Introduction to Latin Course Syllabus 2018-2019 School Year Teacher: Magistra Liz Egbert
Contact Information Teaching Schedule st 1 period block – Gunston rm 108 Email: rd 3 period block – Kenmore library computer lab [email protected]
th 4 period - Latin I Int rm 104 th 5 period – Planning rm 111 th 6 period – Latin I/Int rm 111 t h 7 period – Latin II rm 111 th 8 period – Intro to Latin A and B rm 111
Course Overview: Welcome to the wonderful world of language! Learning a language not only allows us to learn about other peoples and cultures, but also allows us to gain a better understanding of our own cultures, and of ourselves. Latin is the origin of all the Romance languages and the source of about 60% of English, as well as being a beautiful and complex language to study in its own right. This course will introduce students to the language of the Ancient Romans, through the lens of their fascinating history, mythology, and culture. We will also look at Rome and Latin’s legacy in our own language and daily lives.
Our textbook, Minimus, introduces students to a real family that lived at the Roman fort, Vindolanda, near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England at the beginning of the second century AD. Through the family’s adventures, students will learn something of what it meant to live in the Roman Empire. In addition to the textbook, this course will be supplemented with engaging activities covering the geography of the Classical world, Roman numerals, early Roman history and heroes, and Greco-Roman art and mythology, with a focus on the Olympian gods and their related stories and on the stories of the founding of Rome.
Course Objectives: ● The student will learn basic Latin vocabulary and phrases, and English derivatives based on this vocabulary. ● The student will understand the function of the basic grammatical structures of Latin as an inflected language; the student will be introduced to the main Latin noun cases and verb tenses. ● The student will develop an awareness of the influence, history, and presence of Latin in English (and the Romance languages). ● The student will gain insight into the rich cultural diversity of the Classical world. ● The student will actively compare their own culture with that of the Roman Empire.
● The student will be developing the study skills, analytical skills and collaborative skills fundamental to successful and enjoyable learning.
Topics of Study and Timeline Mythology, basic phrases and greetings September-October Animals, adjectives, family terms November-January Roman history, parts of the body February-April Numbers, numerals, Greek alphabet and May-June vocab
Expectations: Students in my Introduction to Latin classes are expected to behave according to the Roman principles of: pietas (a sense of duty and respect), gravitas (seriousness of purpose), fides (trust—in oneself and others) and dignitas (a sense of self-worth), with a little levitas (humor) thrown in for good measure.
In other words, give yourself the chance to learn, respect others in the class, let others speak in turn, please be on time, have your materials organized and with you, no gum, food, or drink, and no cell phones out.
Canvas Students will be expected to use Canvas to check on class announcements and to access supplementary materials for study. Canvas is accessible through the iPad App or with the following link: https://apsva.instructure.com/ For more specific assistance with Canvas, please see: https://jefferson.apsva.us/technology-resources/digital-learning-initiative-updates/canvas-for-stu dents/ Students should use their normal APS login for Canvas.
StudentVUE and ParentVUE are also available to parents and students and will be updated every week. Please do make use of both of these very helpful resources. Students can communicate with me via Canvas message or my school email at [email protected]
Materials: This class will use the Minimus and Minimus Secundus textbooks. The textbooks will stay in the classroom. Please bring to class every day: Paper (looseleaf, spiral, composition book, etc.) Pen or pencil Folder or binder for handouts iPad (charged)
Classical Languages IB Assessment Criteria/Objectives The IBMYP aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The objectives of MYP classical languages encompass the factual, conceptual, procedural and metacognitive dimensions of knowledge. They represent some of the essential processes of the study of a language.
Latin students are expected to meet the following objectives by the end of the program. Each criterion will be used at least twice to assess student work.
A Language—translation/comprehension/analysis • understand and translate passages of the classical language • understand a range of vocabulary • recognize and translate appropriately a range of accidence and syntax • respond to questions on the stated and implied meaning in a passage • recognize and explain English derivatives of the classical language B Literature—understanding/critical appreciation/personal engagement • understand and analyse the language, content, structure, meaning and significance of prepared texts • identify and explain literary techniques appropriate to the culture and genre • understand the cultural perspectives as revealed in the literature or prepared text • engage personally with the text to express an informed and independent response C Culture and society—the environment/the perspectives/the connections • engage critically and reflectively with the classical world through the process of inquiry • organize ideas and arguments in a coherent manner • understand how the classical language and society have shaped modern language and society.
Evaluation and Grading Procedures Assessments: Student progress with language communication skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be monitored and assessed through formative (practice) and summative (mastery) assessments. Formative assessments include classwork, homework, and quizzes. Summative assessments are end-of-unit tests and projects. Due to the nature of language acquisition, most formative and all summative assessments are cumulative. All APS Latin students also participate in the National Latin Exam in March, which is an academic contest on Latin language and cultural topics. This is does not impact students’ grades. How quarterly grades are calculated
Formative assessments Summative assessments for practice to show mastery
Weight 30% 70% towards ● Homework ● Tests quarterly ● Classwork ● Projects (IB Assessments) grade ● Quizzes
● Student grades reflect student achievement and not student behavior. ● Note: Classwork factors in the participation and effort of the student. Learning a language takes time, attention, persistence, and effort. Please ask your student to come to class with a cooperative attitude and a willingness to try.
APS Grading Scale Grading scale
Letter Grade Percentage* A 90 - 100 B+ 87 - 89 B 80 - 86 C+ 77 - 79 C 70 - 76 D+ 67 - 69 D 60 - 66 E 0 - 60 I NA
For tasks that are assessed using the IB criteria, an IB award level of 0-8 is determined and entered in the gradebook. The award level is automatically converted to an APS percentage. Please go to the IB page on the school website and select Assessment to see the IB to APS conversion chart.
World Languages Department Grading: Quarter and Final Grade Policy: The World Languages Department does round up individual quarters and end-of-course grades. Any quarter grade ending in .5 will be rounded up. Final grades for the year will be calculated based on the quality points listed above. For the final end of year grade calculation, each quarter grade will be worth 25% each. Homework Policy: Please click on this link for the Arlington Public Schools policy on homework: http://www.apsva.us/cms/lib2/VA01000586/Centricity/Shared/School%20Board%20Policies/20-I nstr/20-2.120-homework.pdf
The 6th grade Intro to Language classes do not have homework, but some in-class projects may be worked on at home if students need extra time.
Students are expected to adhere to the TJMS Academic Honesty Policy. See the TJMS Student Handbook for more information.