Classics
The study of classical languages and literature provides a unique opportunity to explore our linguistic and cultural heritage. Students at all levels of Ancient Greek and Latin make connections between the ancient and the modern. They do this by the careful study of grammar, by learning about roots and the derivations of words in English and other modern languages, and by learning about the Greek and Roman institutions that are the exemplars of the political and literary institutions of today.
While the lower level courses provide thorough instruction in Greek or Latin grammar and syntax, they also provide a lively window into the lives of the people of ancient Athens or Rome. Students begin to read simple Greek or Latin almost immediately in these early levels. In the advanced courses some of the greatest works of western literature are studied in depth: Caesar’s Gallic War, Cicero’s orations against Catiline, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Vergil’s Aeneid, Plato’s Apology of Socrates, Homer’s Iliad are a few of the Greek and Latin classics taught.
A minimum of three credits of study in one language is required for graduation. However, most students advance to the fourth or Advanced Placement® level and beyond. Students must earn these credits in Grades 9 through 12. The third credit of the graduation requirement must be earned during the school year at Hopkins.
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Grade 7
This is a beginning course for students with little or no knowledge of Latin. Through the reading of simple Latin stories, students learn the fundamentals of Latin grammar and meet a Roman family of the first century c.e. The relationship of Latin to English and other languages is emphasized.
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Grade 8
This course completes the introduction to Latin
grammar begun in Latin IA. Students read Latin stories
of greater complexity and further develop their
understanding of how languages work. Students explore
selected aspects of ancient Roman history and society
through Latin and English readings, discussion, and
projects. Students who complete this course successfully
are qualified to enroll in Latin II. (Prerequisite: Latin IA
or equivalent)
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Grades 8–12
This is a beginning course for students who have not
studied Latin before or whose background in Latin is
not sufficient for more advanced work. All of the basic
forms, grammar and vocabulary of Latin are introduced,
and students receive extensive practice in translating
through the reading of passages adapted from Latin
literature. Students explore aspects of ancient Roman
history, society, and culture.
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Grades 8–12
Students review the material presented in Latin I and
continue the study of grammar to include a wide range
of Latin verb forms and sentence structures. Through
the reading of passages adapted from Latin literature
students hone their translation skills. This course
continues the exploration of topics of ancient Roman
history and culture. (Prerequisite: Latin IB, Latin I, or
equivalent)
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Grades 9–12
In this intermediate course students continue their
study of Latin grammar, and engage grammar and syntax
through exercises in Latin prose composition. Students
develop their skills in reading Latin, and explore the
political, cultural, and literary landscape of classical
Rome through reading selections from authors such as
Cicero, Caesar, and Ovid. (Prerequisite: Latin II
or equivalent)
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Grades 10–12
This course further expands the student’s experience
reading and analyzing selected works from Latin
literature, such as Vergil, Catullus and Ovid. The course
focuses on building reading fluency, translation skills,
and literary appreciation by extensive reading in Latin,
at a flexible pace. Attention is given to close reading
and analytical writing skills as students discuss and
write about these works with particular attention to
literary style and artistry. Through readings, discussions,
and other class activities, students explore cultural and
historical topics. Latin IV and Latin V are combined
into one class, with a rotating curriculum. (Prerequisite:
Latin III or equivalent)
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Grades 11–12
This course offers students who have completed Latin
IV more experience reading and analyzing selected
works from Latin literature. Students continue to read
selections from Latin authors, such as Vergil, Catullus
and Ovid. The course focuses on building reading
fluency, translation skills, and literary appreciation by
extensive reading in Latin, at a flexible pace. Attention
is given to close reading and analytical writing skills
as students discuss and write about these works with
particular attention to literary style and artistry. Through
readings, discussions, and other class activities, students
explore cultural and historical topics. Latin IV and
Latin V are combined into one class, with a rotating
curriculum. (Prerequisite: Latin IV or equivalent)
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Grades 10–12
Students read in Latin selections from Vergil’s epic poem,
the Aeneid, and Caesar’s commentary, the Gallic War.
Close reading of the Latin and detailed examination of
both authors’ literary techniques are stressed. Selections
of the Aeneid are read in English, as well as further
sections of the Gallic War. Students gain considerable
practice writing analytical essays about the artistry
and themes of the Aeneid and the literary style and
historical context of the Gallic War. This course prepares
students for the Advanced Placement® Examination in
Vergil and Caesar. (Prerequisite: Latin III, IV, or V, and
departmental approval)
*AP® and Advanced Placement®, are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.
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Grades 11 & 12
This course is intended for students who have completed
the AP®Latin course. The purpose of the course is to round
out the student’s experience of reading and appreciating
Latin authors of Rome’s late Republican and Augustan
periods. Students discuss selections from authors such as
Catullus, Cicero, Horace, Vergil, Ovid, and Livy. Close
reading of the Latin and a detailed examination of the
authors’ literary and artistic merits are stressed. Students
explore the historical context and cultural significance of
the literary works. The course also addresses the problems
and practice of literary translation. The curriculum of
this course will change to accommodate students who
wish to continue their Latin studies further. (Prerequisite:
AP®Latin: Vergil and Caesar and departmental approval)
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Grades 9–12
[Greek I is also offered through MSON]
This is a beginning course for students who have not
studied ancient Greek before or whose background in
Greek is not sufficient for more advanced work. Students
proceed through a study of grammar and vocabulary to
the reading and writing of sentences and short narratives
in the language of Athens of the fifth century b.c.e.
Selected topics in Greek history and art are also considered.
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Grades 10–12
After a review of the material learned in Greek I,
students expand their knowledge of grammar and
vocabulary to include a wider range of verb forms and
sentence structures. Through reading passages adapted
from ancient authors, students hone their translation
skills, and explore aspects of Greek history and culture.
(Prerequisite: Greek I or equivalent)
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Grades 11 & 12
In this intermediate course, students complete their study
of Greek grammar and syntax. Thereafter, students study
the works of one or more Greek authors in their original
form. Selected works of Plato and of Homer (selections
from Iliad or Odyssey) are studied at the discretion of the
teacher. (Prerequisite: Greek II or equivalent)
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Grade 12
Students expand their experience of reading classical Greek
literature in the original. The instructor selects works to
represent the important genres of Greek literature, including Greek drama. (Prerequisite: Greek III or equivalent)
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1 credit for Hopkins students entering grades 10–12.
This is a beginning course for students who have not studied ancient Greek before or whose background in Greek is not sufficient for more advanced work. Students proceed through a study of grammar and vocabulary to the reading and writing of sentences and short narratives in the language of Athens of the fifth century B.C.E. Students will also explore ancient Greek culture and history through readings in English translation from the Iliad and Odyssey, as well as other selections from ancient Greek authors. Selected topics in Greek history and art are also considered. This course would count for an elective credit, but not fulfill a language requirement (three years of the same language during the regular school year).
Christopher MaharidgeClassics Department Chair / Academic Support203.397.1001 x735Xavier University - B.A.
John AndersonClassics / Community Service203-397-1001University of California at Berkeley - A.B.
Kate HorsleyClassics / Academic Support203.397.1001 x131Oberlin College - B.A.
Miguel PizarroClassics203.397.1001 x799Princeton University - A.B.
Carrie SheaClassics / Academic Support203.397.1001 x698Mount Holyoke College - B.A.
Eileen StrangeClassics203.397.1001 x775College of New Rochelle - B.A.
