RESPONSES TO AQIP – B.A. LATIN
STEP ONE: IDENTIFY GOALS – B.A. LATIN
For centuries the study of Latin was the pillar of university education as the
language of science, religion, law, and diplomacy. Today the study of Latin equips
students with practical tools such as heightened awareness of English vocabulary and
grammar, firmer understanding of modern Romance languages, and greater cultural
awareness of the many antecedents of twenty-first century life in literature, art, politics,
religion, law, and diplomacy – to name only a few. Those who pursue the B.A. in Latin
frequently undertake careers in ministry, law, medicine and diplomacy or, coupled with a
minor in education, fill the constantly growing demand for teachers of Latin at the high
school level. Students very often will go on to advanced study in preparation for careers
in higher education.
STEP TWO: IDENTIFY OBJECTIVES – B.A. LATIN
One objective of the B.A. in Latin is acquisition of a level of mastery of the
language sufficient to enable the student to be able independently to read and
comprehend ancient authors in the original language and will understand not only the
vocabulary and syntax employed by Latin writers but also other considerations such as a
knowledge of literary precedents (e.g., the multitudinous influence of Greek literature on
Latin), technical matters (such as metrics, rhetorical devices), historical background and
influence on later writers both in Latin and in vernacular languages.
Students will master a core of knowledge about the Romans, including their
history, literature, arts, material culture, religion and social world.
Students will develop skills in accessing and using the large number of digital
resources available to students of Latin such as the Perseus Project website at Tufts
University, the Classics material posted by M.I.T., etc.