You'll get the basics of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. The course covers noun declensions, verb conjugations, and common Latin phrases. You'll read simple Latin texts, learn about Roman culture, and start translating basic passages. It's all about building a foundation for reading classical Latin literature and understanding ancient Roman civilization.

Is Elementary Latin hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you've never studied an inflected language before. The grammar rules and vocabulary might seem overwhelming at first. But don't worry, most students find it manageable with consistent practice. The key is to stay on top of your work and not fall behind. Once you get the hang of the patterns, it starts to click.

Tips for taking Elementary Latin in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Make flashcards for vocabulary and grammar rules
Practice declensions and conjugations daily
Form a study group to review translations together
Use mnemonic devices for remembering case endings (e.g., "Mario Lemieux Scored A Goal" for Masculine singular endings)
Watch "Gladiator" or "Rome" for some historical context and motivation
Read "Lingua Latina per se Illustrata" for extra practice with an immersive approach

Common pre-requisites for Elementary Latin

Introduction to Ancient Roman History: This course covers the major events and figures of ancient Rome. You'll learn about the Roman Republic, the rise of the Empire, and key cultural aspects.
Classical Mythology: Dive into the stories of Greek and Roman gods and heroes. This class explores the myths that shaped ancient Mediterranean culture and their influence on literature and art.

Classes similar to Elementary Latin

Ancient Greek I: Learn the basics of ancient Greek, including the alphabet, grammar, and vocabulary. This course focuses on reading simple texts and understanding the language of classical Greek literature.
Introduction to Indo-European Languages: Explore the family of languages that includes Latin, Greek, and many modern European languages. You'll learn about shared linguistic features and the development of these languages over time.
Roman Literature in Translation: Read and analyze famous works of Roman literature in English translation. This course covers poetry, drama, and prose from various periods of Roman history.

Classics: Focuses on the languages, literature, and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Students study Latin and Greek, read classical texts in the original languages, and explore ancient history and archaeology.
Ancient Studies: Examines the civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean world. Students learn about history, art, literature, and religion from various ancient cultures, including Rome, Greece, Egypt, and the Near East.
Medieval Studies: Concentrates on European history, culture, and languages from the fall of Rome to the Renaissance. Students often study Latin as it was used throughout the Middle Ages in literature, philosophy, and religious texts.

What can you do with a degree in Elementary Latin?

Teacher: Educate students about Latin language and Roman culture in high schools or colleges. You might also teach other subjects related to classical studies or ancient history.
Translator: Work on translating Latin texts for academic publications, museums, or historical research projects. This could involve ancient literature, historical documents, or inscriptions.
Archaeologist: Participate in excavations of Roman sites and analyze artifacts with Latin inscriptions. You'd use your language skills to help interpret findings and contribute to our understanding of ancient Roman life.