Oxford University Latin Course

Description

Cartoons! Who would associate cartoons with Latin? Well, now you will. Each chapter of this revised full-color edition of the Oxford University Latin Course opens with a set of cartoons containing Latin captions illustrating new grammar points. This is just the beginning of the features that make this course accessible and enjoyably interesting! Built around a narrative detailing the life of Horace based on historical sources, students are immersed not only in language studies but also in the daily activities, concerns, and habits of real Romans. What better way to develop an understanding of Roman civilization during the time of Cicero and Augustus? What better way to learn a language that has the reputation of being "dead"? Never has "dead" seemed so alive!

Following the introductory cartoons, each chapter includes Latin readings that are "glossed" (meaning that new vocabulary is highlighted in the margins), follow-up exercises focusing on reading comprehension and grammar, and a background essay in English concluding each chapter. Essays cover a variety of topics including history, food, and travel, among others.

The course is divided into four parts, each with an accompanying teacher book containing the course background and overview. Teacher books also include chapter-by-chapter historical and grammatical commentary as well as translations for all Latin passages and exercises: Book 1 contains chapters 1-16; Book 2, chapters 17-33; Book 3, chapters 34 - 52; and the Reader, six selections each with 3-4 parts. The Reader contains extracts (with commentary) from Caesar, Cicero, Catullus, Virgil, Livy and Ovid and occasional response questions. These extracts are extensively "glossed," contributing greatly to the student's ability to read, absorb, and understand. All student books contain numerous photos and illustrations portraying Roman art, architecture, countryside, and artifacts. Parts 1-3 are full-color while the Reader is black and white.

Containing recordings of selected extracts from the Course I & II books and Course III book & Reader, the audios provide an enjoyable and welcome supplement to the course materials. Excerpts from the Course books include cartoon captions, Responde Latine, Fabellae, dramatized dialogues, and short passages of narrative prose and verse. Longer extracts of prose and verse covering the principal authors of the Golden Age are provided from the Reader.

For the student with no experience in Latin or languages, this course makes an excellent introduction and, at the high school level, could be done mostly independently. However, I also think a jr. high student prepared to study Latin would also do well with this course - particularly a student who has had some experience with one of our introductory grade-school level courses (i.e. Prima Latina, Latina Christiana, Latin Primer, Matin Latin). ~ Janice

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.