Latin Syllabus (2015-16)
Instructor: Mr. Peter Caccavale
Email: peter_caccavale@needham.k12.ma.us
Phone: 781-455-0800
Course Website: mrcaccavale.weebly.com
Textbook: Ecce Romani I, 4th Edition, 2009; and supplemental materials
Salvete omnes! Welcome to Latin! Throughout this year we will be exploring the Latin language
(Lingua Latina) through its grammar, structure, history, and influence on the modern world. In
doing this we will study the culture of Ancient Rome, including its art, architecture, history,
military, and everyday life. You will soon learn that the world of Ancient Rome looks very similar
to the one we inhabit today…
Guiding Questions:
 What is Latin? Why do we study it?
 How does Latin affect my life?
 How does Roman culture affect my life?
 How can learning Latin benefit the modern world?
Course Objectives:
At the end of the course, a successful Latin student should be able to…
 demonstrate knowledge of the essential forms, grammar, and syntax of the Latin
language, as well as familiarity with basic Latin vocabulary.
 understand how these fundamentals are similar to and different from English forms,
grammar, and syntax, leading to an increased understanding of how both languages
function.
 read, understand, and translate both adapted and unadapted Latin passages
 demonstrate an acquaintance with the daily life and culture of the ancient Romans. These
topics might include, but are not limited to, living arrangements, religion, food,
transportation, and architecture.
 recognize and understand the values and social attitudes of the ancient Romans,
particularly as these are embedded within the Latin language.
Classroom Expectations
1. Students will follow all classroom rules:
 Be on time for class. If you arrive after the bell rings, you will be marked “tardy”
o If you are more than 10 minutes late, you will receive a “cut” and a detention
 Have your notebook and textbook open and ready when the bell rings
 Contribute meaningfully and behave respectfully in class. Show respect for yourself, your
classmates, your teacher, and your classroom!
 No food, drinks, or use of personal electronics during class (no phones!). Clear water
bottles are OK—please refer to the NHS student handbook.
o If you bring anything else to class you will be asked to throw it away
2. Bring all required materials to class:
 A three-ring binder or notebook specifically for this class with separate sections for “Do
Nows,” vocabulary, notes, and HW/Assessments
 Your Ecce Romani textbook
 A pen or pencil.
 Any necessary handouts/homework assignments.
Grading/Assessments
This course is primarily based on your performance on tests, quizzes, and the completion of
homework. You will be graded on a straight points system, meaning that you can calculate your
average by dividing the total number of points possible into the total number of points you have
earned. Your performance will be assessed using the following methods:
1. Homework: The key to mastering Latin is through practice. You will be assigned a
variety of daily homework assignments throughout the year, which will be due at the
beginning of class. Generally, homework should take you about 15 minutes. If you have
not completed your homework and are present at school that day, you will receive a grade
of zero. Late homework assignments turned in within 1 week of their due date will
receive up to half credit.
*Homework is graded by completion and effort—as long as you put in an honest
effort and completed all of the questions, you will receive full credit. Anything
less than that will not earn full credit.
2. Tests/Quizzes: There will be announced (and potentially unannounced) quizzes and tests
for each quarter of our course. In addition to monitoring your grade online, I would
recommend keeping track of your grades so that you can track your progress. There will
be a cumulative final exam at the end of the year!
3. Projects: There will be a variety of projects spread out through the year. The point values
of these assignments will be indicated on their rubrics. The assessment of each project
will be discussed before it is assigned.
4. Class Participation: This is an essential part of our course and almost inseparable from
homework. A student who does not complete the homework is, therefore, not ready to
participate in class. At the same time, simply coming to class is not enough. You will be
expected to share ideas, ask questions, and join your classmates in a group exploration of
the Latin language.
5. Final Grade: Because of the straight point system I use, some quarters are worth more
than others (since there is a larger number of points). Therefore, you cannot calculate
your grade simply by adding up all the quarter grades and dividing by 4. This is why
every test, quiz, and HW grade is important!
Late Work:
*Late work will only be accepted because of an excused tardy or absence. Homework due on a
day in which you were unexcused from school will not be accepted for full credit.
*Late projects will be penalized according to the assignment rubric.
*If there are legitimate circumstances that prevent you from completing an assignment on time,
bring a note from a parent or guardian explaining the situation and we can discuss possible
accommodations. This must be done BEFORE the assignment is due. Last minute due-date
excuses will NOT be accepted!
Absences:
Except by prior arrangement, any work due the date of your absence is due on the day you return
to school. When you are absent, it is crucial that you meet with me and take responsibility for
making up missed work.
*If you miss an in-class review the day before a quiz/test, you will still be expected to
take the quiz/test with the rest of your classmates.
Important Note on Textbooks
You are responsible for the Ecce Romani textbook that is given to you at the beginning of the
year. I will keep track of your specific book and it is up to you to return it in good condition.
Lost textbooks or those that are returned in excessively poor condition will result in a fine from
NHS of $100.
Important Note on Plagiarism
Plagiarism of any kind is not tolerated at NHS. For our Latin projects, any use of an online
translator (such as Google Translate) will result in a grade of “0” and an academic misconduct. If
you have any concerns about using a dictionary/translator, please check in with me first and I
will be happy to help you. I will also go over this in class, when necessary.
By signing below, I indicate that I have received Mr. Caccavale’s syllabus and understand what
is expected of me in this course. Mr. Caccavale has explained its contents to me, and I agree to
accept and fulfill the goals and expectations of the course to the best of my ability.
Student Name (Printed) _________________________________________
Date _______
Student Signature ___________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________________________