The Frederick Douglass Academy
Latin Program
Magistra Núñez
miss.nunez@gmail.com
LATIN COURSE OUTLINE GRADES 6-12
The following course outline addresses the collective objectives of the middle school and high school Latin program
at Frederick Douglass Academy. For information on a specific grade, see “Latin Objectives by Year.”
* The course outline is subject to change based on instructional needs.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Latin is a comprehensive course with the following components: Latin language and grammar, etymology (the study
of the origins of words), and classical studies, i.e.: mythology, history, culture, art and architecture of the ancient
Greek and Roman world.
LATIN LANGUAGE AND GRAMMAR
For many students this course will be their first opportunity to study a language other than English. The key to
mastering a foreign language is to study its grammar, vocabulary, and syntax (patterns of language). The principles of
Latin grammar have English counterparts, so students will review and be assessed on grammar skills in Latin as well
as English. Students who master the finer points of grammar become stronger writers and will be better prepared for
the rigor of college courses.
ETYMOLOGY: MODERN LANGUAGE DERIVATIONS
As a result of ancient Rome’s dominance over the Western world, Latin is the ancestor of modern-day Romance
languages (e.g. Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian and Portuguese). Romance languages derive almost entirely from
ancient Latin in their grammar and vocabulary,. The English language, while not a direct descendent, has absorbed
much Latin vocabulary and structure. Over sixty percent of English vocabulary is derived from Latin words; use of
such advanced vocabulary marks the difference between colloquial (informal) and academic (formal) language.
Etymology is the study of word derivations or word roots. An English derivative is a modern English word that has
Latin origins (roots).
CLASSICAL STUDIES
The classical era of history is defined as the period of time when the ancient Roman and Greek civilizations
flourished, roughly from the 8th century B.C. through the 5th century A.D. The influence of these ancient civilizations
persists today in many features of our modern culture from politics and philosophy to art and literature.
Mythology: The mythology of the classical world offers students an insight into the minds and beliefs of antiquity.
Students will read myths and learn the significance of Greek and Roman gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters.
Mythology plays an important role in modern literature and culture, inspiring artists throughout the ages.
History and culture: The study of the history, politics, and culture of the classical world allows students to
understand the origins of Western civilization. Students will recognize how political and cultural themes are universal
and eternal. Many issues of antiquity are the very same we encounter today, e.g. government, human rights, natural
disasters, family and society, art and literature, peace and war.
Art and architecture: Through the study of Greek and Roman art and architecture, students will build an
appreciation for the aestheticism and ingenuity of the ancients. Students will study architecture to understand the
importance of cultural fixtures such as temples, amphitheatres, palaces, state buildings, arenas, and recreational
complexes. Students will study the artistry of Greece and Rome, making a special visit to the Greek and Roman
galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the spring.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
This will be a challenging and exciting course. Students must make a commitment to themselves and to their
schoolwork in order to succeed. Students must demonstrate maturity and professionalism in this academic
environment. Disruptions and behavioral issues will not be tolerated and will adversely affect students’ grades.
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MATERIALS
All Latin students must bring the following items to class each day. Students are also required to purchase materials
for making flashcards (index cards and scissors).
 One portfolio folder to be kept in the classroom.
 One folder to be kept by the student.
 One ½ inch binder.
 College-ruled loose leaf paper.
 Pencils, erasers, and personal sharpeners.
GRADING POLICIES – A STUDENT’S GRADE IS EARNED, NOT GIVEN, BY A TEACHER!
Foreign Language Grading Policy:
School-wide Grading Policy:
(Marking period grades)
(Semester grades)
20% Tests and Exams
20% Marking Period I
20% Quizzes and Notebook
30% Marking Period II
20% Homework
30% Marking Period III
20% Classwork
20% Final Exam or Regents Exam
20% Projects
Tests and exams assess students’ mastery of learning objectives over the course of an academic unit. They reflect a
progression of skills and require intense review of classwork, homework, and quizzes.
Quizzes assess students’ mastery of a discrete skill and are given frequently over the course of a unit. Notebook
quizzes are given to assess students' organization.
Homework is assigned nightly in order to provide students the opportunity to practice the skills learned during class.
Homework is graded on a 5-point scale as follows: 5 = excellent and complete, 4 = complete, 3 = poor or incomplete,
2 = poor and incomplete, 1 = unacceptable, 0 = no work.
Classwork includes preparation, participation, attitude, and discipline. Students will be evaluated on study skills and
organization. Infractions of school policies, including uniform violations, will result in deductions of classwork credit.
Projects will include reports, translations, research projects, and class presentations. Deadlines for semester research
projects are December 15 and May 15.
LATE ASSIGNMENTS & PROJECTS
Late work will be accepted with a 10% deduction taken for each late day.
MAKE-UP WORK AND TUTORIALS
In the case of extended illness, family crisis, or other crucial circumstance, special opportunities may be provided for
make-up work. Extra credit or make-up opportunities are provided at the teacher’s discretion on a case-by-case basis.
After-school tutoring will be available for students seeking additional support. Tutoring will be mandated for
students with failing grades.
MASTERY LEARNING ASSIGNMENTS – FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!!!!
These assignments are provided for every student to review and/or relearn previous skills to a level of mastery. Points
accrued from completing these assignments correctly will be added on to marking period grades.
PLAGIARISM & CHEATING
The act of stealing, using, and passing off another person’s ideas or words as your own writing will be dealt with
accordingly. Plagiarism or cheating may result in one or more of the following consequences: a zero on the
assignment, failure for the marking period, failure for the semester, failure for the year as well as a suspension from
school.
LATIN OBJECTIVES BY YEAR
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Students will be introduced to Latin language and culture. They will master study basic
grammar and vocabulary and build a foundation in translation. Students will study mythology of the ancient world.
SEMESTER 1/2: Students will be introduced to Latin language and will master simple sentences using the
indicative and imperative moods in all cases. Students will study ancient history from the Trojan War through the
founding of the Republic.
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SEMESTER 3/4: Students will master discrete grammatical skills in order to read sophisticated Latin adaptations of
famous texts. Students will study ancient history from the fall of the Republic through the Holy Roman Empire under
Constantine.
SEMESTER 5/6: Students will achieve mastery knowledge of Latin language and history. Students will become
familiar with a variety of authors and read their work in the original Latin. Students are required to sit for SAT II
Latin subject test in addition to any city-wide assessments that are made available.
AP LATIN: Students will refine their knowledge of Latin poetry and prose and develop an appreciation for rhetoric
and poetry. Students will study Virgil’s Aeneid in both English and Latin in addition to works by Ovid, Catullus,
Caesar, Martial, Livy, Cicero, Plautus, and Terence. Students are required to sit for the AP Latin exam.
THE NATIONAL LATIN EXAM is sponsored by the American Classical League and is offered at every level of
study. In March, every Latin student at FDA is expected to sit for the exam, at a cost of $4 per student. Middle
school students will sit for the introductory exam. High school students will sit for their exam according to year of
study.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
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REVIEW THE TWELVE NON-NEGOTIABLES – THEY ARE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES.
Raise your hand and wait to be called upon to speak.
Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat.
Show respect to all others in the classroom – adults, students, and guests alike.
The following is strictly prohibited:
o Cheating, giving or receiving aid on an assessment, plagiarism, turning in any work that is not your own, or any
other violation of the Honor Code Pledge
o Disruptive behavior, talking out of turn, shouting, talking back
o Eating, drinking, and gum-chewing
o Grooming
o Lateness: Students must sign a LATE book before they take their seat. All students who arrive late will have
classwork credit deducted. Any late pass must be submitted AFTER signing book.
o Physical contact of any nature between students
o Profane or offensive language
o Refusal to move seats, refusal to leave the room if asked, refusal of any request on my part
o Sleeping and/or slouching
o Use of electronic devices
o Use of recording devices such as cameras, cell phones, or tape recorders
o Use of any materials unrelated to academic study
Please observe the following:
o I DO NOT provide pens, pencils, or any other materials for which you are responsible.
o There will be no excuses for absences or lateness unless a signed medical note and/or signed note from the school
administration and/or parent/guardian are submitted for my review.
o Under no circumstances are you to publicly question my policies during instruction. The course of action for all
grievances and concerns is to approach me at the end of the school day at which time we shall address whatever
concerns you may have.
o I will use my discretion to contact your parents or guardians as I see fit.
Consequences:
o Verbal Warning
o After-school conference
o Classwork grade deduction
o Contact with a parent/guardian
o Contact with a dean/administrator
o Additional written assignments
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Dean’s referral
Guidance referral
Removal to room 339 for detention
Removal to Guidance Office
Official school conference
Official removal from class and loss of class credit