This course introduces continuous reading in Latin prose, an important step beyond the sentence-by-sentence or short paragraphs encountered in Elementary Latin.  Continuity of a single author's style and coherence of subject-matter provide the stable basis upon which to build greater ability with the Latin language.

A primary focus throughout the course will be on grammar and vocabulary.  Notes to the text and classroom explanations will help you to review the elements of Latin grammar.  Use of dictionary and exercises in translation will help to develop a stronger vocabulary.  We move beyond the tiresome cant of forms and paradigms, but you will have to recognize every Latin word for the form that it is.  (Alternative and unusual forms will receive attention as they are encountered.)

A secondary focus will be on training you to observe features of style which inform the text, especially those which are characteristic of Latin prose in general.  The subject-matter--I hope--will interest you adequately, so that you can begin to anticipate what the speaker/writer will next have to say.

We will translate in class the assignments prepared as homework.  (If you use a published translation in your preparation, you must still be ready to explain the grammar of each and every word in the Latin sentence.)  The best preparation consists of reading and re-reading the Latin text--and then to read and re-read it yet again.  To memorize an English translation is feasible only if you have mnemonic skills of an superlative order.

Tests will include passages of the Latin covered in class, to be translated into decent English.  The final examination will include a Latin passage not covered in class (in all likelihood one that you have never seen): this is called a sight translation.  The best way, in fact the only way, to prepare for a sight translation is to aim throughout the course at thorough understanding--not just superficial memorization--of the daily assignments.  Students completing Latin 51 are, almost without exception, astonished at how well they can read and understand an unseen passage of Latin prose.  This portion of the final exam, then, is intended as much to reward the student as to provide the instructor with evidence of progress and understanding.

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