LATIN SYLLABUS
Madeira High School, 2011-2012
Fortuna Fortibus Favet
Beyond the possibility of achieving higher SAT scores, learning the Latin language will
help students to come to a better understanding of the Classical World. The Romans
lived for 300 years in a world of peace that spanned across Europe into the Middle East
and all the way into Northern Africa. The Romans created a civilized world in which
they prospered academically, financially, and personally—much of the world today is
based on the culture that the Romans created. The Romans have passed on their thoughts
on such ideas through their language and ancient texts. Studying Latin will provide
students with a cultural awareness of their own, present day civilization.
Expectations:
 Students will come to class prepared and on time.
 Students will keep Latin materials, notes, and papers in a separate notebook.
 Students will work hard to understand class material.
 Students will show respect and pride for themselves as well as others.
Results:
 Students will be able to read Latin.
 Students will gain a cultural awareness of their own civilization.
 Students will be able to gain a broader understanding of English by enriching
their vocabulary through the study of roots and derivative and by comparing and
contrasting Latin grammar structure to that of English.
 Students will be able to enhance literary knowledge and skills by studying
mythology, ancient history, and culture.
Course Components:
Reading and Translation: This is the main goal of learning Latin. Students will spend
time improving skills of searching for main ideas and themes, perfecting reading
comprehension, and acquiring vocabulary. Translation skills will also be addressed.
Listening and Speaking:
Students will be asked to participate in classroom
conversational activities, skits, plays, presentations, Latin recitation, games, and oral
reading so that students may learn and acquire correct pronunciation of Latin.
Writing: Students will be asked to use correct Latin according to the situation and
compose short sentences on their own.
Culture: Students will spend time learning about the ancient history, daily life, and
culture of the ancient Romans. This component helps students tie the language and life
of the Romans to their own lives. Students will complete readings, create projects, and
watch videos to aide their understanding.
Classroom Materials:
*Required Text: Cambridge Latin Course
Unit I – Life in Pompeii, 79 AD
Unit II – Roman Britain and Alexandria, 79-82 AD
Unit III – Roman Britain, Roman Army, Rome, 81-83 AD
Unit IV – Rome (Emperors and Authors such as Catullus, Pliny, Martial, Ovid, and
Vergil), 83-87 AD
*Cambridge Unit I Workbook (Level I), Cambridge Unit II Workbook (Level II),
Workbook in Latin-Two Years, Freundlich (Level III and Level IV)
*All students must have a separate folder or binder for their Latin materials. A copy of
this syllabus must be at the front. Keep everything—it helps you to study for tests!
*Notecards—These are suggested to help students with vocabulary acquisition.
Assessment:
Quarterly grades will be determined by points earned through tests, quizzes, and major
projects, homework, classwork, and participation. Major tests, quizzes, and projects will
be weighted three times; in class quizzes will be weighted twice; homework and
participation will be weighted once. The grading scale aligns with that established by the
Madeira City Schools. Students will have an average of three major tests per quarter
(about every five weeks) and one major project per quarter.
Management Issues:
All students are expected to behave according to the Madeira High School Code of
Conduct as stated within student assignment books.
*Homework Policy: Do your homework consistently—you will find it helps your grades
and your acquisition of Latin. You are expected to be prepared for class.
-Absent: Make-up work is accepted in a timely fashion and will be
discussed between teacher and student. Students may need to come early,
stay after school, visit during common time, (or set up an alternate time) to
make up missed tests and quizzes, get missed notes, or complete missed
classwork.
-Late Work: I do not accept late homework. For major projects, a letter
grade is deducted for each day it is late.
-Homework Passes: A homework pass allows the student to have a “free”
night of homework. These may only be used on nightly assignments—not
tests, projects, presentations, classwork, or quizzes. The student receives
full points for the homework assignment. A student receives one per year.
They DO NOT roll over.
-Extra Credit: Do not expect it.
*Plagiarism/Cheating:
-This will not be tolerated in any way. Students will receive a zero on the
assignment and parents will be contacted. Please do your own work.
Other Info:
1. Membership dues for the National Junior Classical League, Ohio Junior
Classical League, and Madeira Junior Classical League is $15.00. This is the
FUN part of Latin and is required if you wish to attend the OJCL/NJCL
Conventions.
2. The National Latin Exam is offered to all Latin students across the country (it
costs a small fee which is covered by the MJCL and the Madeira PTA). All
Madeira Latin students will take this exam in early March.
3. Latin State Convention in Columbus will take place on February 24-26, 2012.
There are limited spots for Madeira Latin students (only 55). This activity is
EXTRA and requires a lot of EXTRA work and planning. The usual cost for
this weekend is around $135.00. Visit http://ojcl.org/ for more information.
4. The Madeira Latin Club will be traveling to Italy during 2013. This is a nonschool sponsored trip. This trip is for upper level Latin students. More details
will be announced later this year.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or concerns.
Mrs. Jennifer Bruening, Magistra
E-mail: jbruening@madeiracityschools.org
Voice Mail: #2210