Latin: Elementary - Consolidation



Overview

This 10-week consolidation course is based on the syllabus of the previous two terms (most recently – Latin: Beginners - Part 2) and is primarily tailored to meet the needs of students who completed the weekly class, but new students who are at the appropriate level of proficiency are also welcome. Students who missed some live sessions during the previous two terms and wish to catch up for the next level in the next academic year are encouraged to join. It will comprise one weekly, one-hour pre-recorded lecture to be viewed by students in preparation for the weekly tutor-led live session at the advertised time. Students will be encouraged to prepare and study at home.

The course works from material uploaded to the course Canvas page each week: no textbook is required, but there is an additional recommended reading list intended to supplement the weekly material.  Each lecture will revise, and expand upon, the basic principles of each weekly grammar topic. You will be invited to complete exercises on the separate handout. Each handout will have information and work for the week, including drills, translation exercises, and new vocabulary.

The course aims to consolidate familiar grammar and vocabulary but also to introduce new grammatical components and expand vocabulary. The live sessions will focus on the translation of unadapted Latin literature, introducing a range of different forms of Latin literature, and placing them within their literary, social and historical contexts.

By the end of the course, students will have developed a broader vocabulary; deepened their understanding of key grammatical and linguistic principles of Latin; translated a number of unadapted Latin literary works, and engaged with them on a range of critical levels.

Programme details

First live webinar: 23 April 2025, 4.30-5.30pm (UK time)

Week 1: Introduction and verbs - the irregular verb 'sum'; first conjugation; second conjugation. 

Week 2: Nouns - the Latin case system; 1st declension nouns; second declension nouns. 

Week 3: Nouns - 3rd declension nouns; Adjectives - 3rd declension.

Week 4: Adjectives - 1st and 2nd declension adjectives; 2nd declension neuter adjectives; irregular nouns. 

Week 5: Verbs - imperatives; the verb 'eo'; prepositions; possessive adjectives; personal pronouns. 

Week 6: Nouns and adjectives - 1st and 2nd declension nouns and adjectives in -er; 3rd and 4th conjugation verbs.  

Week 7: Interrogative pronouns/adjectives; 3rd declension neuter nouns.  

Week 8: Verbs - mixed conjugations; imperatives; enclitic -ne. 

Week 9: Verbs -  irregular verbs 'fero' and 'volo'; quid + genitive. 

Week 10: Personal pronouns; infinitives; prinicipal parts of verbs. 

Textbooks

In addition to the course textbook, there will be additional learning resources made available for self-study and consolidation.

Fees

Description Costs
Course Fee £275.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Mrs Elena Vacca

Elena Giulia Vacca is a Classicist specialising in Comparative Literature and Classical Reception in Russian Literature. She lectures in Latin Language at the University of Oxford and is also a Classics tutor for Latin and Classical Greek in City Literary Institute of London. She is currently working on her PhD project at the University of Oxford. She also teaches Italian as a foreign language (L2) in the Italian Cultural Institute of London.

Course aims

  • To equip students with a strong foundation for fundamental Latin grammar and syntax, help them develop a small working vocabulary, and introduce them to reading basic Latin texts. 
  • To cover through translation and exercises the grammar topics as outlined in the programme details.
  • To develop understanding of the Roman cultural world through discussion of the adapted texts and their context.
  • To encourage students to pursue Latin at a higher level. 

Teaching methods

Learning takes place on a weekly schedule. At the start of each weekly unit, students are provided with learning materials on our online platform, including one hour of pre-recorded video, often supplemented by guided readings and educational resources. These learning materials prepare students for a one-hour live webinar with an expert tutor at the end of each weekly unit which they attend in small groups. Webinars are held on Microsoft Teams, and provide the opportunity for students to respond to discussion prompts and ask questions. The blend of weekly learning materials that can be worked through flexibly, together with a live meeting with a tutor and their peers, maximise learning and engagement through interaction in a friendly, supportive environment.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be expected to: 

1. have a strong and demonstrable understanding of basic Latin grammar and syntax, displayed through weekly assignments, class work and discussions, and quizzes. 

2. be able to read and write basic Latin sentences, and analyse their grammar and syntax. 

3. be able to comprehend basic, adapted Latin prose and dramatic texts, with a view to pursuing further study and reading autonomously. 

Assessment methods

You will be set optional assignments to consolidate your learning and to allow you to progress at your own pace. Weekly tests/quizzes and homework will provide a means of gauging progress over the course. 

Application

Please use the 'Book now' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment Form (Word) or Enrolment Form (Pdf)

We will close to enrolments 7 days prior to the first live webinar to allow us to complete the course set up. We will email your joining instructions at that time (7 days before you first live webinar) so you can access the Canvas virtual learning environment (VLE) and watch your first pre-recorded video. Please check spam and junk folders during this period to ensure that these emails are received. 

Level and demands

Latin: Beginners assumes no prior knowledge of Latin, but it is also suitable for those who wish to refresh their Latin. To benefit from the course, regular preparation in advance of each class is strongly encouraged. In addition to the course textbook, there will be additional learning resources for self-study and consolidation.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support