Havergal's Uncalendar, 2016-2017 Academic Year

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CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
LATIN
GRADES 9 TO 12
LVLBD – Classical Languages, Level 1 Latin, Academic 1 CREDIT
LVLBDe – Classical Languages, Level 1 Latin, eLearning 1 CREDIT
LVLCU – Classical Languages, Level 2 Latin, University Preparation 1 CREDIT
LVLDU – Classical Languages, Level 3 Latin, University Preparation 1 CREDIT
LVV4U – Classical Civilization, Grade 12, University Preparation I CREDIT
LVV4Ue – Classical Civilization, Grade 12, University Preparation, eLearning 1 CREDIT
Listen in on the following conversation between two Havergal students. It may help you discover what
really goes on in a Latin classroom.
Simplicianna: Prudence, why are you studying Latin? No one speaks it any more! Isn’t it a dead
language? Why waste your time?
Prudence: By Jove, Simplicianna. Latin dead? What are you talking about? I fear that it’s your own
imagination that’s dead, not Latin.
Simplicianna: But what can you do with Latin? Does it make a difference? Can it make a difference?
I mean, what do you do with a language you can’t speak?
Prudence: You read it.
Simplicianna: Read? Why? Can’t I just watch the movie?
Prudence: Yes, there are lots of film clips in Latin. You learn that Rome is the New Troy. So, yes, go
ahead watch the movie Troy, but don’t forget to read the Aeneid. Don’t forget that it’s not just reading
that will prepare you for college. Reading is about waking up and discovering yourself—discovering how
you think; it’s all about thinking, questioning, wondering. That’s what Latin and learning are all about.
Simplicianna: How does it do that? I’ve always heard it was deadly dull and unbelievably boring!
Prudence: Words, Simplicianna, words. Latin helps you expand your vocabulary and your mind. It helps
prepare you for college. You learn that many English words have interesting and exciting histories.
Simplicianna: Like what?
Prudence: There are many examples. Try these: take the English word “study”. It comes from the Latin
studere, which means “to be excited about something,” “to be keen,” “to be engaged” with something.
Don’t you think it’s true that we want to know more about the things we are excited about, or keen on
or engaged with? We want to study them.