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Latin

Latin Beginners 1

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

An introduction to straightforward Latin texts with some focus on grammar and vocabulary. Background work on Latin culture and context from antiquity to the present day.

In choosing where to start (Beginners 1, 2 or 3), students should consult the information on prerequisites. 

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

Beginners 1 is targeted at absolute Beginners – those with no previous experience of the language.

This course is designed for complete beginners and will be taught for them. No previous experience is required, and guidance will be given on English grammar terms. However, students who have already met some Latin should find it profitable for revision, and would be welcome.

If you have any queries, please contact languagesforall@ed.ac.uk  .

Special Information

 

 

Content of Course

The following will be covered across Beginners 1, 2 and 3:

  • Introduction - alphabet, pronunciation, grammar

  • Introduction to cases

  • Nouns, adjectives, adverbs

  • Verbs - active

  • Sentence structure

  • Aspects of Roman culture

  • Reading inscriptions

  • Cultural History: looking at social aspects such as family, villa, forum and theatre

 

 

Teaching method(s)

The course is class based and will include translation and text analysis as well as input and discussion of the wider context of the language. The lessons include whole class activities and pair or small group work.

Learning is assessed informally throughout the course with the teacher providing feedback on practice tasks at end of the course in revision and tests.

 

Learning outcomes

On completion of all 3 Beginners courses, students will be able to

  • Recognise a range of Latin vocabulary
  • Interpret basic constructions
  • Read a straightforward Latin text

     

Sources

Core Readings

To study this course you will need the course book. Your tutor will advise you on the purchase of the textbook at your first class.

Cambridge Latin Course Book 1 (Cambridge: CUP, 1997)

There are numerous Latin grammar websites, easily found via Google, which can be helpful, and there are also several sites offering Latin versions of contemporary news stories, e.g. Nuntii Latini, Ephemeris, also easy to find via Google. Note, however, that the Latin in these news sites can be quite complex.

Class Handouts

Handouts supplementary to the coursebook.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.