Garden City High School
Latin 1 Syllabus
Magistra Durkin
durkink@gcufsd.net
SALVETE OMNES! That’s Latin for hello all – don’t worry, we’ll get there! Welcome to Latin! If
you did not know, Latin was the language of the Roman Empire, which controlled most of the
known world (before Columbus). Latin eventually became what Italian, Portuguese, Romanian,
French, and Spanish are today (these five languages are called Romance languages). English is also
related to Latin – ask anyone who has taken the SATs!
Overview of Course
This course is the beginning of a sequence. It covers the vocabulary and grammar necessary to
read and write simple Latin. Oral reading and listening comprehension will be included. GrecoRoman culture is studied and there is emphasis on English vocabulary and grammar. Checkpoint A
of the New York State syllabus for Languages Other Than English is followed.
Learning Goals:
 Knowledge of forms, grammar, and syntax of Latin
 An understanding of how Latin differs from the forms, grammar, and syntax of English,
leading to an increased understanding of how both languages function
 Mastery of basic Latin vocabulary
 Mastery of English vocabulary words and an understanding of their Latin roots
 Ability to read, comprehend, and translate passages in Latin at a basic level
 Acquaintance with the daily life and culture of Rome
Required Course Materials:
 Index cards (to keep at home and to be used throughout the year for assignments)
 Pen (blue/black ink) and pencil
 A 3-ring binder with loose-leaf OR a notebook and a folder dedicated to Latin
 Textbooks (will be distributed and must be covered and brought to class as requested)
Extra Help: Please come in as soon as you need something explained; do not wait until the last
minute or when problems become too large. You may e-mail me with questions or concerns at
durkink@gcufsd.net. I will be holding extra help weekly before school on Tuesdays.
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SEE REVERSE FOR INFORMATION TO BE RETURNED TO TEACHER
Grading Policy: Points will be awarded based on quality (N.B. thorough, accurate, timely,
creative) in each of the following categories:
 Classwork
 Quizzes
 Projects
 Homework
 Exams
 Participation
Your grade is calculated by dividing the points you have earned by the total possible points.
e.g.,
Points earned
=
Your grade 880 = 88%
Total possible points
1000
Work Policies
 Assignments will be given frequently to reinforce content (see late work policy below). It
may be collected or checked at random, at the teacher’s discretion.
 Homework will be posted on the website before the end of each school day. Students who
are not in class or do not get the work must obtain it via website or e-mail.
 Homework must be complete and brought to class on the assigned due date/date of return.
NO late or missing work will be accepted unless the teacher has specified an extension.
 Missing quizzes/tests must be made up within a three day period, or else receive a zero. It
is your responsibility to come to extra help or schedule a make-up session. Please note that
since advanced notice of these assessments will be given, absence the day before a test or
quiz is NOT an acceptable excuse for not taking the test upon return to school.
Student Procedures and Responsibilities
 All students must come to class on time, prepared to participate and work hard for the
whole period. Make semper parātus/a (always prepared) your motto this semester!
 Absences: Absent students with a documented excuse are required to obtain missed work
to be handed in to the teacher upon return (see the late work policy above).
 Students will be respectful of their classmates, their teacher, and themselves.
 All expectations as outlined in the Student Handbook in the Planner will be enforced.
Latin Club: Thursdays after school, from 2:50-3:30pm in Room 103. Latin Club is for students
who have an interest in any aspect of the language, history, and culture of the ancient Greeks and
Romans, including participation in certamina with other schools.
Please sign below in order to show that you have read the syllabus and agree to all the
terms listed within this syllabus. A parent/guardian must also sign this document, agreeing
to the terms within. This is your first assignment!
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Student Name (Print)
___________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name (Print)
___________________________________________ ______________
Student Signature
Date
___________________________________________ ____________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Best Number(s) to Reach Parent/Guardian: ___________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian e-mail: __________________________________________________________________________________________
(e-mail is the easiest way to communicate any course and student info!)