Latin never truly died, but rather evolved into French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian (the Romance languages). About 90 percent of the vocabulary of these languages comes from Latin. To learn Latin is therefore to begin a study of 6 languages at once. Latin prepares students for many important professions that are steeped in Latin terms and phrases or in English words derived from Latin. Since medical terminology, mostly derived directly from Latin, is essential for everything in the medical field, learning Latin is extremely valuable for those who intend to become doctors and other health professionals. Other careers include: law, science, music, theology, philosophy, art, and literature.
LATIN I - WL4013
Grades 8 -12 Full-Year 1 Credit
Students gain knowledge of Latin language and Roman culture by following a continuous narrative about a Roman family, as well as delving into primary source documents relating to everyday life. Students will practice the language through traditional reading and writing exercises, as well as speaking and listening activities. We will work together to develop and expand our appreciation for Classical influence in Western culture, with a special emphasis on studying Latin's role in the development of English.
LATIN II - WL4023
Grades 9 - 12 Full-Year 1 Credit
Students will continue to study Latin language and Roman culture by following a continuous narrative about a Roman family, as well as delving into primary source documents relating to everyday life. As their vocabulary expands and the syntax becomes more difficult, spoken and written exercises will continue to be used to reinforce concepts. In addition to studying Latin's role in their own language and culture, students work to better understand the influence of Ancient Rome on many different languages and cultures through the Empire's continued expansion.
LATIN III – WL4044
Grades 9 - 12 Full-Year 1 Credit
Students will begin the year with a review of concepts and vocabulary that were introduced in Latin II. Through stories, they will continue to learn about Roman daily life, with an emphasis on building vocabulary, until they transition to authentic works of literature, such as Ovid's Metamorphoses or Cupid and Psyche, from Apuleius. Students will demonstrate competency with a variety of projects—such as portfolios, artistic renderings and comparisons, and skits. By the end of the course, students will be comfortable translating Latin works using auxiliary notes and vocabulary, as well as interpreting what they have read using different media.
LATIN IV – WL4050
Grades 9 - 12 Full-Year 1 Credit
Students expand on the skills gained while studying Classical Latin by engaging with authors from the pre-Classical era as well as authors from the Imperial period, such as Plautus, Catullus, Vergil, and others. Students will demonstrate competency with a variety of projects such as movie posters, speeches, portfolios, and TV pilots.
LATIN V – WL4053
Grade 9 - 12 Full-Year 1 Credit
Students engage in the study of Classical Latin with advanced, unannotated readings from authors such as Catullus, Cicero, and Vergil. By studying romantic conflict, political conflict, and epic conflict in these primary source texts, students will cultivate cultural empathy as they hone their analytical skills. Class time is largely dedicated to close reading and discussion, while outside work is structured around drawing connections across eras, locations, and disciplines.
The Latin Department also offers independent studies in Ancient Greek and Classics based on current student interest.