1. Salvēte, Patrēs!
Magistra Durkin

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.)

7. Latin 3: Scope & Sequence
Course Outline:
Passive Voice
Life in Rome
Roman History
Reading authentic text (Catullus, Martial)
Advanced Latin constructions (deponent verbs, supine, ablative absolutes, etc.)
Culminates in the FLACS Examination (sponsored by the Classical Association of Western NY)
College Credit available through St. John’s University. Check WL Website for info.

8. College Latin: Scope & Sequence
Fall Semester (Latin Prose)
Julius Caesar, Commentariī Dē Bellō Gallicō
Spring Semester (Latin Poetry)
Vergil, Aeneid
Additional Readings:
Cicero, Prō Archiā Poetā Oratiō
College Credit available through St. John’s University. Check WL Website for info.

9. 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 and other prizes for repeated excellence
Practice questions online: quiz.nle.org

10. 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%

11. 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 on the website 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 .
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.

12. Latin Club Regular meetings Held Thursdays after school in Room 102
Affiliated with National & New York State Junior Classical Leagues
Participate in Classical events
certamina, recitations, lecture series, school-wide classical celebrations (Saturnalia!), etc.

13. 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.

14. 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.