Grades:           7-12

Credit:            One

Prerequisite:   None

Course Description

Students learn basic language structures and essential elements of Latin pronunciation in order to be able to read simple passages in Latin.  The relationship of English to Latin is emphasized in vocabulary building, word derivation, and meanings of prefixes and suffixes.  Language structures and syntax are developed through the study of literary passages.  The geography, history, government and the culture of the Roman Empire are studied.

This course’s primary goals, aligned with Virginia and national standards, are to:

•Read for understanding

Students understand written Latin based on various topics that are presented through a variety of media.

•Use oral and written language for understanding

Students use oral Latin, listen to oral Latin, and write Latin as part of the language-learning process.

•Understand other cultures

Students demonstrate an understanding of traditions, customs, beliefs, and cultural contributions and how these elements relate to language.

•Connect with other disciplines and acquire information

Students connect information about the language and cultures they are learning with concepts studied in other subject areas.

•Develop insight into their own language and culture

Through study of language and culture, students recognize, compare, and contrast language concepts as well as cultural perspectives, practices, and products.

•Participate in the global community

Students identify situations in which Latin language skills and cultural knowledge are applied beyond the classroom setting for educational and occupational purposes to enhance their view of themselves as citizens of the world.

Each theme addressed in the Program of Studies has progress indicators defining what students will be able to do.  For example, under the theme History, the progress indicator Reading for Understanding specifies that students will be able to read words, phrases, and simple sentences relating to periods in Roman history; and be able to demonstrate reading comprehension by answering simple questions in Latin or English about short historical passages or Roman legends.  Essential vocabulary and language structures are presented to students within the context of the themes and topics.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has developed and uses the Performance Assessment for Language Students (PALS) program.  Performance assessments are conducted routinely throughout the year and are rated using PALS-Latina criteria (rubrics) developed by FCPS foreign language teachers.  The end-of-year assessment again uses the PALS-Latina performance criteria.

For additional information, including resources for students, see the FCPS Foreign Language Home Page at: http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/OHSICS/forlang/.