Description and Objectives

The composition class reviews the student’s passive knowledge of the language (reading and listening) and pushes him to activate it through writing and speaking. We will work across genres like letter-writing, speeches, dialogues, narratives, and arguments to help the boys attend more closely to syntax, deepen their vocabulary, polish their style, and improve their word choice. Ultimately, since writing is distilled thought, the boys who take this class will have stronger writing and thinking skills both in Latin and English. Most quizzes will test writing skills, but the boys will be asked to give one prepared presentation each quarter in Latin.

 

Textbooks

 

• Bradley’s Arnold Latin Prose Composition. One copy provided to each student.
• Latinitas Perennis: New Exercises in Latin Prose Composition by Stephen M. Beall
• Introduction to Latin Prose Composition by Milena Minkova
• Readings and Exercises in Latin Prose Composition: From Antiquity to the Renaissance by Milena Minkova and Terence Tunberg

 

 

 

Course Requirements

The course grade will be based on the following grades:

• about twenty (20) Compositions. English-to-Latin translations. 100 points each.
• ad hoc quizzes to review morphology, vocabulary, or grammar. 10 points each.
• at least one memorization and recitation of a Latin text. 100 points.
• Morphology Exam. 100 multiple choice questions. Second quarter only. 100 points each.
• above all, follow the syllabus. When you go to college, no one will teach you how to follow a syllabus or use the word “homework”: you will be expected to be able to do it already.

 

Successful Students

• Study Latin at least fifteen solid minutes every day of the week, (that means tunnel vision from 0–15, no distractions, no touching or looking at a phone).
• ask their peers for help!
• seek out the instructor during office hours.
• do not just keep up: get ahead of the syllabus.
• read Latin every day out loud, slowly, and with attention. I repeat: 1.) out loud; 2.) slowly; 3.) with attention.

 

Additional Resources

•  Changes to the calendar will be announced as needed throughout the course.
• A PDF version of your English-Latin dictionary: English Latin Dictionary Bradley’s Arnold
• A PDF version of your textbook: Bradley’s Arnold Latin Prose Composition