Syllabus for Beginning Latin I
Academic Year: 2011-2012
Latin I, Period VI, Room XXIX
Office Hours: Wednesdays at lunch
Instructor: Magister Dooley
Email: ryan.dooley@pcsed.org
Course Description
*Latin I is the Ecce Romani series developed with the expressed purpose of bringing students quickly to the
point where they can read Latin with confidence and give some insight into Roman life. An additional goal is to
strengthen vocabulary skills in English through the study of derivatives and cognates. Exercises of various types
reinforce grammar and vocabulary, providing continuous review information from earlier chapters. All four
language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) reinforce one another and will prepare students for the
next three years of the language. Cultural themes include the family, the treatment of slaves, travel and
geography, hospitality, and Roman history. Mythology and introductory grammar are core to this academic year.
Course Materials
*The textbook Ecce Romani 1 will be used for the year, with many supplemental handouts. Be prepared with a
binder with organized sections and one composition book (called the Cultural Notebook). Pencils are required in
this course, as we will not be using pens. You will need one Expo whiteboard pen (blue, black, or green ink) for
daily work. A pocket Latin dictionary/lexicon and a set of flashcards are HIGHLY recommended.
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, and consequently, all homework is counted as late.
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 II.
V. Late Work Policy: No late work is accepted for unexcused absences. Extenuating circumstances
(emergencies) must be discussed with Magister Dooley as early 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; 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. No extra credit assignments are offered in Latin class. Your grade will reflect your effort and abilities.
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 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 Latin class! I am excited to get to know each and every
student and family as quickly as possible, especially since we will be spending the next three to five
years working together. Latin is quite a challenging subject, but the rewards are immeasurable and will
stick for an entire lifetime.
Our year is split into some introductory topics that promote interest and understanding in
Roman culture. We will begin with the beginnings of Rome, starting at the Trojan War and delving
into the mythological underpinnings of the ancient Mediterranean. Our second quarter will move into
the Roman monarchy and will utilize biographies of the virtuous early Romans-- exempla-- to
emphasize Roman values. Our third quarter introduces Greco-Roman geography and the extent of
Roman hegemony in the Republican era. Our academic year will end with a focus on Roman food and
entertainment. All this is in addition to learning the basics of Latin, including grammar, vocabulary,
and connections to English.
I am also excited to supplement class with some new knowledge of my own, gained this
summer in the ancient sites of Italy. I spent time studying the everyday lives of Romans in Pompeii,
Herculaneum, Baiae, Rome, and the Sabine country. Students will learn to understand Roman culture
from a less aristocratic point of view, with photos and personal stories galore.
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.
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 take Latin 2 and
3 up to UCSC's McHenry Library to do research for our projects and papers. I take AP Latin and Latin
3 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.
BONAMFORTVNAMHABETE!
MAGISTERDOOLEY