasting the Roman attitudes and perspectives that appear in our readings with modern approaches to the same ideas (FL-4); and 
4. following the ways in which Latin was used after the Roman era and into the modern age (e.g. in ecclesiastical, legal and scientific language – not to mention mottoes) (FL-4). 

Requirements and Assessment

Attendance: Language learning requires daily application and attention in every class.  We cover material fairly quickly, and if you don’t attend you will fall behind.  Class attendance is mandatory.  If you miss more than three classes during the semester, you will lose 2 points from your final grade for every class missed.  Classes may be missed and work made up in some circumstances: documented university-related activities (e.g. athletic competitions of class field trips), documented medical difficulties, and a few other documented events (e.g. court dates).  When you know you will be absent, let me know ahead of time, and remind me with an email the day before you will be absent.  Two late arrivals / early departures count as an absence.

Daily work (50%):  Because learning language requires constant attention, it is absolutely necessary to keep up with the assignments and class work.  (In addition, any 0’s bring down your grade substantially.)  “Daily work” consists of homework, quizzes, translation assignments, and other work done to turn in.  Some assignments are in the syllabus, and others will be added as we go through the semester, based on what I think the class needs in order to advance toward the course goals.  All assignments are due at the beginning of the period for which they are assigned.  Late assignments may not be made up.  You are allowed three dropped grades, for any reason.  In a very few documented circumstances (see above under “Attendance”) I will allow a quiz to be made up. 

Tests (50%): There are 3 tests during the semester which count equally.  The first test assumes mastery of the review material, but is focused on material learned from chapters 13-17 and other classroom exercises during the first part of the semester (e.g. Auricula Meretricula review vocabulary) (see Syllabus).  The second test assumes mastery of this material, but focuses on the material from chapters 18- 22 and other class exercises.  The third test assumes mastery of all material to that point.  It focuses on the later part of the course, but is comprehensive and parts will address material from the earlier part of the term.  Before each test you will be given a specific review sheet with sample questions and answers that parallel the format of the test.

Grade scale:

• A = 100-93, A- = 92-90
• B+ = 89-87, B = 86-83, B- = 82-80
• C+ = 79-77, C = 76-73, C- = 72-70
• D+ = 69-67, D = 66-63, D- = 62-60
• F = 59 or below

Respect and Professionalism:

• Please silence your cell phone and do not make calls, access applications or text during class. If you have a personal, urgent matter for which you need to be on call, please let me know in advance.
• Laptops (Ipads, etc.) are permitted for taking notes and accessing online material, or even applying what we’re learning to future drill or homework materials – until the first time someone is observed doing something other than these accepted uses, at which point all laptops will be banned from class.
• If we are working as a class, you are expected to listen courteously to whoever is answering or speaking to the class, and address your questions and comments to me.
• If we are working in groups, you are expected to remain on task; the only gossip allowed is what you get from, say, Martial or Catullus, or any other ancient author who cares to share any.

Keeping up with the course:

Expectations: 

Our course web site will provide you with a list of learning expectations for each class period.  Our class time provides you with both the groundwork for meeting them, and the opportunity to demonstrate that you are meeting them.  You must come to class with assigned work prepared, complete homework on time, use study materials provided online (vocabulary audio files, flashcards, etc.) and be ready to respond to questions or drill work in class. 

Adjustments/Background:  

We come to this course from all different backgrounds and different sets of knowledge.  The first week of the course is focused on review, and there is a lot of review throughout.  If you placed into this course, this is where you belong.  If you find it difficult at the beginning, come to me for suggestions about how to catch up and make the most of the opportunities for review.  I understand that the first part of the course is difficult for some, but in my experience, the adjustment period passes without too much pain and we’re settled into the course by the third week or so.

Homework and practice strategy: 

If you are not sure how to do something, and you are not able to address it with help from me or a fellow student, do the assignment anyway.  Any grade is better than 0.  People tend to learn well from making mistakes and correcting them, and this is a normal way to proceed with language learning in particular.  So it is important for you to do all of every assignment, right or wrong, not only for your grade but also for your success in learning the material.

Review Materials:

There is a review page (linked from the course pages) that is constantly undergoing additions and revisions, which has materials helpful for review and often, alternate explanations and learning strategies from those presented in the book or in other classes.  In addition, there are many flash cards which can be used online, downloaded to Ipods, and printed out for the repetitive practice that (really, scientifically proven, I promise) helps both retain information and learn new skills.

Online Resources: 

I have a number of online learning and practice resources, some by me and some linked to other sites.  There are a number of online resources that are coordinated with our textbook.  I will suggest exercises to do in some of these as ancillary material.  Your grade in this course will almost certainly improve if you do them on your own.

Addressing Problems: 

As I said above, we move fairly quickly in this course.  If you have difficulties with the material, please come to me for assistance; I will be happy to go over things with you and may be able to advise resources or strategies that will help you address your issues.  Do not let confusions persist – come to me when they begin to develop, rather than letting them grow until you’re completely lost.

Class and University Policies:

Academic Honesty

All members of UNCW’s community are expected to follow the academic Honor Code. Please read the UNCW Honor Code carefully (as covered in the UNCW Student Handbook). Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated in this class.

All work turned in for a grade in this course must be your own.  Turning in work copied from others, or done with assistance from translations etc. by others, is considered cheating and may result in your dismissal from class.  For further guidance on the difference between working with others (which I encourage) and cheating, consult the “Cheating vs. Working with Others” section in the class web site’s Important Information page.

Religious Observance Policy

In accordance with NC SL 2010-211, you are entitled to two excused absences for religious observances per academic year. You must inform me in writing the first week of class if you will be missing any classes due to religious observance and using one of the two permissible absences for the academic year. In addition, please inform the Registrar the first week of class who will then confirm your intentions to miss class with the impacted course instructors. Any absence for religious purposes will be considered unexcused unless you submit the request in writing the first week to both me and the Registrar.

The UNCW Statement on Diversity in the University Community

            As an institution of higher learning, the University of North Carolina Wilmington represents a rich diversity of human beings among its faculty, staff, and students and is committed to maintaining a campus environment that values that diversity.  Accordingly, the university supports policies, curricula, and co-curricular activities that encourage understanding of and appreciation for all members of its community and will not tolerate any harassment or disrespect for persons because of race, gender, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, or relationship to other university constituents. Students with Disabilities information and resources available at http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/disability/

Zero Tolerance Policy

            UNCW practices a zero tolerance policy for violence and harassment of any kind, so please do not violently harass your fellow students, me, or anyone else.  For emergencies contact UNCW CARE at 962-2273; Campus Police at 962-3184; or Wilmington Police at 911.  For University or community resources visit: http://www.uncw.edu/safe-relate/campusResources.htm. Violence prevention information and resources available at http://www.uncw.edu/safe%2Drelate/.  

Foreign Language University Studies Student Learning Outcomes:

·         FL 1. Demonstrate basic proficiency in speaking and listening in interactions such as simple conversations in a language in addition to English.

·         FL 2. Comprehend text and demonstrate basic proficiency in writing in a language in addition to English.

·         FL 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the historical, political, and social realities of the countries and cultures that speak (or spoke) the language being studied.

·         FL 4. Demonstrate the ability to examine other societies in a comparative context and to understand one’s own society in the context of other societies, particularly those societies that speak the language being studied.

These outcomes and how we intend to reach them are stated more specifically on the Important Information page of our class web site.