Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus
Seventh Grade Latin
St. Benedict Catholic School
Mr. Aaron Maddeford
amaddeford@saintbenedictschool.org
Objective:
The purpose of this course is to introduce the students to the Latin language, and to help
them to begin to read the Latin classics. A secondary goal is the study of Roman history
and culture – a study which will be made more vivid through the use of the resources of
the neighboring Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. There are two important reasons to study
the Latin language and culture:
1) Throughout Western history, the study of Latin has proved to be an effective way to
teach students to speak and write correctly and persuasively. Latin offers access to the
majority of the great classical texts which formed Western civilization. Reading Latin
gives us the ability to understand the classical viewpoint, which raises and addresses in
the most profound way questions concerning human nature, human excellence, and
education.
2) Latin is the official language of the Catholic Church. The Roman liturgy is Latin, and
the majority of the Church’s great thinkers, writers, and mystics wrote in this language,
building from and perfecting the classical heritage. In particular, the version of
Scriptures which has had the greatest influence on Catholic liturgy and thought, the
Vulgate, is written in Latin. All our most recent popes have strongly recommended the
study of Latin.
Grading:
Homework: The best way to learn a language is by frequent practice. Hence students will
be given a moderate amount of homework most days.
Classwork: Some class time will be spent in individual exercises.
Quizzes/Tests: Quizzes and tests will be used to monitor the students’ progress.
Participation: Active participation is extremely helpful in learning a language.
Significant time will be devoted to communal exercises. Courteous and attentive
interaction with the teacher and classmates is a necessary part of participation.
Grading will be weighted as follows: classwork and homework will be worth 40% of the
grade, quizzes/tests 40%, and participation 20%.
Required book:
Lingua latina per se illustrata, pars I, Familia Romana (provided by school).
Do not write in the book! In learning any language, repetition is necessary. Writing in
the book will make repetition of some exercises useless for the student. Students who
write in the book will be charged for that book, and will have to complete exercises and
quizzes using a projector image rather than their own book. Note that the students are
actively encouraged to write in their literature books, but discouraged from writing in
their Latin books.
Code of Conduct:
Talking:
1. During designated discussion times, speak politely and without shouting.
2. Outside of discussion times, raise your hand to speak.
3. When called on, stand to speak.
Homework:
1. Homework must be neat in order to be accepted.
2. At the beginning of class, place the homework on the teacher’s desk in a quiet fashion.
Class behavior:
1. Keep your hands to yourselves.
2. At the beginning of class, enter the room quietly and sit in your assigned desk.
3. At the end of class, wait for the teacher to dismiss you and then exit quietly.
Parent/guardian signature:
I have read the syllabus and will contact Mr. Maddeford with any questions or concerns.
Student name: __________________________________________
Parent/guardian signature: _________________________________ Date: __________