Course expectations

Learning Latin is a demanding endeavor, and this class will require a lot from you.  Success in this course, as in all language study, is achieved through systematic, regular and concentrated study.  Don’t get behind on the reading or things will rapidly go downhill.  If for any reason you have not done the preparation, please let me know at the beginning of class.

The majority of your out-of-class time should be spent on memorization and preparing assignments and readings.  I encourage you to work in pairs or small groups to share insights, work through difficulties and make friends.  And please don’t hesitate to see me if you are having problems, or just want to discuss Latin or anything else. 

You can expect me to help you with all your Latin needs, during my office hours.  I teach other classes, so if you need to see me and cannot make scheduled office hours, please make an appointment; otherwise, I can’t guarantee that I will be available. I will answer email inquiries within 24 hours, and usually much more quickly than that.

A note on memorization

Memorization is the engine that will make your Latin experience run.  Unfortunately, it’s an often inefficient engine that must be fed with copious amounts of time.  Make sure you set aside time each day for memorizing: vocabulary, morphology, and syntax.  You’ll find that consistent memorization will be the most efficient and effective path towards mastering the material.

On class participation
It almost goes without saying that you have to be present in the classroom in order to be able to participate in class.  Regular attendance is therefore imperative if you want to attain a high grade.  If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are abreast of what you have missed, including announcements made in class. 
In addition to being present in class in body, you should also be present in mind, and it is thoughtful and enthusiastic participation that will win the highest dividends.  In computing the participation portion that makes up 20% of your grade, I will take regular stock of the following aspects:
• your preparation for class (have you figured out not only what you understand and don’t understand, but analyzed what is stumping you in a particular example?)
• your attendance in class
• your active participation in class (i.e. are you alert and involved, or unfocused and passive?)
• your contribution to class discussion (both open discussion and discussion of readings)
• your performance in class projects
• your contribution to creating a positive class environment

It hardly needs to be stated that when our class is in session, you must be respectful to me and to your classmates.  This means: please do not eat in class (drinking is fine).  Please also go to the bathroom, get a drink of water, kleenex, et cetera, BEFORE class.  Getting up to leave in the middle of class shows a lack of respect to your fellow students and members of the community.

Finally, if you are struggling with any aspect of the course, please talk to me about the problem, the sooner the better.  There are many learning techniques that can serve a range of learning styles.  Feel free to come by my office or to email me at afenton@haverford.edu.

Grading policy

Your grade will be based partly on numerical percentages and partly as noted by the instructor.  Grades are based on the following:

• chapter quizzes (50%)
• final exam (20%)
• graded homework assignments and daily quizzes (10%)
• daily class preparation (20%)

We will have one quiz covering each chapter (about one every other week).  Homework assignments will sometimes be graded; you should be ready to turn in each day’s assignment at the beginning of class.  In addition, I will regularly give brief (5 minute) mini-quizzes. 

Accommodation of disabilities
If you have specific physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities and require accommodations, please let me know during the first week of classes so that your learning needs may be met appropriately.  You should also contact Rick Webb, Coordinator, Office of Disabilities Services (rwebb@haverford.edu, 610-896-1290) to coordinate reasonable accommodations for your disability. Documentation will be necessary, and recommendations for procedure essential to helping you in the best way possible, as well.

Required texts
Keller, Andrew and Russell, Stephanie.  Learn to Read Latin.  Yale University Press, 2004. 
            Vol. 1: textbook
            Vol. 2: workbook

I will endeavor to put all course documents (including the syllabus, assignment lists and handouts) on the course Blackboard site.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Last day to drop a course: Friday, September 21
Fall break: Saturday, October 13 – Sunday, October 21
Registration for Fall ’07 begins: Thursday, November 15
Our last class: Friday, December 14