This course is to study Classical Latin grammar. Classical Latin had been used in the Roman Empire. All the present European languages, except Finish and Hungarian, originnated from Latin. Therefore, studying Classical Latin will deepen the understanding of the present European languages. At the time of the Golden Age of Roman literature, around 100BC to 100 AD, many works were produced by great writers and poets such as Cicero, Virgil, Ovid, Caesar and Livy. Medieval Latin had been used for along time in the world of Christianity in Europe, and is stil used in Roman Catholic Church. As the Latin language has not changed much through time. Classical and Medieval Latin are not so diferent. We will learn Classical Latin in our class, but it will enable you to read Medieval
Latin and Christian texts as well. Since Latin was also used as the common language of science and it appears in scientific terms, it will be very useful for
scientists to learn the Latin language.
By studying Classical Latin, students will be able to read Latin original texts directly, rather in translations. They will notice how many important and valuable
messages are contained in these texts. Also they will be surprised at how vivid the messges are; they have not become obsolete, but keep on having fresh impact
still now, even though they were written more than 2000 years ago. European culture received Greek and Roman civilization through Latin language. Therefore, by
studying Latin language, students will get deeper understandings of European culture.
Classical Latin
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Grammatical explanations are given at class, and exercises are required as homework assignments.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Infinitives, subjunctive present | Memorize the conjugation of subjunctive present. |
Class 2 | Indefinite pronouns, subjunctive imperfect | Memorize the conjugation of subjunctive imperfect. |
Class 3 | Gerundum, Gerundivum | Understand gerundum, and gerundivum |
Class 4 | Subjunctive perfect. Conjunctions | Memorize the conjugation of subjunctive perfect, and understand conjunctions. |
Class 5 | Purpose clauses | Understand purpose clauses. |
Class 6 | Comparatives | Understand comparatives. |
Class 7 | Indirect speeches | Understand indirect speeches. |
Class 8 | Examination |
C. Matsudaira and K. Kunihara, Shin-raten bunpou, Toyoshuppan, 1997
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Examination(70%), homework assignments(30%)
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