Syllabus for Advanced Latin II
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Latin II, Period IV, Room XXIX
Office Hours: Wednesdays at lunch
Instructor: Magister Dooley
Email: ryan.dooley@pcsed.org
Course Description
*Latin II is a continuation of the Ecce Romani series, with a natural transition to the Wheelock's Latin text. In
each chapter, the central reading passage carries the story forward and introduces new linguistic material as well
as new vocabulary, morphology, idiom, structure, and syntax. Students will improve Roman cultural
understanding through the readings and frequent presentations. This year is often considered the most difficult
because of the complexity of the grammatical topics, but students are asked to challenge themselves and find
more profound meaning in the ancient world. Our year focuses on grammar, history, and Roman religion.
Course Materials
*The textbook Ecce Romani 2 will be used for one semester, followed by Wheelock's Latin text. This will all be
supplemented by handouts. Be prepared with an organized binder and one composition book (the Cultural
Notebook). Pencils are required in this course. Please bring one Expo pen to class (black, blue, or green ink). A
pocket Latin dictionary/lexicon and some flashcards are HIGHLY recommended at this level.
Class Expectations and Policies
I. Students will be punctual and prepared to work every class period. Students are late if they are not in their
seats by the bell.
II. Students will act in accordance with PCS rules as outlined in the Student Handbook. responsible behavior is
expected in my classroom at all times.
III. Students will be mindful of their environment and will make every effort to help us keep PCS beautiful.
IV. A C or higher and teacher recommendation is required to continue into Latin III.
V. Late Work Policy: No late work is accepted for unexcused absenses. Extenuating circumstances
(emergencies) must be discussed with Magister Dooley as soon as possible.
VI. Make-Up Work: For excused absences, students are given reasonable time to make up the work. This
must be arranged with Magister Dooley as soon as humanly possible; he will not come to you.
VII. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped per semester. No special/pop quizzes or exams will be dropped.
VIII. There will be no extra credit offered in Latin this year. Your grade will be based on effort and ability.
IX. Cell phones must be switched off during class time. Phones will be confiscated and picked up at the front
office after school by a parent/guardian.
X. Gum, food, and drinks (except water) are not permitted in my classroom. Save them for break and lunch!
XI. Restroom policy: You will be given two passes per year, so please use them wisely!
Class Grading Scheme (Per Quarter)
Semester Grade
40% Assessments (Quizzes, Exams)
25% Work completed at home
25% Classwork and Participation
10% Quarterly Project
First Quarter: 40%
Second Quarter: 40%
Final Exam: 20%
By signing below, I assert that I understand, agree to, and will abide by the policies stated above.
Student Signature: _______________________________
Email: _______________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________
Email: ______________________________
DISCIPVLISFAMILIAEQVEMAGISTERDOOLEYSALVTEMDICIT
SALVETEOMNES! Welcome to your second year of Latin! I am particularly excited for this
second year because it bridges the gap between basic Latin knowledge and a true understanding of
Roman culture and literature. Students will be especially challenged, and learning will seem to plateau
compared the the first year. However, I would like to remind students that peer tutoring and my office
hours are wonderful resources and should be used whenever possible.
Our year is split into some topics that promote interest and understanding in Roman culture.
We will begin with a survey of Roman religion and cults: a mysterious and oft misunderstood field of
study in the ancient world. The focus will be on the physical places of worship for each respective cult
during the Augustan period. We will then explore early Roman theater (Plautus and Terence),
incorporating some basic acting with some help from the drama instructor, Ms Gorski. The third
quarter will delve deeply into the concept and history of slavery in the ancient world. Our academic
year will end with an emphasis on Roman food and entertainment, with a special focus on gladiatorial
combat. Throughout, we will use grammar, vocabulary, and exercises to strengthen Latin language
abilities in preparation for Latin III: Latin Literature.
It will take the efforts of whole families to support students in this difficult year. Thus, I would
love to have a working email for each student and one family member, which will act as a quick way
for me to communicate with everybody at once. It will not be daily email, and I will not share your
email with others. I will also be using my PCS website to update you, probably on a month-to-month
basis, so be sure to check it out!
Although this is not directly related to their Latin studies, this year PCS will be starting its first
Academic Decathlon team. Students are asked to compete in ten subjects, ranging from music of the
Romantic period to Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness to Physics to a personal interview. If you are a
high school student, this is your chance to win medals at a state (and potentially national) level.
Contact me for more details.
Finally, I wanted to inform you of the opportunities for Latin students here at PCS. This past
summer, I took 13 students to Italy to see the sights and get a feel for the old world. I always take Latin
2 students up to UCSC's McHenry Library to do research for our projects and papers. I take AP Latin
and Latin 3 on an overnight trip to the Getty Villa in Malibu, CA to see one of the greatest collections
of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art in the world. I will periodically contact you to ask for parent
volunteers, so should you find any of this interesting, it is a great opportunity to get hours.
Do not hesitate to contact me by email (ryan.dooley@pcsed.org) with any questions or
comments. As per the PCS employee handbook, I promise to respond to all communication within two
business days.
CVRATEVTVALEATIS
MAGISTERDOOLEY