Honors Latin IV
Magistra Murphy
lmurphy2@crsd.org
2015-2016
Rm. 170-W
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Honors Latin IV. This year you will have the
privilege of studying some of the greatest Roman authors, those who have extensively influenced
Western literature, culture, and worldview. You will harness and finesse your comprehension of
the Latin language and use it to understand and interpret the content and relevance of each text.
Reading Latin will be our primary concern; in addition, vocabulary study, derivatives, and indepth studies of culture and history will play important roles in class.
Texts and Scope of the Course
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1st marking period: Res Gestae Divi Augusti: Augustus’ autobiographical record of his
life’s work. We will read the entire inscription in Latin (and English) and study how
Augustus’ account compares to and diverges from the historical record.
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2nd marking period: Virgil’s Aeneid. If you think you love Aeneas already, just wait until
you get to read the original (if, somehow…inexplicably…you don’t love Aeneas, this will
change your mind!). This is one of the most influential pieces of literature ever written and
it is fabulous to read in Latin. We will read several books (chapters!) of the Aeneid in
English and selections in Latin.
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3rd and 4th marking periods: Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Amores: We will read several
myth selections from the Metamorphoses (e.g. Orpheus and Eurydice, Apollo and Daphne,
etc.) in Latin and also look at Ovid’s humorous and flowery descriptions of love.
A note on keeping up and/or falling behind: You know a lot of Latin. As such, some things will be
taken for granted as knowledge you must have (e.g. third declension, perfect passive participles,
uses of the ablative). Other things (e.g., uses of the subjunctive, omission of sum) are very
advanced and we will all need to review them when we encounter them in a reading. There will be
no formal review period but if there is ever a time you need help whether it’s about complicated
grammar or just the present tense, do not hesitate to ask. If you feel like you are struggling to keep
up, try to let me know before it becomes a big issue. I will help however I can. You can do this!
Materials
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Textbooks: distributed each marking period. Please take excellent care of them.
Binder for handouts and readings in class
Composition book for vocabulary & practice (to be provided)
A positive attitude!
Classroom Norms
You are expected to follow all school rules and adhere to the class norms that will be
decided upon.
Policies
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Leaving class: If you must leave class, you must sign in and out on the clipboard, indicate
your reason for leaving class, take the pass, and return promptly. Excepting dire
emergencies, you will not be excused to the bathroom during tests, quizzes, or while
learning new material or translating with a partner.
Absentee policy: If you miss class, you are responsible for finding out what you missed and
making up missed assignments. Hand-outs are available on the bookshelf in class. If you
miss a quiz or a test, you have five school days from your absence to make it up. In-class
make-ups may not always be possible. Plan to come to clinic. Quizzes or tests which have
not been made up within that window lose 10% of their value for each additional day you
have not made them up. Long absences or special circumstances will be considered for
exemption from this policy but you must discuss this with Magistra.
Homework is due when class begins. It may be spot-checked, collected, or reviewed as a
class depending on the assignment. Long-term (2 or more nights) homework assignments
will lose 50% credit for each day late. For daily assignments, late homework will not be
accepted.
Clinic: Extra help is available during clinic from 2:15-3:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
or by appointment – these days are marked with an asterisk (*) on the online calendar.
Come in for help as soon as you don’t understand a concept.
Class Website: It is expected that students will refer to the class website frequently for the
calendar of assignments and to make themselves aware of upcoming quizzes/tests/projects.
Latin Club is open to all students taking Latin and anyone interested in the Latin language
and Roman culture. Details and meeting dates will be provided in class.
Grading Guidelines
Each quarter, your grade will be comprised of the following elements:
- Class Participation/HW 30%
o Adherence to group norms, cooperation, and active participation during class
o Completion of assigned homework and preparation outside of class
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Project 15%
There will be one project per marking period
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Test 15%
There will be one test per marking period
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Other 40%
Quizzes, (English) paragraph responses, other assignments
Nota Bene:
* The above percentages are approximations.
* As per school policy, assessments will be reviewed with students and made available to take
home; certain district assessments, which will be noted in advance, may not be taken home.
* The Midterm will constitute 25% of the 2nd marking period grade.
* The Final is cumulative and will constitute 25% of the 4th marking period grade.