Latin III/IV
2025/26
Room 104
Mr. Finnegan
https://sites.google.com/bfcsaz.com/bfinnegan
Students will polish their understanding of the Latin language through the study of ancient Roman authors. Half of each class period will be spent discussing the section translated the previous day in a Socratic seminar. This seminar will focus on the literary themes, oratorical elements, history, and culture. The second half of the period will be spent preparing the translation for the following class.
Grade Breakdown: The following account for 80% of the overall course grade. 20% is the final exam.
30% - Discussion 30% - Tests
40% - Quizzes (10% verb forms, 10% noun forms, 10% grammar rules, 10% vocabulary)
Discussion: This is your grade based on your performance in the classroom. One of the most important things you need as a student is a set of scholarly skills that will set you up for success in all academic endeavors. This grade consists not only of participating in class discussions, but also other important academic skills such as:
Coming to class prepared (Always bring completed homework, pens, paper, readings, etc.)
Completing your bellwork within the allotted time (usually 10 minutes)
Being considerate of others; respecting your classmates and your teacher by listening attentively
Following the class procedures and rules.
Having a good attitude and being on task.
Coming to tutoring if there is anything that you don’t understand.
Quizzes: There will be a short quiz every day of class, usually on a specified schedule (verb forms Monday, noun forms Tuesday, grammar rules/translation/scansion Block day, vocabulary Friday). If you miss one individual quiz, it will be excused; you should try to keep up rather than having to take time to catch up! Mr. Finnegan does not allow for quiz retakes.
Tests: There will be a test at the conclusion of a section or several sections reviewing the content of the readings (e.g., author’s intent, main points, defense) and evaluation of the Latin texts, as well as previous sections of translation.
Homework: Homework will primarily consist of preparing readings for the following day’s review and discussion, including preparing and memorizing vocabulary. Homework quizzes will be given periodically and may be announced or unannounced. Bellwork assignments may be included as homework assignments.
Missing Work: Students are responsible to arrange to make up their missed work. This arrangement should be made outside of class time. Class time is intended for the instruction of all students, not to coordinate one student’s missed work. Everything you need from the textbook is included at the back of your workbook and the assignments will be posted to the class website. If you miss a day of class, you have two days per day missed to turn in missed work. Students with unexcused absences will not be permitted to make up work for credit. Students are responsible to check Mr. Finnegan’s website/homework board and know what assignments they have missed. Missing work is not accepted after the due date in this class. Mr. Finnegan reserves the right to make exceptions for extenuating circumstances. Per school policy, 15 or more absences in a single semester will cause the student to lose credit for that semester. Excessive tardies (5 for the first period of the day, 3 for every other class) will result in detention.
Detention Policy: In accordance with the BFHS Parent Handbook, detention may be used as a disciplinary measure.
Materials:
Pens: A year’s supply of Pens of at least 2 different colors. You ought to have at least 3 spares for each color on hand at any time.
Binder: One 3-ring, 1-inch binder with 3 dividers (Texts, Readings, Notes/Other), and paper: Students will receive their texts in class which will go with this binder. This binder must be kept neat and organized at all times. Additional binders may be required for additional texts as the year progresses.
Looseleaf paper or lined notebook for note-taking
Classroom Expectations and Rules:
Be strong and rejoice in the challenge! Your conduct should reflect the three principles of the Charger Way.
Never disassemble your writing materials or tear pages out of your binder.
Never interrupt the speaker.
Be respectful and do not be a hindrance to learning.
Keep your binder organized, come to class prepared, and always clean up after yourself
Academic Honesty: Consequences of dishonest behavior on these assessments are as follows from the handbook: “Intentional plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with severely including a zero on the assignment, suspension, removal from extracurricular activities or leadership positions held in the school and, in the case of repeat offenders, expulsion.” Submitting the work of others as if it was your own is academically dishonest. This includes taking or copying work from online resources, translation engines, or other students.
Discipline: You are here to enjoy learning, as are your fellow students. Think before you act. If you are preventing another student from learning or not following the behavior expectations outlined above, you will earn discipline actions in the following order:
The first time I call it to your attention you will earn a verbal warning.
The second time I speak to you about it you will earn a teacher directed consequence.
The third time I have to speak to you will earn a consequence and parental contact.
The fourth time you will be sent to the office to speak to the dean.
Standards for Handwritten Work:
Multiple pages must be stapled together.
Handwriting must be neat and legible.
Paper must be perforated notebook or loose-leaf (NO torn edges)
Class Website and Contact Info: Students and parents are welcome to email Mr. Finnegan at any time with questions or concerns; however, please allow at least one business day for Mr. Finnegan to respond. Urgent messages should be delivered to the front office.
Email: bfinnegan@bfcsaz.com
Room 129