The study of the Latin language is foundational for understanding the classical, medieval, and early modern periods. In addition, knowledge of Latin is valuable for better understanding the romance languages and English.
Latin is a joint concentration that consists of six courses or activities. Four must be in the Latin language. The remaining two can also be in the Latin language, or they can be in classical civilization, or Greek language.
What Can I Do with a Latin AOC?
David S. Rohrbacher, Professor of Classics
Carl Shaw, Associate Professor of Greek Language and Literature
The study of the Latin language is foundational for understanding the classical, medieval, and early modern periods. In addition, knowledge of Latin is valuable for better understanding the Romance languages and English.
Elementary Latin I and Elementary Latin II are offered every year. In addition, Advanced Latin is offered every semester. Recent Advanced Latin classes include Petronius, Satyrica; Juvenal, Satires; Plautus, Amphitruo; Pliny, Natural History 7; Suetonius, Life of Nero; Cicero, Pro Caelio; Tacitus’ Germania and the Ancient Tradition of Ethnography; Tacitus, Annales; Lucretius, De Rerum Natura; Martial, Epigrams; Vergil, Aeneid 12; Horace, Sermones 1; Ovid, Heroides.
The Latin faculty uses a number of methods to assess the progress of students. Students enrolled in Latin courses are evaluated through their performances on examinations, class presentations, and papers. Many students also pursue independent research projects under faculty direction. These projects are evaluated through written work and one-on-one student/faculty conferences. The linguistic abilities of students are continually monitored through faculty conferences, and students are required to take sufficient numbers of classes in Latin language to ensure proficiency in reading primary texts.