Latin I 2025-6 Syllabus
Instructor: Donald Steven Ross
Room 335
Email: sross@gsgis.k12.va.us
Web Page access: schoology.com and rabbitsforlatin.com
Office hours: Periods Four and Six
Phone: 354 –6800 ex.3301
Course Description: Credit: 1
This course lays the foundation for reading and understanding simple Latin prose. Linguistic emphasis is placed on grammar, morphology, vocabulary, reading skills, and comprehension. Roman culture is studied by following the adventures of a Roman family in the connected reading passages. Additionally, Roman mythology, architecture, society, history, government, and English derivatives are studied throughout the first year.
Objectives:
to learn linguistic concepts crucial to the study of Latin, English and Romance Languages
to develop the skills to read and write Latin prose
to develop a greater understanding of the English language through the study of grammar and derivatives
to demonstrate correct pronunciation and accentuation ofClassical Latin as part of the learning process
to develop an understanding of Roman culture and civilization with emphasis on pre-Roman Italy, the regal period and the early Republic.
to reinforce learning through linguistic connections with the Romance languages
to develop an understanding of cultural and historical similarities and difference between the Roman world and the United States.
Topics:
Latin Syntax; Latin Morphology; Roman culture; Classical Mythology; Roman History; Mediterranean Geography; Adapted Roman Literature
Student Expectations
Students shall adhere to a virtual learning code of conduct, as stated in the student handbook.
Students will follow the class schedule as specified by the teacher by attending virtual class meetings and conferences.
Students will follow teachers’ guidelines regarding the use of chat and other features during virtual class meetings.
Students must use their school email or Schoology account to communicate with the teacher and should allow the teacher one business day to respond to their questions.
Students shall adhere to the school’s honor code in submitting online work.
Students must follow teachers’ guidelines for submitting online assignments.
Students will follow the school’s make-up policy. Students will inform teachers if they anticipate an absence and will confer with the teacher on how to make up synchronous activities.
For questions regarding assignments or to schedule make-up work, students are encouraged to email their teacher or to schedule an online meeting with the teacher.
Under no circumstances are students permitted to use on-line translation programs, such as Google Translator, or any AI programs, such as ChatGBT, to complete homework or graded assignments. Engagement in such forbidden activities will result in a zero on the assignment and a possible violation of the MLWGS code of honor. The use of on-line dictionaries, such a Logeion, is both permissible and encouraged.
GRADING:
A total point system will be used to determine grades. Late assignments will not be accepted and receive a grade of zero. A student’s grade will be comprised of the following:
Quizzes: There will be at least one short quiz per week (each worth 15-25 points).
These quizzes may be unannounced. Do your Homework!
A quiz missed due to an unexcused absence may not be made up.
It is the responsibility of the student to reschedule a quiz missed due to an excused absence.
Tests: There will be a comprehensive test approximately every four weeks (value 100 points).
Assignments/Projects: There will be several short assignments (20-25 points) and generally one large project each quarter (100 points).
Translation/Participation: This grade will measure a student’s preparation for class which generally involves preparing to read, translate, and discuss assigned selections of Latin (100 points per quarter).
Homework: There will be regular checks of homework. Failure to complete homework will adversely affect your grade (+/- 10-20 points).
Exam: There will be a cumulative exam at the end of the second semester. It will count 10% of the final year grade.
Grading Scale:
100-95 A+ 74-70 C
94-90 A 69-65 D+
89-85 B+ 64-60 D
84-80 B 59-0 F
79-75 C+
Texts: Goldman, Norma. Latin Via Ovid. Wayne State University Press, 1982
Wheelock and LaFleur, Wheelock’s Latin, 7th Edition. Harper Collins, 2011.
Other materials provided by the Instructor
Materials: Each student should have a number of pencils and one large 3 ringed binder to hold handouts and notes. Access to internet at home is crucial. If access to the internet is lacking at home, please let this instructor know or see Mr. Bortz.
Expectations/Rules: It is expected that students will behave like little saints at all times. Technological devices, such as phones or computers, may only be used in classroom only with the instructor’s permission.
Make-up Policy: See student Handbook.
“I have read and understood this syllabus.”
Student’s Signature ____________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature _____________________________________________________