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