LATIN II

Syllabus 2025-6

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 Five
Phone: 354 –6800 ex.3301

Course Description: In this course students build upon the skills they have learned in the previous year in order to comprehend Latin that becomes increasingly more sophisticated. The students are introduced to complex grammatical structures within the context of mythological stories. There is continued emphasis on Roman life, mythology, derivatives, and history. During the second half of the year, short pieces of authentic Latin literature are used as a learning tool to introduce the student to classical Latin authors and the history in which the readings are set. Prerequisite: Latin I

Objectives/Goals:

to read, translate and interpret adapted Latin prose and poetry
to develop the skills to write Latin prose
to develop a greater understanding of the Language through the study of grammar and derivatives
to continue to use orally and listen to Latin as part of the learning process
to develop an understanding of Roman culture and civilization
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.

Major Topics & Themes:

Latin Syntax; Latin Morphology
Classical Mythology
Roman History: The Republic (509 to 31 BC)
English Derivatives from Latin and Greek
Mediterranean and Italic Geography
Roman architecture
Roman art
Government and Politics
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 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.

Assessment/Evaluation Procedures:

A total point system will be used to determine grades. 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). It is the responsibility of the student to reschedule a quiz missed due to an excused absence. These quizzes may be unannounced. Do your Homework! A quiz missed due to an unexcused absence may not be made up.

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. Students are not permitted to use or refer to prepared translations during daily readings (approximately 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 Needed:

Access to internet at home is crucial. See me or Mr. Bortz, if you lack internet at home.
Pencils and at least one large three ringed binder to hold handouts and notes.

Classroom 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 with the instructor’s permission. If access to the internet is lacking at home, please let this instructor know or see Mr. Bortz.

Make-up Policy: See student Handbook.

“I have read and understood this syllabus.”

Student’s Signature_______________________________________________

Parent’s Signature______________________________________________