Aeneas, Catullus, and the Meaning of Life

Dr. John Roth

Office in the Performing Arts Center
CLASS PAGE: drroth.weebly.com
This page contains a calendar of what we shall be doing each day. You should check
it daily for your assignments. You will also find a copy of the syllabus on the web
page and important information about this course.
TEXTS:

Faciles Graecae: Jason, Medea and the Argonauts

Boyd: Selections from Vergils Aeneid, Books 1-6
Love and Betrayal: A Catullus Reader
What we are doing this year
In Latin IV, we will reviewing some grammar and in the fall semester
read The Argonauts and Vergils Aeneid, a poetic masterpiece. We shall end
the year with the wit, wisdom, and pathos of the first century BC poet,
Catullus.

Expectations
I expect you to make a positive effort.
I expect you to seek help quickly if you are confused or are starting to
fall behind.
I expect you to do your own work and abide by the schools Honor
Code. I expect you to abide by the pledge and to truthfully sign the
pledge on all quizzes and tests.
You can expect that I always want you to do well and be successful in
this class!

Grading
Your grade is composed of quizzes and tests.
Translations and vocabulary lists.
You are expected to write out translations of every homework passage. A
separate page for a vocabulary list will help you to re-read (during class, for
example) without looking at your English translation.. Frequently you will be
allowed to use these lists during translation quizzes and tests. An acceptable
vocabulary list will follow the format used by Fabulae Graecae .
During class you should correct homework translations, take notes on
grammatical topics, as well as unfamiliar vocabulary. In class we will work
together on reading and discussing the text. When you read in class, put
away your translation and use your own vocabulary list to help you.

Homework
Daily. There will either be a translation or study for a quiz. A carefully
prepared written translation is the primary way for improving your Latin
reading ability. The amount of time and effort that you put into these
assignments will directly impact your success in Latin. Again, this is an upper
level course. If you do not do the written translations on a regular basis, do
not expect to do very well in the class.
Quizzes
There will be regular announced quizzes. They comprise the majority of your
grade. They are on vocabulary, the charts of nouns, verbs, adjectives,
grammar, and translation. A good translation will be literal and reflect a solid
understanding of and familiarity with the grammar and vocabulary. I will
drop the lowest quiz grade at the end of each semester. Vocabulary quizzes.
You will be responsible for vocabulary from previous chapters on each new
vocabulary quiz.

Tests and Exams

Tests are just quizzes over more material. Their purpose is to keep you
familiar (i.e., get you to review) with what you have read earlier in the
course. There will be a semester exam in December and a Final Exam in May.

What to do if you are absent

You will want to keep track of missed assignments. If you
miss class due to an appointment or a sporting event, you still need to
prepare the assignment for the next day. If you are ill, I will work with you so
you can catch up. I do expect that you will come to see me if you need
support.

Keys to Success in Latin IV

Before beginning the next homework translation passage, briefly
review what we read in the days class.
Daily, review the last classs vocabulary words for a few minutes.
Be sure you have them memorized by the quiz (Friday).
Weekly: Review the current vocabulary words and the weeks
Latin passages. Be sure you have learned the words and understand
the Latin you have read.

Virtus et Honor