Latin IV AP Course Description & Syllabus

Alan Abbe Conference Period: 8th (3:25 - 4:15) 

aabbe@eanesisd.net

The AP Latin course focuses on the in-depth study of selections from an assortment of prose and poetry authors. We will begin with the invasion of Britannia in Book IV of Caesar’s Gallic War. We will then do a brief survey of authors discussing the early history of Rome before focusing on Pliny the Younger's description of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. We will close out the first semester looking at some of Pliny's other writings, including his letters and descriptions of ghosts. In the second semester, our focus will be on Latin poetry. After exploring the writings of Catullus, Ovid, and Horace, we will dive into Vergil's Aeneid, the national epic of the Roman Empire. The course requires students to prepare and translate the readings and place these texts in a meaningful context, which helps develop critical, historical, and literary sensitivities. Throughout the course, students consider themes in the context of ancient literature and bring these works to life through classroom discussions, debates, and presentations. Additional English readings from both of these works help place the Latin readings in a significant context. College Course Equivalent AP Latin is approximately equivalent to an upper-intermediate (typically fourth- or fifth- semester) college or university Latin course. Prerequisites There are no prerequisites; however, students are typically in their fourth year of high-school-level study

Latin IV continues your efforts to read, comprehend, translate, and analyze Latin using the syllabus of the Advanced Placement Curriculum. By 8:00 a.m., Monday, May 4, 2026, you will be prepared for the AP Exam! The pace of this course between now and May 4 is very fast and daily review is essential. College credit and/or placement may be awarded for successful completion of the exam. 

1st Nine Weeks 

 Unit 1 - Teacher's Choice - Prose

1a - Caesar's Comentarii de Bello Gallico IV.24-28

1b - Origo Gentis Romanae: Vergil, Aurelius Victor, Eutropius

Unit 2 - Epistulae Plini

2a - VI.16

2b - VI.20

2nd Nine Weeks 

Unit 3 - Epistulae Plini

3a - VI.4, VI.7

3b - VII.27

3c - X.5, X.6, X.7, X.37, X.90

3rd Nine Weeks 

Unit 3 - Teacher's Choice - Poetry

3a - Ovid

3b - Catullus

3c - Horace

3d - Assorted Authors

4th Nine Weeks 

Unit 4 - Vergil's Aeneid 

4a - Book I

4b - Book 2

4c - Book 4

4d - Book 6

4e - Book 7

4f - Book 11

4g - Book 12

Each day in class we will go over the passages and learn how to translate them as literally as possible. A scribe will record our efforts in a Google document. It is up to each of us to check it for accuracy. When we go over the passages in class, you may write any vocabulary and grammar notes on the lines of your packet. You will find vocabulary in Google Classroom with Quizlet practices at my website. Assigned homework may or may not be checked for accuracy. 

 These are the Course Skills this class will focus on:

1. Read and Comprehend Latin Prose and Poetry

a) Identify the meaning of Latin words and phrases

b) Describe how grammar contributes to the meaning and function of Latin words and phrases in context

c) Summarize Latin texts in English

d) Translate Latin texts into English.

2. Describe the Style and Context of Latin Prose and Poetry

  a) Describe features and functions of stylistic elements in Latin texts

b) Describe historical and cultural contexts of Latin texts

3. Analyze Latin Prose and Poetry

a) Develop an interpretation of a Latin text

b) Explain how specific evidence supports an interpretation of a Latin text.

During the course of the year, you will have many opportunities to practice your skills scanning dactylic hexameter poetry as well as learning to identify and use specific terminology like mood, tense, ablative absolute, and passive periphrastic. Since these works were not written in a vacuum, you will learn and review some of the history, culture, mythology and literary traditions of the Romans to contextualize the passages we are reading. 

Finally, you will learn how to analyze Latin texts by calling on comprehension and translation skills as well as your knowledge of Roman history and cultural practices. This involves developing a coherent argument to explain a theme or concept, citing relevant examples from the Latin text and/or English readings to support that argument, and finally, explaining just how the examples support the argument. We will practice this every day with class discussion, written exercises, and ultimately, essays.

Grading Procedures

Daily Work (homework, class work, participation grades) 15%

Quizzes (vocabulary & grammar quizzes) 30%

Major (tests & projects) 55%

*          1 daily and 1 quiz grade will be dropped each 9 weeks. No other grades will be dropped

 Failed a Test?

Arrange for tutoring sessions with the teacher as soon as possible;

Then, arrange a make-up test within 5 days of the original test date;

The highest grade possible on a make-up test is a 70;

There is only one retake possible per grading period.

Make-up Work 

If you have to miss class, you will find assignments at Google Classroom. You may even participate in real-time with the translation of the Google Doc. Missed Tests and quizzes will generally go to the Testing Center. Missing grades are entered as a 1 until make-up work is submitted and graded.

Required Class Materials

You will need to bring your fully charged Ipad each day as well as something to write with, something to write on, and something to keep your notes in.  Latin-English Dictionaries are not necessary for this class.   

Google Classroom

Westlake High School utilizes the Google Classroom platform to share classroom resources, many assignments, and assessment preparation materials to students. WHS students will receive a classroom code to access these materials, submit assignments, and track any missing work.