Latin Program

Why Study Latin?

 

Latin is an effective tool for developing the mind and for developing patterns of thinking in a systematic manner. Latin promotes logical thinking and reasoning which aids students in other systematic subjects such as math and science, helping them to excel in these subjects.

In the fields of science and technology, over 90% of English terms are from Latin or Greek.  To excel at STEM subjects, a firm grasp of STEM vocabulary is an asset.  One of the best ways to acquire that vocabulary is through the study of Latin and Greek.

The study of Latin enhances the ability to synthesize information.  Latin is a cumulative subject in which later lessons build upon earlier ones.  The study of Latin aids in the mastery of other cumulative subjects, such as math and many sciences.

More than half of the words in the English language derive from Latin and Greek (mostly Latin).  The study of Latin helps to develop an understanding of these words and words related to them. For example, the Latin word for “send” is “mitto, mittere, misi, missus” from which English derives:  submit, transmit, commit, mission, missive, etc.

In the fields of law, government and theology most terms are either derived from Latin or are actually Latin terms unaltered from the original language.

Latin is one of the best tools for understanding English grammar and grammatical structure.

Latin is the root of several European Languages including Spanish, French and Italian.  The study of Latin, which is not a spoken language, will help in the accelerated acquisition of other spoken languages.

When learning English spellings, Latin is the second half to phonics.  English itself is made of two main roots: words derived from Germanic languages and words derived from Latin.  Phonics can help in the study of the English words derived from Germanic stems, but Latin helps in the study of those derived from Latin roots.

Latin is the language of European history.  The language of Europe for over a thousand years was Latin. To understand our cultural heritage and background, a knowledge of Latin is greatly beneficial.  The understanding of history is a crucial step in responsible decision making for our society in the future. 

Course Rotation

Latin and Classics Course Rotation (updated Fall 2020)

 LatinClassics
Fall 2020101110
Sprng 2021102110
Fall 2021101110
Spring 2022102110
Fall 2022101110
Spring 2023102110
Fall 2023101110
Spring 2024102110