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Mr. Cedric Ebiner

This course covers the very first step of learning the Latin language. It explains noun declension (1st through 5th) and explains the basic functions of the five Latin cases (Nominative, genitive, dative, accusative and ablative). It covers basic sentence structure, syntax and grammar. It explores subject verb agreements, genders of nouns and the conjugation of the linking verb ESSE (to be).

The course requires the students to have access to Henle Latin First Year (paperback or digital) as well as the reference grammar book (paperback or digital). The acquisition of "Looking at Latin" can be helpful but not necessary.

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This course covers the very first step of learning the Latin language. It explains noun declension (1st through 5th) and explains the basic functions of the five Latin cases (Nominative, genitive, dative, accusative and ablative). It covers basic sentence structure, syntax and grammar. It explores subject verb agreements, genders of nouns and the conjugation of the linking verb ESSE (to be).

The course requires the students to have access to Henle Latin First Year (paperback or digital) as well as the reference grammar book (paperback or digital). The acquisition of "Looking at Latin" can be helpful but not necessary.

This first quarter should take about ten (10) weeks to complete. The work includes the study of the lectures (videos), the memorization work (vocabulary, declension, conjugation and grammar rules) and the written work (exercises).

Once this course is completed, the logical step is to sign up for Latin I, Second Quarter. Be aware that Henle, Latin First Year is covered in Latin I and Latin II. Latin II is already available and Latin III as well.

This course if taken seriously will give you a very solid foundation in the language of Caesar and Cicero. And it might actually fulfill some homeschooling requirement for High School foreign language credits.

Bonam Fortunam. (Good Luck. )

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the concept of declension
  • Recite the first five declensions of nouns
  • Understand the function governed by each case

Syllabus

Introduction
Plan of Study
Material Needd
Lesson 1
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Pratcice your vocabulary on Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/_2djl6x

Practice your vocabulary on Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/_2djlcy

Practice your vocabulary on Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/_2djlg7

Practice your vocabulary on Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/_2djlhv

Practice your vocabulary on Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/_2djllw

Practice your vocabulary on Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/_2djlmk

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses Henle Latin First Year, a standard textbook, providing a structured approach to learning Latin grammar and vocabulary
Explores noun declensions and case functions, which are fundamental concepts for understanding Latin sentence structure
Requires the acquisition of a reference grammar book, which may pose a barrier for some students due to cost and availability
Teaches the conjugation of the verb 'ESSE' (to be), which is essential for building basic sentences in Latin
Recommends 'Looking at Latin', suggesting that additional resources may be beneficial but not strictly necessary for completing the course
Refers to external Quizlet resources, which may become outdated or unavailable over time, affecting the learning experience

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Reviews summary

Solid foundational latin for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a positive and solid foundation for learning Latin from the very beginning. Students highlight the clarity of the grammar explanations, particularly concerning noun declensions and cases. The course effectively breaks down complex topics into manageable parts. Reviewers frequently mention that the required Henle Latin First Year textbook is well-integrated and essential for the course structure and exercises. The use of Quizlet links for vocabulary is also seen as a helpful supplement for memorization work. While some note the exercises can be repetitive, this is generally understood as necessary for language learning memorization. Overall, it is considered a worthwhile and effective first step.
Relies heavily on Henle textbook.
"The required Henle textbook is well-integrated, and the pacing is just right for a beginner."
"Needed the Henle book as specified."
"The required Henle book is essential and the course guides you through it well."
"The course covers the material, but it relies heavily on the Henle book, which is quite dense."
"The required textbook was expensive but necessary."
Supplements aid vocabulary learning.
"The Quizlet links are super helpful for vocabulary memorization."
"I appreciated the focus on memorization, which is key for languages."
Well-paced and structured.
"The pacing is just right for a beginner."
"Breaks down complex grammar into manageable parts."
"It covers the very first step of learning the Latin language."
Explanations are clear and helpful.
"The instructor explains grammar concepts like declensions and cases with such clarity."
"It covers the basics thoroughly, especially the noun declensions and cases. Lectures are clear."
"Provides a very solid foundation. Learned the first five declensions and the case functions well."
Provides a strong base for Latin.
"Absolutely fantastic start to Latin! ... Highly recommend for anyone serious about learning Latin."
"A solid first quarter course. ... Good foundation for the next quarter."
"This course if taken seriously will give you a very solid foundation in the language of Caesar and Cicero."
Practice work can be repetitive.
"Sometimes the exercises feel a bit repetitive, but I guess that's necessary for memorization."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Latin I , First Quarter with these activities:
Review English Grammar Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of English grammar to better grasp Latin grammar concepts, especially sentence structure and syntax.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Review parts of speech and their functions.
  • Practice identifying subjects, verbs, and objects in sentences.
  • Study sentence structure and common grammatical errors.
Read 'Lingua Latina per se Illustrata, Pars I: Familia Romana'
Enhance your understanding of Latin grammar and vocabulary through immersive reading.
Show steps
  • Read a chapter of 'Familia Romana' each week.
  • Look up unfamiliar words and phrases.
  • Try to understand the meaning of the text without relying on translations.
Noun Declension Drills
Solidify your knowledge of noun declensions through repetitive practice.
Show steps
  • Create flashcards for each declension and case ending.
  • Practice reciting the declensions aloud daily.
  • Use online quizzes or worksheets to test your knowledge.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Create a Latin Vocabulary Study Guide
Reinforce vocabulary learning by creating a personalized study guide with example sentences.
Show steps
  • Compile a list of vocabulary words from each lesson.
  • Write a definition and example sentence for each word.
  • Organize the words by lesson or theme.
Consult Allen and Greenough's New Latin Grammar
Deepen your understanding of Latin grammar with a comprehensive reference guide.
Show steps
  • Refer to the grammar book when encountering difficult grammatical concepts.
  • Read relevant sections to clarify rules and exceptions.
Help other students with Latin
Solidify your understanding of Latin by helping other students with their coursework.
Show steps
  • Answer questions in online forums or study groups.
  • Offer to tutor classmates who are struggling.
  • Explain concepts in your own words to reinforce your understanding.

Career center

Learners who complete Latin I , First Quarter will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past, often focusing on a specific period, region, or theme. This career relies heavily on the ability to interpret historical texts. The skills developed in this Latin course—understanding grammar, syntax, and vocabulary—aid in the examination of primary source documents from the Roman era. This course, with its focus on declensions and Latin cases, is especially useful for those interested in Roman history, as it introduces one to the original language of the period. It provides a foundation for understanding both the nuances of language and the cultural context of historical writings.
Philologist
Philologists study language in historical texts, seeking to understand the evolution of languages, often focusing on ancient texts. This career role requires deep knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, and historical context. This course, focusing on the fundamentals of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, is an ideal first step for a philologist. The course's coverage of declensions, cases, and conjugations provides a foundational understanding that is necessary to interpret Latin texts. Philologists may find that this course provides a foundation for understanding the historical nuances of the Latin language.
Archaeologist
An archaeologist studies past peoples and cultures, often through the excavation of ancient sites. This role requires a deep understanding of history and the ability to interpret artifacts and texts, making the study of Latin beneficial. This course, focused on the fundamentals of Latin grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary, builds skills necessary to decipher inscriptions on ancient Roman artifacts. The ability to understand declensions and cases directly translates to the analysis of primary sources, which is key to archaeological research. A background in Latin also allows archaeologists to read ancient texts and historical documents that are typically written in the language.
Translator
Translators convert written text from one language to another, requiring a strong command of both languages. This career role, particularly within the scope of historical texts, greatly benefits from a knowledge of Latin. This course, by explaining concepts like noun declension and Latin cases, develops the kind of precision required for translation work. The course's deep dive into sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary provides a perfect foundation for handling complex Latin texts. Translators who undertake historical work may find this training especially useful.
Archivist
Archivists organize and preserve historical documents and records, often including those written in ancient languages. This role requires a keen understanding of historical context and the ability to interpret old texts. This Latin course is valuable for understanding Latin documents, specifically those from the Roman era. The course's focus on declensions, cases, and syntax helps train the kind of close reading skills necessary for deciphering and categorizing historical records in Latin. Archivists who work with historical documents will find this course useful.
Academic Researcher
Academic researchers conduct in-depth studies in a specific discipline, often involving the analysis of primary source materials. This Latin course may be useful for an academic researcher, particularly when a research project requires a deep understanding of ancient Roman history and culture. The course builds foundational skills in understanding the Latin language, including declensions, cases, and sentence structure. This can be vital when working with original texts written in Latin, or for understanding the broader context of such texts. A researcher who works with Latin source material may find this course helpful.
Curator
Curators manage and interpret museum collections, often including historical artifacts and documents that may feature Latin inscriptions or text. This role requires both historical knowledge and the ability to analyze and contextualize artifacts. This Latin course may be useful for a curator, because of its focus on grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary. Such skills help one to understand the nuances of Latin inscriptions or texts found on historical artifacts. The course's coverage of declension and cases may build a foundation for those who wish to specialize in Roman antiquities. Curators who work in museums that display such artifacts may find this training helpful.
Professor
A professor at an institution of higher learning teaches and conducts research in a specific academic field. This role requires strong communication skills as well as an expert understanding of a subject. This Latin course may be helpful for someone who intends to become a professor in a related field, such as classical studies or ancient history. The course teaches fundamentals of the Latin language, including noun declension, basic grammatical forms, and sentence structure, which are essential for anyone teaching those subjects. The course's focus on the study of Caesar and Cicero may also be useful. Those who pursue this field may find this course useful.
Etymologist
Etymologists study the history and origins of words, tracing their development across different languages and time periods. This role requires a strong foundation in historical linguistics and an understanding of language families. Because Latin is the root of many modern languages, this course may be useful. The course's coverage of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and syntax assists those studying Latin's influence on other languages. The exploration of noun declensions, verb conjugations, and case functions provides a framework for understanding word origins and transformations, making it relevant for those entering the field of etymology.
Reference Librarian
Reference librarians assist patrons in finding information and resources, often including historical and archival materials. This role requires knowledge of various research methods and a familiarity with historical texts. This Latin course may be useful for a reference librarian because it introduces the structure and grammar of Latin, a language which appears in many historical documents. The course's study of declensions, cases, and syntax is particularly relevant for librarians assisting researchers who are working with Latin texts. A reference librarian who handles such texts may find this training useful.
Linguist
A linguist studies the science of language, including its structure, history, and acquisition. This role requires a deep understanding of grammatical structures and how languages evolve. This Latin course, teaching the fundamentals of Latin grammar and syntax, may be helpful for a linguist, because Latin is a foundational language that helped form many modern languages. The work of linguists often involves examining ancient languages to understand language development. The course's coverage of declensions, cases, and conjugations helps build a solid base for comparative linguistics. Those entering the field, wishing to understand the evolution of language, may find this course useful.
Manuscript Editor
Manuscript editors prepare written materials for publication, ensuring accuracy and clarity. This can include editing historical texts. This career benefits from a strong understanding of grammar and language. This Latin course may be useful for a manuscript editor because of the way it develops skills in grammar, syntax, and attention to detail. The course's focus on declensions, cases, and conjugations can help build a foundation for editing historical documents written in Latin, or for editing academic works that include source material from Latin. Those who wish to work with such texts may find this course helpful.
Lexicographer
Lexicographers compile and edit dictionaries, requiring deep understanding of language, etymology, and the historical usage of words. Latin provides a base for many words in modern languages, making this course potentially valuable for a lexicographer. The understanding of declensions, noun cases, and conjugations covered in this course may help someone in the field understand the way words are formed and the way they change over time. The course's focus on grammar and structure may build the kind of detail-oriented skills necessary to compile accurate and comprehensive dictionaries. Therefore, this course may be useful for one who chooses to enter the field of lexicography.
Content Writer
Content writers create informative and engaging written material for various platforms, sometimes needing to incorporate historical references or understand the etymological origins of words. This Latin course may be helpful because it builds a deeper understanding of language structure and its historical roots, which may benefit a content writer who works on historical subjects, or who needs a greater grasp of the etymology of words. Though not directly related to the kind of content typically written by a content writer, the course provides a broader understanding of language that may be applicable to certain types of writing. Writers may find this training useful.
Research Analyst
Research analysts gather and interpret data to support decision making across many different fields, often requiring the ability to work with different types of source material. This Latin course, teaching foundational language structure, may be useful when working with historical texts or in cases where such an understanding is helpful. The course's coverage of grammar and syntax, as well as its focus on vocabulary and cases may provide a broad base for understanding languages. Although a direct application is uncommon, a research analyst may find this training useful for understanding a wider range of source material.

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Latin I , First Quarter:

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Latin I , First Quarter.
Provides an immersive approach to learning Latin by reading stories in Latin from the very beginning. It reinforces vocabulary and grammar learned in the course through contextual reading. It is commonly used as a textbook in introductory Latin courses. This book will help you develop reading comprehension skills and build confidence in your ability to understand Latin.
Comprehensive reference grammar for Latin. It provides detailed explanations of Latin grammar rules and syntax. It valuable resource for students who want to deepen their understanding of the language. This book is best used as a reference tool to clarify specific grammatical points encountered in the course.

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