Latin Area of Concentration

Latin is a cross-disciplinary area of concentration that consists of six courses or activities. Four must be in Latin language. The remaining two can also be in Latin language, or they can be in classical civilization, or Greek language.

Faculty

David S. Rohrbacher, Professor of Classics
Carl Shaw, Associate Professor of Greek Language and Literature

Area of Concentration Requirements

• Proficiency in Latin. This will ordinarily be demonstrated by successful completion of four semester courses or more in Latin language.
• A general knowledge of classical literature, history, and culture. This will normally be demonstrated by successful completion of two additional language courses in Ancient Greek or Latin literature, or at least two courses, tutorials, or ISPs on topics such as Greek and Roman history, art, philosophy, mythology, and literature.

Academic Learning Compact

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.

Expected Outcomes

1. Students completing a slash AOC in Latin will demonstrate the ability to read and understand original works in Latin. This requires content knowledge and communication skills.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the literature, history, and culture of Ancient Rome. This requires content knowledge and communication skills.
3. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about, and write effectively about, selected topics in Roman studies, using primary sources. This requires content knowledge, communication skills, and critical thinking.

Measures to Track Student Progress

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.

Sample Pathways

A Sample Four-Year Pathway for Latin

A Sample Two-Year Pathway for Latin