LATIN 103 A: Introductory Latin

Latin 103 — Intensive First Year Latin

Summer 2022, MTWThF 8:30-10:40, on Zoom here

Instructor:  Michael Ritter
E-mail: mritte@uw.edu

Office hours: By appointment

Welcome to ancient Rome and Latin 103 (Summer)! This course is designed for those who have completed Latin 300 Summer Term A and picks up where that course leaves off. By the end of the summer sequence of Latin 300 and Latin 103 students are ready to take 300-level Latin courses in the fall of the next academic year. This summer the course is offered online.

First year Latin courses give you direct access to the thoughts and writings of the ancient Romans and allow you to explore the dynamic and often dangerous cultural, social and political world in which they wrote. Learning to interpret and use an ancient language requires you to explore unknown areas and think in new ways. Our focus is on Latin as a literary language. Course activities are designed to foster a collegial and collaborative atmosphere and to encourage you to make strong connections between the ancient language and literature we are exploring together and your other interests, passions, and pursuits.

Course Goals:

• Students will gain an understanding of the grammar and syntax introduced in Ch. 21–40, demonstrated by their performance on weekly assessments.
• Students will gain basic reading comprehension in Latin, demonstrated by their performance on homework assignments and the final translation project.
• Students will learn about the culture and literature of Rome through their readings.

In class work:

Your level of participation during our Zoom class time is generally up to you, though I may call on you randomly from time to time. I strongly encourage your voluntary participation for a richer experience for everyone. If you are unable to attend class during our Zoom session, I will make available on Canvas a recording of our Zoom session and you will want to follow along by watching our meetings and/or using the Powerpoints uploaded under Files.

Homework:

Homework assignments are required to be submitted before the beginning of each class. We will go over them at the beginning of each class and they will be graded for completion.

Daily assessments:

Each assessment quiz will cover the chapters introduced that day as well as the assigned translations. You will be provided time to take the daily assessment at the end of each class time. Daily assessments are due before the beginning of the next class. You may strictly use your textbook and class notes. 

Final project:

You will have an open book translation of a short passage for your final project, which will be due on August 19 by the end of the day.

Grade breakdown:

• Translation and Vocabulary Assignments 35%
• Daily Assessments 50%
• Final Project 15%

Required Books:

• Wheelock's Latin. (7th ed.) This book explains Latin grammar and syntax and contains many short readings from ancient Roman authors and many practice exercises.
• 38 Latin Stories (5th ed.) Designed to accompany Wheelock’s Latin (7th ed.)