Course Goals

Are you ready to take this course? Please make sure you check the Course Prerequisites.

Here are the Goals for the course:

Increase your Latin confidence. By taking this course, you will gain a broad awareness of different medieval Latin texts and learn to read Latin with confidence.

Reading AND writing in Latin. Each week you will practice a variety of Latin reading and writing activities.

Vocabulary, grammar, and style. The class readings will help you to expand your Latin vocabulary and develop a sense of Latin grammar and style.

Overview of medieval culture. We will be reading a different author each week, and by the end of the semester you will have become acquainted with many important facets of medieval Latin culture.

Some thoughts from the instructor:

There may be some students in this class who know me from courses in the classroom or from a Latin reading group. If so, you know that I love Latin and that I believe everyone (EVERYONE) can read and enjoy Latin.

So please, if you are new to this or feeling frustrated, do not hesitate to get in touch with me so that we can talk together on the phone or even meet in Norman for a tutorial session if you would like to do that. I'm here to do whatever I can to help you achieve these goals.

Many people learn to be afraid of Latin while they are first learning the Latin. Please don't be afraid! What is the worst thing that can happen? You might misunderstand something: big deal! That is not a problem at all!

As long as you keep trying to understand, you will understand more and more and more. By the end of the semester you will be reading Latin with curiosity and confidence. If it is bumpy at first, just keep on going - and let me know if you'd like some help in finding study techniques and strategies that fit your personal style.