Reading Latin Practicum

It's time (at last!) to read Latin

Most of those who study a Modern language are studying it in order to be able to speak it, and so they focus on words and expressions that will help them get around a country, have conversations, etc. In my experience, most people who study Latin, even if they approach the learning of it through a conversational approach, want to learn it to be able to read it. Whether the great texts of the Roman Republic and Empire or the long tradition of Christian worship, or the work of Renaissance humanists, the goal is to gain access to these works that have shaped and continue to shape Western thought in their original language.

But when one has come to the end of the study of Latin grammar, usually marked by completing some textbook or series of textbooks, there often remains a gap between one's ability and what is needed to truly be able to read Latin. What did you do wrong? Did you miss something in your grammar study?

Probably not. What is needed now is time just reading Latin texts, getting used to the feel of the language (characteristic ways of saying things, etc.) and learning when to apply the many different tools you gained studying the grammar. But this type of reading is challenging on one's own, because everything is hard and unfamiliar, and so it is easy to become discouraged or frustrated.

This class offers a place for Latinists who feel they need practice reading to do so in an encouraging environment that will also help you to be rigorous about your craft while developing an ear for Latin ways of speaking. Whether you've just finished learning the grammar or have been teaching for a number of years but still feel like your reading is not where you want it to be, Reading Latin Practicum can help you reach the next stage in your language ability.