Vale Latin 1 and 2...

I had originally taken some Latin in high school, though when it came for me to meet the language requirement in order to graduate, I felt that my Latin knowledge had faded over the five years since I had had Latin in high school. Thus I opted not to take the test that determines your foreign language aptitude and can give you your foreign language credit if you pass. I’m glad that I decided to take both Latin 1 and 2. The class reminded and reinforced many of the things that I had learned in high school and very quickly even taught me new things. It was a good feeling being able to translate increasingly difficult passages throughout the two semesters and exercising my Latin ability in this manner truly gave me a sense of acquiring aptitude in another language. Though there is still more that I can learn about the language, I now feel confident in my ability to understand Latin, and I plan to continue my study of the language so that my Latin knowledge does not fade again.

Chris Griesbach

Latin today

I think Latin faces peculiar challenges in terms the Latin user’s maintenance of the language when compared to other foreign language options available in American schools. Unlike Spanish, French, German, Chinese, or even sign language, Latin is not used in contemporary society. Speaking a language in everyday interactions or at least on a regular basis is one of the most valuable methods for a speaker to exercise and reinforce their knowledge of the language, either “use it or lose it”. Latin, however, does not have this advantage. The basic curriculum for teaching Latin in America reflects this as well, as most school Latin programs do not stress the speaking of Latin but instead focus on written translation. The Latin user, therefore, has limited options when it comes to practicing and reinforcing their Latin abilities. There are, however, many texts written in Latin that one may translate in order to do this, such as “Metamorphoses” by Ovid or Virgil’s “Aeneid”. I, on the other hand, in order to maintain my Latin knowledge, have decided start on a smaller scale and have purchased “Winnie the Pooh” in Latin, which I plan on working through sometime this summer.

Chris Griesbach

Latin and history

Latin and the culture it is derived from is the foundation of of many Western cultures and languages. Understand a culture's language is imperative in fully understand the culture. Latin helps us into understanding our past. Many famous documents, such as the Bible, were originally written in Latin. It is important to fully understand the language in order to accurately translate if from one language to another.

Cassdiy Camantigue

Latin and medicine

I have just completed my second semester of latin. I originally took latin in the hope it would help prepare me for medical school. I learned a lot in the class, however I don't feel that much of what I learned will help me in medical school. I do feel that if I decide to learn another language that I will be better prepared since latin is the basis of many languages. Latin is a very challenging language.

Cassidy Camantigue

What Latin has taught me

Even though Latin is not actively spoken today, it is the foundation of many languages that still spoken. I took Spanish in high school. I noticed many similarities in the vocabulary and grammar. The verbs are conjugated very similarly in both languages. I also was surprised by how many words in English can be derived from Latin. I feel that taking Latin will make learning other languages simpler. Latin is a very challenging language to learn, which also makes it more rewarding. Latin is far from a “dead” language for it is the foundation from many modern spoken languages.

Cassidy Camantigue

The Roman Empire

This week I had a very humbling thought. With the state of our country and the tension world wide between other countries and the United States, I wondered how long the US will be around. I would like to think that the United states will be around forever, but who really knows how long this great country will last? I then thought about the Roman Empire and how it was the greatest empire of it's time and possibly the greatest empire of all time, and it too came to and end. Granted the Roman empire lasted for the better part of 1200 years but it to came to an end. But I thought of how the US has been around for only about 200 years and has already been involved in multiple wars. I can't help but wonder will this nation last for a long time like the roman empire, will it be recognizable in 1200 years, or will it come to an end long before that time?

Nathan Watts

It is finally over

Well, I took my last Latin test ever. That is if you don't count anatomy in medical school. Supposedly all the anatomical terms are derived from Latin. But I am ecstatic that Latin is over! Two long semester of studying and memorizing terms, conjugations, and declensions is finished. I did learn a lot, but going into the class I thought I would learn tons of Latin that I could directly relate to anatomy. Instead I spent most my term learning how to conjugate verbs and decline nouns and adjectives. I did learn how to do all that stuff and I do have a better understanding of Latin and the mindset of its originators. But what makes me happier than anything is that LATIN IS OVER!!!

Nathan Watts

Latin II.

I was a little nervous coming into this semester, however my fears eventually subsided. I feel this semester was a lot more intense than latin 1. There were so many new verb tenses, and I definitely didn't think we would get up to 5 noun declensions! It just seems crazy to sit here and realize how much we really learned this semester. This class has really made me feel very accomplished. I've taken a few spanish classes before, but none of them felt quite as rewarding as Latin. I have definitely picked up a great deal of appreciation for language. I also feel as if Latin has allowed me to have a different way of thinking. The way their culture is shaped is so different from ours. It's been really neat to read the little passages in our books and obtain such a unique way of thinking. I'm not certain whether I'm going into Latin III yet or not, but I really do enjoy latin.

Alyssa Rigolo

Horace and me

Ever since chapter 1 I have felt Horace's philosophy and outlook on life is similar to my own. Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero. I believe we must live for today and forget our troubled pasts. So I decided to investigate further and see what else in common we had. Sadley I was only able to skim through his first book of Odes. Heres some that I found and like:
Caelum ipsum petimus stultitia
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas
Siccis omnia nam dura deus proposuit neque mordaces aliter diffugiunt sollicitudines
Horace lived life to the max having fun and doing what he loved, I can only hope the rest of my days have the same outcome.
Dustin Rose

Final thoughts for this term...

And what a difficult term it has been! I had a hard time of it this term, keeping up with all the new material. I think I've managed to pick up on most things now, and even further grasp the concepts that I was having problems with. As I sit here writing this, I'm thinking of ways to stay up to date with Latin. I've collected the worksheets for the various chapters from the online folders, and even have in my possession now a Wheelock's Latin workbook. I'm also grateful to those who are sharing their information on other sources of material. I am sure that they will come in handy as the summer moves on. I am hoping to get a copy of the book for the Latin 3 course at some point, even if it is just to get a head start on making note cards. I hope everyone has a great summer, and for those of you heading into Latin 3, see you in the fall!!

Semper,
Candis B.