Latin I Syllabus

Fall Semester 2010

Mr. Michael Dybicz

e-mail: [email protected]

A. M. D. G.

Course Overview:

Latin for the New Millennium presents students with the opportunity to learn Latin by reading (adapted) selections from the masterpieces of Latin literature in chronological order (3^rd Century BC – 6^th Century AD).  Students will thus learn the building blocks of Latin, while beginning to wrestle with the great ideas on which Western Civilization was founded.  Thus history and culture are integrated into the language curriculum.  Frequent quizzes will monitor student progress in mastering vocabulary and grammar, while regular tests and the semester exam will focus on the students’ ability to read and translate.

Course Objectives:

1.  Students will have acquired a firm base of grammar and vocabulary such that they are able to read and translate basic Latin sentences.

2.  Students will have been introduced to the cultural/historical context in which the Latin language was first written.

Textbook:

Latin for the New Millennium.  ISBN: 978-0865165601

Course Materials:

Notebook and 1” binder dedicated solely to Latin, loose-leaf paper, and either pens or pencils.  Not having these materials will result in a demerit, because it will impossible to participate fully in class.  The binder and notebook will be checked periodically throughout the year and will count towards your homework grade.

Grading:

Grammar Quizzes                            20%

Homework:                                     10%

Vocabulary Tests                             35%

            Translation Tests                              15%

            Semester Exam                                20%

Grammar Quizzes:

Short grammar quizzes will take place roughly twice per week.  They may cover any material learned throughout the year; however, the instructor will always identify the material to be quizzed the day before.

Because quizzes will be frequent and dedicated to only a small topic, proper preparation should drastically improve your grade.  Insufficient dedication to the grammar quizzes will result in special meetings with the instructor during lunch or ninth period.

Homework:

Late homework is not accepted and will be marked as a zero.  Do your homework.  There’s no easier way to harm your grade.

While asking a fellow student for help on a specific issue in an assignment is acceptable, working in groups is not.  Identical homework will be considered cheating by the instructor.  Any cheating on assignments or during quizzes and tests will be referred to the Dean of Students.

Vocabulary Tests:

Vocabulary Tests will be given each Friday.  Students will be responsible for all the words from the current chapter and the list of cumulative words.  Notice the importance of vocabulary relative to the rest of the grading scheme (35%!).  Regular review of vocabulary through flashcards is essential.  The instructor highly recommends the iFlash program (15$): http://www.loopware.com/iflash/ for those with a Mac.  Mnemosyne ( http://www.mnemosyne-proj.org/ ),  while not as effective, has the virtues of being free and working on any platform.

PowerSchool:

Students and parents have access to grades online via the new PowerSchool grading program.  The instructor is only required to update the grade only at the eight specified times of the year (pg. 16 of the 2009-2010 Student/Parent Handbook); however, the instructor believes that frequent updates benefit both parents and students and thus maintains grades nearly every single day.

Classroom Behavior:
1.  Students are expected to be in their seats with the proper materials before the tardy bell rings.

2.  Students are expected to respect both the instructor and each other.  They are to take especial care not to interrupt a fellow student, answer a question directed toward another student from the instructor, or answer another student's question directed toward the teacher.

3.  Should a student miss class, it is his responsibility to find out the assignment and make up any work.