T.L. Hanna High School
Latīna cum Vinculīs MMXIII-MMXIV
Salvē / Hello,
Nearly 3,000 years ago a small group of people began to camp next to a river in central Italy. They
spoke a minor dialect called Latin, and named their town Rome, after their mythological founder
Romulus. That language and that town have come to dominate Western history. I look forward to
working with your class to try and grasp the staggering nature of that influence. Please read this
document for an introduction to Latin in general and our course and its procedures in particular. Please
sign and return the sheet for a homework grade.
Quid Latīna est? / What is Latin?
o Latin is still useful. The language is not dead. Have you ever seen the following Latinate words?
Amanda
Martin
Ante bellum
Non sequitur
Diana
Patrick
A.M.
Terra firma
Laura
Paul
P.M.
Rigor mortis
Lucy
E.G.
Bona fide
R.I.P.
Regina
I.E.
Memento
Subpoena
Serena
Agenda
Per capita
Alter ego
Mark
Status quo
Per se
A.D.
o Yes, Latin is spoken. Latin was once the daily language of millions of Romans and uneducated slaves.
We will speak in class in order to take our understanding beyond the textbook. Speaking is much easier
than you may think. Just repeat what you hear and be ready to smile when we mess up.
o Latin is good for your English. Over 50% of English words come from Latin (the rest are mostly
Germanic). The real benefit of studying Latin, though, is that the student better understands English
grammar, not vocabulary. Some students have referred to Latin as English 101.
o Latin is Roman culture. This course will introduce students to Roman mythology, history, politics, and
aspects of everyday life. They will look at Pompeii, but will not have a toga party.
o Latin is all disciplines. My
high school teacher used to
say, “People are people are
people.” The Romans
were not very different
from us, and their
literature, art, philosophy,
and daily experiences were
not very different from
ours. Students should
pursue their particular
interests: if you like art,
research art. See how
things from the Roman
world compare to your own
experiences.
Exspectātiōnēs / Expectations:
o This class has one rule: Rōmānus estō hodiē – “Be a Roman today.” If you do not think an upstanding
citizen would have done something, then you should not do it either. This one rule covers the following:
 Be in your seat when the bell rings. Bring your textbook and grammar notebook to every class
session. Understand that these materials will be checked at random for a participation grade. Bring
a pencil or pen with blue or black ink. Your grade will suffer if you blind your teacher by writing in
neon fuchsia.
 Respect others. This respect will cover others’ property and their right to work or speak without
interruption.
 Enjoy tasty beverages only from clear containers. Eat only in the cafeteria.
 Use the restroom only when given permission. Avoid asking to leave during instruction.
 Be honest. Students who cheat, plagiarize, or use online translators will receive a zero.
 Keep your phone put up during class; using it is grossly offensive. I will confiscate phones
according to school policy.
 Do NOT use the words “awesome,” “interesting,” “impact,” or their friends. More on this later.
Conclūsiōnēs / Consequences:
I agree to the following consequences if the student ignores classroom procedures or is tardy to class:
1st violation – warning
3rd violation – teacher assigns discipline
nd
2 violation – teacher contacts parent
4th violation – referral
Labor / Work:
Homework will be assigned nightly with few exceptions. You should prepare these assignments for
class fully and participate readily. Homework is a completion grade and will not receive credit if it is
incomplete or late.
Labor tardus / Late work:
The penalty for late projects (not daily homework) is ten points off for every day the assignment is late,
including weekends, breaks, and holidays. Technological malfunction is not a valid excuse for late
work. Absent students have five days to complete any makeup work. The student is responsible for
obtaining copies of class notes and missed assignments.
I agree to Mr. Vincoli’s policies and procedures above,
Student:
Parent/Guardian:
________________________________________
_______________
Name
Date
________________________________________
_______________
Name
Date