Latin - Advanced Topics: Prose

Latin VI is a year-long advanced Latin course divided into the following semester topics:

First Semester: Introduction to linguistics and language change for students of Latin

In this course, students learn the basic principles of how languages change over time. As Latin was the basis for the field of linguistics, students can apply their knowledge of Latin to gain basic insights into the origins of the Romance languages. Ostler’s Empires of the Word, and Deutscher’s The Unfolding of Language will help students develop their understanding of how Latin evolved into entirely new languages, and how to identify cognates and derivatives that may not be readily apparent. Through a study of historical language change, students will gain new perspective on their own language and its role in world history.

Second Semester: Other Classical Languages for students of Latin

In this course, students will build on their knowledge of Latin grammar to gain an appreciation of other Classical languages, specifically Ancient Greek and Old English. Students will learn their alphabets and sounds, and discover the connections between Latin and other ancient languages descended from a common Indo-European ancestor. Via creative projects and presentations, students will study the culture of the ancient world that existed beyond Rome’s borders. Readings in translation, side-by-side with the original languages, will help students build confidence that they can use their knowledge of Latin as a tool for learning other languages in college and beyond.