The study of Latin offers an opportunity to examine the nature of language itself. Latin is the basis of all Romance languages. Sixty percent of the English language comes from Latin, yielding a deepening English vocabulary as a student progresses in Latin. Interpreting the difficult syntax of Latin language also develops a student’s abstract thinking. In addition to the language itself, the Roman Empire and its culture has had a major effect on European and Western culture. Many of our political and philosophical ideas, architectural designs, artistic creations, musical works, and literature have all been affected by the Roman world.

Merrol Hyde Magnet offers students in grades 6-10 an opportunity to explore the Roman world through language, beliefs, and ideas.

Exploratory Latin grades 6 and 7 follows the Excellence Through Classics Association’s syllabus for Exploratory Latin. The Exploratory classes are twelve weeks long and cover a variety of lingual, historical, and cultural information. Being a Paideia school, the Exploratory classes have at least three seminars and one coached project throughout the session. Students learn syntax and language from Latin For Americans Book I and supplementary materials.

Latin I is available to students in grades 8 and 9 and follows the Tennessee curriculum guidelines for Classics (Tennessee Goals and Standards) using Latin For Americans Book I and supplemental materials. Latin I develops the Latin and English vocabulary, grammar, and reading skill with an expanded cultural aspect. Students participate in seminars throughout the school-year and complete a coached project.

Latin II is available to students in grade 10 and follows the Tennessee curriculum guidelines for Classics (Tennessee Goals and Standards) using Latin For Americans Book II and supplemental materials. Latin II furthers the development of Latin and English vocabulary, grammar, and reading skill with a more advanced cultural review. Students participate in seminars throughout the school-year and complete a coached project.

For recreational purposes, students in grades 6-10 may join the Latin Club for those in grades 9-10 may join the Junior Classical League. These clubs provide students an opportunity to compete against other schools, review “hip” films and books with a Classical background such as Star Wars, and visit sites that can enhance their Classical study.

Tennessee Goals and Standards for Foreign Languages:

http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/ciforeignlang/ciflclassic.htm

Classical Sculpture Powerpoint