Latin I 2016-2017

Magistra Murphy Rm. 250-W

Welcome to Latin I! The primary goal of this class is to provide an introduction to the Latin language. This will include studying basic vocabulary and grammar, as well as reading Latin stories and writing in Latin. Although it is no longer a spoken language, Latin is not “dead” as we so often hear; this year we will learn the relevance of Latin to other studies and in our modern society. Much of our class is devoted to learning about Roman culture and history and how it compares to our own. Topics will include famous Romans, mythology/Roman religion, literature, games and entertainment, political history and geography, among many others. Learning a new language can be hard work but it is both exciting and rewarding!

Materials

-Latin For Americans I textbook (we will use a class set; anyone who wants a copy to take home may sign one out any time during the school year)

-Latin For Americans I workbook (You can pay $18 for this book and it will be yours forever, usable for 2 years of Latin. Payment is accepted by check only – make checks out to CRN. If you choose to borrow it instead, you must cover it and you may not write in it.)

-3-ring binder with filler paper, vocabulary sheets, and hand-outs

-Folder with pockets to hold bell-ringers

-Pencils/pens

-Dry erase markers

Classroom Expectations: The following rules, in addition to policies outlined in the student manual, indicate the expected behavior that will make our class run as smoothly as possible.

  1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
  2. Bring all needed materials to class.
  3. Be ready to work from bell to bell. You must be in your seat starting the beginning activity when the bell rings. Do not pack up until you are dismissed to do so. Do not line up at the door at the end of class.
  4. Respect all people. To show respect, you must listen carefully when the teacher or another student is speaking. Respect means cooperating with and showing kindness towards classmates. Your actions and language in class must be appropriate and inclusive of others.

Out of respect for our learning environment, no cell phones should be out or used during class time.

  1. Respect all people’s property. Take good care of your textbook, workbook, desk, and borrowed materials. Do your part to keep our room clean and safe for everyone by storing all personal belongings underneath your chair.

These guidelines ensure a successful learning experience for everyone. A first violation will result in a warning; subsequent violations may result in loss of participation credit, contact home, conferences, or referral to administration, depending on the situation.

Policies

-Leaving class: If you must leave class for the bathroom or water fountain, take the pass. Only one student may leave at a time; if you do not have the pass, you do not have permission. Excepting dire emergencies, you will not be excused to the bathroom during tests, quizzes, while learning new material, or while translating with a partner.

-Absentee policy: If you miss class, you are responsible for finding out what you missed and making up missed assignments; your online calendar and in-class partner are your first resources for catching up. Hand-outs are available from the file-holder in class. If you miss a quiz or a test, you have five school days from your absence to make it up. In-class make-ups may not always be possible. Plan to come to clinic. Quizzes or tests which have not been made up within that window lose 20% of their value for each additional day you have not made them up. Long absences or special circumstances will be considered for exemption from this policy but you must discuss this with Magistra.

-Homework is due when class begins. It may be spot-checked, collected, or reviewed as a class depending on the assignment. Long-term (2 or more nights) homework assignments will lose 50% credit for each day late. For daily assignments from the workbook or hand-outs, late homework will not be accepted.

-Clinic: Extra help is available during clinic from 2:15-3:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays or by appointment – these days are marked with an asterisk (*) on the online calendar. Come in for help as soon as you don’t understand a concept.

-Class Website: It is expected that students will refer to the class website frequently for the calendar of assignments and to make themselves aware of upcoming quizzes/tests/projects.

-Latin Club is open to all students taking Latin and anyone interested in the Latin language and Roman culture. Details and meeting dates will be provided in class.

Grading Guidelines

-Class Participation20-25%

  • In-class group and individual assignments
  • Adherence to class rules, cooperation, and attentiveness in class
  • Bell-ringer assignments & checks

-Homework 10-15%

-Quizzes, Tests, and Projects 60-65%

  • Expect brief quizzes on vocab and grammar weekly; there are no pop quizzes.
  • Tests occur at the end of each unit of study.
  • Expect approximately two projects per marking period.

Nota Bene:

* The above percentages are approximations.

* As per school policy, assessments will be reviewed with students and made available to take home; certain district assessments, which will be noted in advance, may not be taken home.

* The Midterm will constitute 25% of the 2nd marking period grade.

* The Final is cumulative and will constitute 25% of the 4th marking period grade.