Upper School Course of Study: Classical Languages

The Classics Department in the Upper School offers Latin and Greek language classes as well as a course in Mythology headed by instructor Sarah Roach. Mrs. Roach obtained her B.A. and M.A.L.S. from Mary Washington College, is the author of Libellus Fabularum Latinarum, published by University Press America in 1997, and has been at Highland since 1984. Every spring, Mrs. Roach's classes go on an optional educational trip to Europe where students learn about foreign cultures and traditions. If you have any further questions please contact Mrs. Roach via e-mail at sroach@highlandschool.org or call (540) 878-2700.

COURSE OF STUDY 2009-10

(All courses are not offered every year.)

GREEK

Greek I (full year) (course number 417)
Greek introduces the grammatical concepts of the fifth century Attic Greek.  It lays the basis for future language study, builds a sound basis of Greek grammar through the reinforcement of English grammar, and increases English vocabulary.  The curriculum includes extensive exercises to develop students’ language and translation skills, to teach them to comprehend and to write simple sentences in Greek, and to improve basic grammar skills.  Prior language study, especially in Latin, is not necessary but certainly is helpful.  Complementing the language study are selections from the text for translation, oral reports, selected field trips, and the National Greek Examination.

Greek II (full year) (course number 438)
Greek II is a continuation of the grammar study of the first year.  Students complete the Book One course of the Greek I text and continue to Book Two.  Complementing the language study are selections from the text for translation, oral reports, selected field trips, and the National Greek Examination.

LATIN

Latin I (full year) (course number 412)
Latin I introduces the concepts of an inflected language, lays the basis for future language study, builds a sound basis of English grammar through the teaching of Latin grammar, and increases English vocabulary.  The curriculum includes exercises to develop students' language skills.  Extensive Latin passages, covered in class, are designed to increase students’ translation skills, and frequent vocabulary quizzes expand their vocabulary in both English and Latin.  Complementing the language study are lectures on various aspects of Roman culture, emphasizing its contribution to western civilization, selected field trips, and the National Latin Exam. 

Latin II (full year) (course number 413)
Latin II is a continuation of the grammar and cultural study of Latin I.  Latin II students begin the year with a review of the material from Latin I and then continue their study of grammar throughout the remainder of the year.  Culturally, students examine Roman Egypt, including Antony and Cleopatra and the Battle of Actium.  During the second semester students concentrate on Roman Britain, which is preparation for the study of Caesar. Complementing the language study are selected field trips, the National Latin exam, and other state competitions.

Latin III (full year) (course number 414)
Latin III students begin the year with a short grammar review and continue working in Unit III of the Cambridge Latin series, during which time they complete their formal study of grammar. Culturally, students study Roman religion, the calendar, and baths.  During the second semester, students move on to a study of Julius Caesar, his army, and his Commentarii de Bello Gallico.  Students compete in various competitions, including the National Latin Exam; additionally, juniors and seniors taking this course are encouraged to take the Latin section of the SAT II.

Latin IV (full year) (course number 415)
During the first semester, Latin IV students translate selections of Ovid's epic poem, the Metamorphoses, and his elegies the Amores.  In addition to studying the poetic devices particular to Ovid, students conquer scanning dactylic hexameter meter and elegiac couplets.  During the second semester, students translate Petronius’ Cena Trimalchionis. 

Latin IV Honors (full year) (course number 436)
In Latin IV, students begin the year with a short grammar review.  Students then resume the storyline in Britain upon returning to the Unit 3 text.  Students also study the city of ancient Rome, including the Forum Romanum, Masada, and Roman engineering.  In the Unit 4 text, students examine the works of various authors, including Martial, Pliny, Vergil, Phaedrus, Catullus, Cicero, and Ovid. They will learn how to scan dactylic hexameter and analyze elegiac and epic poetry.  Students will participate in the National Latin Exam and various state competitions.

Latin V (full year) (course number 418)
This class gives students a wonderful opportunity to add an extra year of foreign language to their high school transcript and offers a variety of Roman Republican literature, including selections from Virgil's epic, the Aeneid, Livy's historical Ab Urbe Condita, and Apuleius' satirical Metamorphosis.  Students compete in various state contests and the National Latin Examination.

CLASSICS ELECTIVES

Classical Mythology (semester elective) (course number 419)
This class is an introduction to the primary characters and most important stories of Greek and Roman mythology.  Following the text of H. A. Guerber, this course covers the Greek concept of creation and the main Greek and Roman gods, including Zeus, Hera, Athena, Poseidon, Apollo, Ares, and Aphrodite.  Next, Greek Heroes such as Hercules, Perseus, Theseus, and Jason are discussed; the course finishes with the Trojan War.  Contemporary films and documentaries complement classroom discussion and readings

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