Upper-Level Program in Latin
In the Upper-Level programs, students apply the same rigorous emphasis on morphology and syntax that characterizes the Basic programs to reading an ambitious list of ancient texts. These programs are just as—if not more—demanding than the Basic programs and require the same level of commitment and focus. These courses are designed for qualified students who have completed the basic program in Latin plus additional upper-level work in the language, or at one year (two semesters) of college-level Latin. The emphasis is on reading a substantial body of literature at a high level of grammatical precision.
The Upper-Level programs run for seven weeks: during the first week, students intensively review basic morphology and syntax. For the remaining six weeks, the greatest effort is directed toward translating and analyzing texts. Daily quizzes, special tutorials, and frequent drills are included. The large amount of reading is enriched by regular prose composition exercises. Throughout, there is emphasis on aspects of criticism that derive from a linguistic analysis of a text and that cannot be appreciated from a translation. We welcome students of all levels: undergraduate and graduate, students from nontraditional backgrounds, and advanced high school students. This is not for the faint of heart! If you think that you may be a good fit for the program, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (via Zoom, Slack, and Blackboard when remote).
The Upper-Level programs, like the Basic ones, are team-taught, and students have 24-hour access to faculty. There are substantial nightly assignments. The work of the programs is extremely demanding, with the equivalent of one week's material in a normal college setting covered each day. No one should enroll who has any other commitment for the summer. Daily attendance is required.
Eight undergraduate credits can be earned through Brooklyn College. Whether or not these credits can be applied elsewhere is the decision of authorities at the student's home school.
Students will be provided with access to course materials, as well as a list of required texts, upon admission to the program.
Upper-Level Latin
Works to be read will include the following, with additional selections to be read at sight.
- Caesar—De Bello Gallico
- Cicero—Somnium Scipionis
- Seneca—Apocolocyntosis, Thyestes
- Augustine—Confessions
- Suetonius—Da Vita Caesarum
- Vergil—Aeneid
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