Salvēte, Parentēs! Magistra Durkin durkink@gcufsd.net

Latin class is about more than just language. Grammar Literature Vocabulary Logic History Culture Art Myth

The Department of World Languages believes that the primary goal of second language learning is the achievement of functional communication in the context of the target language. Language learning is also an invaluable asset to students who will be taking their place in the world today. To achieve this goal, the aim of the department is twofold: to teach students the skills necessary for effective communication in the foreign language; i.e.: listening, speaking, reading, and writing; and to provide students with the insight into and appreciation of the foreign culture in order that they become more informed and understanding citizens of the world.

Why We Offer Latin at GCHS 1. What we learn in Latin class relates to what is taught in English, history, math, science, and art. 2. Knowing Latin makes learning Romance languages easier. (Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Romanian) 3. It builds our English vocabulary. Around half of English words are derived from Latin. 4. It improves SAT scores. (vocabulary, grammar, logic) 5. It looks good on college applications. 6. It’s fun and challenging.

Latin 1: Scope & Sequence Intro: Basic classroom commands and vocabulary, Roman numerals, parts of speech, Roman history and geography Course Outline: Stages 1-16 Noun Declensions and Uses Verb Conjugations and Tenses Life in Pompeii Life in Roman Britain Classical Mythology

Latin 2: Scope & Sequence Course Outline: Life in Alexandria and Roman Egypt Romans in Britain Greek Heroes Expand noun usage (new cases, uses) Expand verb usage (new tenses, uses) Participles, pronouns Advanced grammar (purpose, indirect command/statement, subjunctive, etc.)

Latin 3: Scope & Sequence Course Outline: Passive Voice Life in Rome Roman History Reading authentic text Catullus, Cicero, Martial, Ovid, etc. Advanced Latin constructions (deponent verbs, supine, clauses, etc.) Culminates in the FLACS Examination (sponsored by the Classical Association of Western NY)

College Latin: Scope & Sequence Fall Semester (Latin Prose) Julius Caesar, Comentariī Dē Bellō Gallicō Selections from Books 1, 6, and 7 M. Tullius Cicero, Prō Archiā Poetā Oratiō Selections from Exordium and Confirmation Spring Semester (Latin Poetry) P. Vergilius Maro, Aeneid Selections from books 1, 2, 4, and 6 College Credit available through St. John’s University. Check WL Website for info.

College Latin 3 & 4 for credit through SJU Pertinent Information The course will be offered at a reduced tuition rate of $325.00 per course which is one semester length (Fall, Spring) Withdrawals are not permitted unless the student leaves school or is dropped from the course by administration. A failing grade does not automatically warrant a withdrawal. No new students may be added to the roster after registration. There is no retroactive registration. It is the responsibility of the student to register for college credit via the SJU website, not the teacher or GCHS. Be sure to register for the right course! Deadlines (SJU adheres to all deadlines; nothing retroactive) Application Deadline: October 3 Payment Deadline: October 10

National Latin Exam Offered in March of each year Different exams for different levels 40 question multiple choice examination Certificates, Silver, and Gold medals Possibility for scholarships for repeated excellence Practice questions online: quiz.nle.org

Grading Policy Points will be awarded based on quality (N.B. thorough, accurate, timely, creative) in each of the following categories: - Classwork - Homework - Quizzes - Exams - Projects - Participation Your grade is calculated by dividing the points you have earned by the total possible points. Points earned ÷ Points Possible = Your grade e.g., 880 (earned) ÷ 1000 (possible) = 88%

Work Policy Assignments will be given frequently to reinforce content. It may be collected or checked at random, at the teacher’s discretion. Homework will be posted via Remind before the end of each school day. Students who are not in class or do not get the work must obtain it via website or e-mail. Homework must be complete and brought to class on the assigned due date/date of return. NO late or missing work will be accepted unless the teacher has specified an extension. Missing quizzes/tests must be made up within a three day period, or else receive a zero.

Communication I use Remind to send out information and assignments. Students may use Remind to reach me regarding class. To sign up for Remind: Text class code to 81010 or add class in the app: (Latin 1 – Period 5) @gclatin1p5 (Latin 1 – Period 8) @gclatin1p8 (Latin 2 – Period 1) @gclatin2 (Latin 3 – Period 2) @gclatin3p2 (Latin 3 – Period 9) @gclatin3p9 (Latin 4 – Period 4) @gclatin4 I also use @magistradurkin on Twitter to send out fun news and information related to Latin; no essential course information will be posted on this account.

Latin Club Regular meetings Held Thursdays after school in Room 102 We are affiliated with National & New York State Junior Classical Leagues Participate in Classical events certamina, recitations, lecture series, school-wide classical celebrations, etc.

Latin Honor Society Eligible Juniors and Seniors Students must be enrolled in a World Language class having completed at least two years of World Language at the HS level. Following Induction, students need to continue with a World Language until graduation, if applicable. Students must maintain a cumulative un-weighted World Languages GPA of at least 92 or a weighted World Languages GPA of at least 94 at the completion of the fourth semester of the sophomore year. Students must have a record of exemplary character, honesty, leadership, behavior and uphold academic integrity as defined in the student handbook Application information will go up in October

Questions or Concerns? Feel free to email me: durkink@gcufsd.net Check out my school website for information and updates for your child’s course.