Latin II Honors Class Expectations & Policies Course Goals Scholarship o o o To complete all homework for learning and mastery, not just for credit To work with other individuals successfully in collaborative settings To experience the academic journey of studying a discipline such as Latin, which is both challenging and cumulative Latin o o o o o To read, translate, and understand authentic Latin text at the appropriate level To complete mastery of Latin grammar and analyze and discuss authentic Latin text grammatically To analyze and discuss Latin text grammatically To understand English derivatives and cognates of Latin vocabulary To recognize and appreciate important aspects of classical culture Syllabus Latin grammar, vocabulary and syntax, as covered in Jenney’s First Year Latin textbook, chapters 25-48/49 Reading comprehension, translation and pronunciation skills English cognates and derivatives Classical culture including Greco-Roman mythology and Roman history as relevance and time allows, through literature, documentary videos, special projects, and other media. Assessments Assessments may be varied in nature but will focus on traditional, written tests, as the goal of Latin is to literally translate and comprehend authentic Latin text. They will include but are not limited to the following: o Unit Vocabulary tests Full dictionary information for all vocabulary, including principal parts and genders English derivatives of assigned vocabulary – www.dictionary.com Word Study sections featuring information about idioms, the usage of words, etc. o Unit Grammar tests Grammar rules and paradigms of forms (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.) Translation of phrases and sentences from English to Latin and vice versa Reading comprehension of Latin passages at sight or prepared, including vocabulary, grammar and syntax questions as well as free-response questions based on the Latin text o Class Quizzes: Shorter quizzes on specific grammatical paradigms or concepts, taken twice Assessments may also include: o Collaborative assessments Translation assignments done in pairs or groups Projects or special reports and presentations done in groups o Creative assessments Creative projects from a variety of media in accordance to the rules set forth by VJCL Creative writing / classical essay in accordance to the parameters set forth by CAV o Other assessments to cover pronunciation, culture, or prepare for competitions Participation and effort o o Participation and effort will be assessed informally ALL students are expected to prepare and participate positively on a daily basis, but the definition of positive participation also includes readiness for class as well as direct contributions made. i Latin II Honors Class Expectations & Policies Grading “Total Points” System o o o Homework o o o o Graded for completion and effort Each assignment is 3 points if complete by the first class due Can be turned in late by one class for 1.5 points Incomplete assignments receive a “0” if not turned in for late credit by the second class due. Frequency of Grades o o o Grades for each quarter determined by totaling the total points earned and dividing by the total points possible Points for tests, quizzes, projects, and other assignments will vary based on their size Extra credit, if offered, will simply be added to the total points earned Students should expect a fairly regular flow of assessments, averaging out to at least one assessment every 6-day (A-F) rotation. Students should expect 30-45 (focused) minutes of homework assigned on a near-nightly basis, per the US homework policy of up to 45 minutes a night, 5 nights a week for an Honors course. Students should expect up to one or two projects each semester Missed work/Retakes o o I do not accept late homework past the second day due. Homework missed due to an excused absence will be due on the day of the student’s return given that all homework assignments are available online and lesson plans and handouts will be available through the course wiki. Assessments missed due to absence are to be made up after school or during a free period on the day of your return unless you have negotiated another arrangement with Mr. Chang. There are no retakes in Latin. On Unit Grammar Tests, I allow supervised “quiz corrections” during extra help and free periods for up to one-third recovery of lost points. Corrections are not available for Unit Vocabulary Tests or other assessments. Please do communicate any extenuating circumstances ahead of an assessment. Class Rules Always do your best work in accordance to the Honor Code and the expectations of the class. Respect yourself, your space, and everyone around you. The laptop computer, like any educational tool, is to be used for the needs of the class, such as obtaining assignments, note-taking, sending assignments to the teacher, etc. Students are NOT to surf the web, write personal emails, chat, text, or otherwise use the laptop for any purposes besides those of the class or disciplinary referrals will apply. Materials for Class REQUIRED: o Laptop computer (adequately charged or with power cord) o Latin dictionary: The New College Latin & English Dictionary by John C. Traupman. o Textbook: Jenney’s First Year Latin (2nd edition) (PDF scans provided by Mr. Chang are acceptable) OPTIONAL: o LARGE three-ringed binder with dividers (Notes, Assessments, Homework, etc.) o Loose-leaf paper (for notes and activities) o Agenda: needs to be in a journal/calendar format and include space for writing daily assignments Contact Information Email: hchang@flinthill.org (checked daily excluding weekends) ii Latin II Honors Class Expectations & Policies **PRINT AND RETURN THIS PAGE ONLY TO MR. CHANG** Student Acknowledgement I (print student’s first and last name) ____________________________________ have read the above document and understand the information contained therein regarding my Latin class. I agree to comply with the rules and expectations set out in this document. Student ___________________________________________________________ Date ___________ Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement I (print parent’s first and last name) _____________________________________ have read the above document and understand the information contained therein regarding my child’s Latin class. I understand that my child must comply with the rules and expectations set out in this document. Parent/Guardian ____________________________________________________ Date ___________ Parent Email(s): _______________________________ _______________________________ Parent Phone Number(s): _____________________________________ (work) _____________________________________ (work) _____________________________________ (home) _____________________________________ (mobile) Comments or questions for Mr. Chang? iii