All students study Latin in their first and second years. Advanced and regular courses in Latin literature are available to juniors and seniors. Greek is also available as an elective beginning in junior year. In addition to Advanced Placement courses, students who qualify may obtain up to twelve credits in Latin and Greek at the University of Scranton. Such credits may be granted through recommendation by Scranton Preparatory School. They may satisfy general degree requirements at the University or may be applied as part of a classics major.
Latin I
Latin I presents the fundamentals of Latin grammar and vocabulary in the context of graded readings. Students acquire fundamental linguistic skills as they learn through listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The contact with the linguistic organization provides disciplinary value and emphasis on the nature of words contributes to the students’ command of their own tongue. The most important objective of the work in first year is the establishing of a firm foundation in vocabulary, forms, syntax, and basic reading.
Latin II
In the first semester students review first-year material and learn several new grammatical constructions as they practice reading simple Latin based on the early legends and history of Rome. In the second semester, students read the authentic Latin of Livy, Caesar, and Ovid. Supplementary reading in mythology and ancient politics give students a wider understanding of the Roman world. Students continue to hone their linguistic skills as they encounter more difficult Latin passages. Students demonstrate their ability to comprehend the Latin through translation, paraphrase, and interrogation in Latin. Frequent reading at sight leads to a mastery of reading and comprehension in Latin.
A.P. Latin
A.P. Latin is an elective course open to juniors and seniors. The classical epic is studied as a unique literary form. The Latin text of Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic War is analyzed and substantial portions carefully examined with emphasis on poetic technique and literary merit. Supplementary reading in contemporary journals and in critical evaluations is required. Students will prepare for the College Board A.P. Latin Examination. Students will develop skills in analysis and critical thinking as they are asked to translate, analyze, and interpret the Latin text. Through frequent essays students demonstrate their comprehension of the Latin text and the major themes of the works. This course carries eligibility for college credit at the University of Scranton.
Latin Literature (III/IV)
Latin Literature is an elective course open to juniors and seniors. The literature read in the course rotates from year to year and includes works by Vergil, Ovid, Catullus, Horace, and Cicero. Students further develop their analytical skills by reading longer passages in Latin, while keeping up with their forms, syntax, and grammar. In addition, frequent essays give students a chance to display their understanding of the works. This course carries eligibility for college credit at the University of Scranton.
Honors Latin
Honors Latin offers a survey of the works of Catullus and Ovid. Students read selections from the following: the poems of Catullus and Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Amores. In addition, other works may be read at the instructor’s discretion. In this course, students develop greater proficiency in translating and interpreting Latin literature and in reading progressively more difficult sight passages. Supplementary reading in contemporary journals and in critical evaluations is required.
Greek I
Greek I is an elective course offered to juniors. This course presents the fundamentals of Greek grammar and vocabulary with emphasis on etymology. In addition to language itself, students examine early Greek legends and Greek culture and begin to develop the skills of translation and interpretation of varies Greek authors and texts. Students apply linguistic organizations skills learned in Latin I and II to their study of Greek.
Greek II
The Greek II course begin with a grammar and vocabulary review as a means to enhancing skills that students develop throughout the year in reading, translation, and interpretation of classical Greek prose: historical (e.g. Xenophon’s Anabasis), religious (e.g. the Greek New Testament) and philosophical (e.g. Plato’s Apology). Students also acquire a thorough understanding of classical Greek culture through their studies. This course carries eligibility for college at the University of Scranton.
Myth and Epic
Myth & Epic is a senior elective which provides students with an opportunity to study the development of literature from its oral tradition to eventual written form. The course focuses on the stories of Roman and Greek mythology and early epic literature and explains how such stories provide the key to understanding many aspects of the ancient world and the cultures of modern societies. It also explores the similarities and differences between primitive and modern perceptions of life as seen through literature. The course provides students with a point of reference for understanding the rich tradition of much of world literature (ancient and modern) which is derived from these ancient stories and their forms. Students will read Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and excerpts from Vergil’s Aeneid and Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
