ELEMENTARY LATIN (LAT 101)
Professor: Ms. Beth Watts
CREDIT:
3 SEMESTER HOURS
PREREQUISITE: NONE
Meets T/R 4:30-5:45
Textbooks: Frederick M. Wheelock and R.A. LaFleur, Wheelock’s Latin, 6th edition
Anne Groton and James May, Latin Stories (1986).
Workbook for Wheelock’s Latin (2005), 3rd edition
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to the Latin language, with emphasis on pronunciation, basic
grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, along with attention to the influence of Latin on English
I.
RATIONALE: The study of a foreign language enables us to experience directly another
culture and literature. The Latin language and Roman civilization have had an enormous
influence on the shaping of our own language and civilization. The study of Latin enables us,
therefore, not only to appreciate what has been written in Latin and achieved by the Romans
but to understand and better appreciate the nature of our own language and civilization. The
influence of Latin is living and lasting.
II.
STUDENT OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES: Students will
A. See the relationship of Latin to other Indo-European languages and, in particular, its
relationship to English.
B. Gradually and systematically come to understand the inflectional system and grammatical
structure of Latin.
C. Be able to read connected passages of simple Latin, including short passages from Latin
authors.
D. Realize that through their knowledge of Latin they can broaden and deepen their mastery
of English.
E. Gain an appreciation of Roman civilization as an integral part of their cultural heritage as
Americans.
III.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism, will be regarded as
a serious offense subject to sever penalty, including, but not limited to, loss of credit and
possible dismissal. See Mississippi College handbook for specific information regarding
penalties associated with dishonest behavior at Mississippi College [Policy 2.19: Academic
Honesty].
IV.
COURSE CONTENT:
A. Typical first semester language study includes instruction in pronunciation, vocabulary
acquisition, basic grammatical structures, syntax, and cultural information.
B. Reading selections of appropriate topics at suitable levels of difficulty are included to
develop skills in reading comprehension.
V.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Considerable time will be spent analyzing the inflectional patterns of the Latin
language; written exercises both in class and assigned as homework will reinforce
these patterns and aid in memorization. Students will have regular practice
reading Latin for comprehension, and composing Latin sentences. Oral drill and
recitation will establish proper pronunciation. Discussions arising from assigned
reading will focus chiefly upon classical literature, mythology, and the history of
the Graeco-Roman period.
VI.
EVALUATION: EVALUATIONS ARE BASED ON
A. Satisfactory completion of class assignments and adherence to class policy
a. Oral participation is an integral part of every class. The student is expected
to participate fully in all activities.
b. Written work will consist of class quizzes as well as written homework.
Homework will be checked for completion and students are expected to
ask questions about the assignment.
B. Announced periodic tests: There will be five announced tests during the
semester. There will be no makeups in case of absence. At the end of the
semester one test grade will be dropped, provided that the student has not missed
any regularly scheduled periodic test (except in case of excused absence), one test
grade will be dropped.
C. Final examination – A comprehensive final examination will be given on the
assigned day. It will cover all material covered during the semester.
D. Quizzes – there will be 5 quizzes assigned throughout the semester.
Grades:
Quizzes: 15%
Exams: 40%
Final: 25%
HW/Class Participation 20%
VII. ATTENDANCE POLICY
A. The Student accepts the responsibility of attending all classes and completing all work
required for the course.
B. Since the final evaluation is based in part on class participation, absences will affect
grades adversely. More than three (3) absences is considered excessive. One (1) point
will be deducted from the participation grade for each absence in excess of three (3). ½
point will be deducted from the participation grade for each tardy or for leaving before
class is dismissed.
C. Absences in excess of eight (8) will result in no course credit. If a student misses more
than the number of class periods specified in university policy and believes that there are
reasonable explanations for the absences, he/she may appeal the absences to the dean of
the school in which the course is being taught. Students may obtain a Student Absence
Appeal Form from the office of the appropriate dean.
VIII.
MAKE UP POLICY
A. There will be no makeups for scheduled tests, quizzes or homework.
B. One (1) quiz grade and two (2) homework grades will be dropped at the end of the
semester.
C. At the end of the semester, provided that a student has not missed any regularly
scheduled periodic test, one test grade will be dropped.
IX.
CLASSROOM POLICY: THE STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO
A. Be on time and prepared for each class.
B. Bring his/her textbook, workbook, and reader to class every day.
C. Silence cell phones and refrain from texting or using phone in any way during
class.
X.
SUPPORT SERVICES:
A. Instructor is available for individual conferences and help sessions.
B. Disabilities: Students should immediately inform the instructor of any disabilities
that might require special arrangements to maximize their learning and
participation in the class. See University Policy 4.18.
To contact me:
mewatts@mc.edu
bwatts@mrapats.org (during school day)
www.mc.edu/faculty/mewatts
Elementary Latin (Latin 101)
DATE
Aug. 26
Introduction/Overview
Chapter 1: verbs, pp. 1-5; sentences pp. 6-7
TO PREPARE FOR NEXT CLASS
Read “vocabulary” p. 5 and study
vocabulary words pp. 5-6 (you are
encouraged to make or download
flashcards)
Wkbk: pp. 3-9
Focus: Grammatica #21-33;
exercitationes A, B; Vis Verborum,
Lectiones A, 1-15 odd.
Aug. 31
Chapter 2: Nouns, 1st declension
Quiz: ch. 1 voc. And background
Sept. 2
Quiz: 1st and 2nd declension, chapter 1-2 voc.
Chapter 3: 2nd declension
Review for exam #1
Sept. 7
We will check hw. and read story p. 2 in
reader before exam. Exam will take approx.
45 min.
Exam #1: chapters 1-3
Chapter 4: 2nd neuter; forms of sum
Study ch. 4 voc. (flashcards)
Read “The Grass is always Greener” p.
22 in text and answer wkbk. ?’s p. 26 B
Reading p. 4 “The tragic story of Phaethon”
Chapter 5: Future and imperfect tenses
Quiz: ch. 4-5 voc., verb tenses
Ch. 5 adjectives; text pp 33-36
Study ch. 5 voc. (flashcards)
Wkbk. Pp. 36-38; grammatica #1-7
Wkbk. Pp. 38-44 [Focus: gramm. #9-11;
ex. A, B, D; Lect.1-9 odd]
Study ch. 6 voc.
Sept. 21
Reading p. 6 “Io”
Ch. 6 forms of sum and possum; text pp. 3738
Wkbk. Pp. 45-50 [Focus: gramm. #1-7, 910; Exer. A, B; lect. A (1-9) odd]
Study for exam #2
Sept. 23
CLASS WILL NOT MEET
Submit hw (handout given out on 9/21)
via email to mewatts@mc.edu
Sept. 28
We will check hw first.
Exam #2: chapters 4-6
Sept. 30
Ch. 7: 3rd declension nouns, text pp. 43-46
Go over readings in text pp. 40-41 and
answer wkbk. ?’s p. 51
Read reading p. 8 “Atreus”
Study voc. Ch. 7
Wkbk. Pp. 52-58; readings in text p. 47
and answer ?’s in wkbk. P. 59
Oct. 5
Oct. 7
FALL BREAK
Ch. 8: 3rd conjugation
Sept. 9
Sept. 14
Sept. 16
Study ch. 2 vocabulary, wkbk: pp. 10-18
[Focus: Gram. # 2, 7-12; exer. A odd, C;
lectiones A even]
Chap. 3 vocabulary (flashcards)
Wkbk. Pp. 20-26
Focus: Gram. #1, 5-7, 11; ex. A; lect. 113 odd
Study for exam
Wkbk. Pp. 28-35 [Focus: all grammatica,
exer.A (1-4); B. Lect. A (2-14) even
Wkbk. Pp. 60-67; study ch. 9 vocabulary
(flashcards)
Oct. 14
Reading p. 12 “Laocoon”
Ch. 9: demonstrative pronouns
quiz on ch. 8-9 voc
Reading p. 14 “Nisus and Euryalus”
Review
Study for quiz on ch. 8-9 voc.
Wkbk. Pp. 68-75
Study for exam #3
Oct. 19
Oct. 21
Exam #3: chap. 7-9
Ch. 10: 3io and 4th conj. Verbs
Study ch. 10 vocabulary (flashcards)
Wkbk: pp. 76-81
Oct. 26
Study ch. 11 vocabulary
Oct. 28
Quiz: ch. 10 voc. And verb synopsis
Reading: p.16 “Aurora”
Ch. 11
Nov. 2
Ch. 12
Nov. 4
Reading p. 18 “Ulysses”
Review
Study ch. 12 vocabulary
Wkbk: pp. 91-97
Study for exam #4
Nov. 9
Nov. 11
Exam #4: chap. 10-12
Chapter 13
Study ch. 13 vocabulary
Wkbk. Ch. 13
Nov. 16
Quiz: ch. 13 vocabulary and pronouns
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Wkbk. Ch. 14
Study ch. 14 vocabulary
Wkbk. Ch. 15
Study ch. 15 vocabulary
Oct. 12
Nov. 18
Wkbk. Pp. 84-90
Thanksgiving Holidays
Nov. 30
Dec. 2
Reading/Review
Exam #5: chapters 13-15
Study for exam #5
Prepare reading p. 15 “Aegean”
Dec. 7
Reading/Review
Prepare for final exam. It will cover
everything in chapters 1-15
Dec. 9
Study day (I will be in classroom during
normal class hours, if you would like extra
help).
Dec. 14
FINAL EXAM 2-4 pm
**Optional Self-tutorial exercises with an answer key are located in the back of your text. I will not
specifically assign these or go over them in class. They are extra practice that you may find helpful.
Please feel free to ask questions about any problems you may encounter if you want to work them.