Course Plan: Introduction to Latin for Grade 7
Course Introduction
Welcome to "Introduction to Latin," a comprehensive 15-lesson course designed for seventh-grade students. As a foundational language course, it aims to engage students with the rich world of Latin language and culture. Latin is not only the precursor to many modern languages but also integral to various fields such as law, medicine, literature, and philosophy. This course will lay the groundwork for understanding Latin grammar, vocabulary, and its historical significance, while also connecting to the roots of English vocabulary.
Course Goals and Aims
Goals:
- To enable students to recognize and understand basic Latin vocabulary and phrases.
- To introduce students to the grammatical structures of Latin and compare them to English grammar.
- To foster an appreciation for classical culture, history, and literature.
- To develop critical thinking skills through translation and contextual interpretation of Latin texts.
Aims:
- Students will learn 150-200 Latin vocabulary words and their meanings.
- Students will understand fundamental Latin grammar rules including nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
- Students will be able to translate and construct simple Latin sentences.
- Students will explore Roman history and mythology, linking them to existing cultural knowledge and modern contexts.
Course Structure
Module 1: Introduction to Latin Language (Lessons 1-3)
Lesson 1: The Importance of Latin
- Overview of the course objectives.
- Discussion on the historical significance of Latin and its influence on modern languages.
Lesson 2: The Latin Alphabet and Phonetics
- Introduction to the Latin alphabet.
- Basic pronunciation rules.
Lesson 3: Basic Vocabulary
- Introduction to essential Latin vocabulary (greetings, numbers, days of the week).
Module 2: Latin Grammar Basics (Lessons 4-7)
Lesson 4: Nouns and Cases
- Introduction to nouns and the concept of grammatical cases (nominative, accusative).
Lesson 5: Verbs and Conjugation
- Overview of Latin verbs and present tense conjugation.
Lesson 6: Adjectives and Agreement
- Introduction to adjectives and their agreement with nouns.
Lesson 7: Building Sentences
- Constructing simple sentences in Latin using vocabulary learned.
Module 3: Expanding Vocabulary and Grammar (Lessons 8-11)
Lesson 8: Common Phrases
- Learning and using common phrases in Latin (e.g., expressions, questions).
Lesson 9: Advanced Noun and Verb Cases
- Exploring additional noun cases (genitive, dative) and verb tenses (perfect tense).
Lesson 10: Introduction to Latin Literature
- Exploration of famous Latin authors and works (such as Virgil and Ovid).
Lesson 11: Mythology and Culture
- Overview of Roman myths and historical contexts relevant to Latin.
Module 4: Application and Synthesis (Lessons 12-15)
Lesson 12: Translation Activities
- Hands-on activities translating short Latin texts and phrases.
Lesson 13: Latin in the Modern World
- Investigating how Latin influences contemporary fields (medicine, law, etc.).
Lesson 14: Review and Assessment Preparation
- Comprehensive review of key concepts and vocabulary in preparation for the final assessment.
Lesson 15: Final Assessment and Course Reflection
- Administer final assessment and engage in a course reflection discussion.
References
- Conatser, K. (2015). Latin for Beginners: An Introduction to the Latin Language. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
- Balme, M., & Morwood, J. (2013). Oxford Latin Course: Part I. Oxford University Press.
- Wheelock, F. M. (2011). Wheelock's Latin. HarperCollins.
- Scull, N. (2012). Latin: An Intensive Course. Focus Publishing/R. Pullins Co.
- McGushin, J. (2015). A Glossary of Latin Terms in English. Macmillan.
By the end of this course, students should have a foundational understanding of Latin that will prepare them for further study of the language and its applications in their academic pursuits. Enjoy your journey into the world of Latin!