Classical Languages---Year One (Beginning)

I.    Standard Number 1 (Goal One):  Communicate in a Classical Language

Standard Rationale:  This standard focuses on the pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, and grammar of classical languages.  Since classical languages are the bedrock of many modern Western languages, an understanding of how classical languages were used to communicate is vital to a thorough knowledge of language and culture.

Learning Expectations:

1.1  Read, understand, and interpret Latin or Greek.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• read words, phrases and simple sentences with pictures, and/or other words, phrases and simple sentences;
• exhibit a knowledge of vocabulary and syntax appropriate to his/her reading level;
• demonstrate reading comprehension by answering simple questions in Latin, Greek, or English about short passages of Latin or Greek;
• show a knowledge of indicative and imperatives of verbs;
• demonstrate a knowledge of case and declension for nouns and adjectives.

1.2  Use orally, listen to, and write Latin or Greek as part of the language learning process.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• master and apply the rules of classical pronunciation for words, sentences, and short paragraphs;
• exchange greetings and follow classroom instructions;
• write simple phrases and sentences in Latin or Greek.

II  Standard Number 2 (Goal Two):  Gain knowledge and Understanding of Greco-Roman Culture

Standard Rationale:  The study of classical languages enables students to acquire knowledge and gain perspective on societies that formed the basis for all of Western culture.  Students need to understand the world views, patterns of behavior, and ways of life of those cultures that drew the blueprint for modern-day democracies and republics.

Learning Expectations:

2.1  Demonstrate an understanding of the perspectives of Greek or Roman culture as revealed in the practices of the Greeks or Romans.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• recognize the geography of Italy;
• know basic terms and general information associated with the kingdom and empire.

2.2  Demonstrate knowledge of the perspectives of Greek or Roman culture as revealed in the products of the Greeks or Romans.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• demonstrate a knowledge of Greek and Roman deities;
• identify Roman meals, Roman clothing, and parts of the Roman house;
• identify basic features of architecture (e.g., arches, columns).

III.    Standard Number 3 (Goal Three): Connect with Other Disciplines and Expand Knowledge

Standard Rationale:  Since much of modern-day culture is built upon classical philosophy, political systems, mythology, and customs, classical languages form a solid basis for connections with disciplines across the curriculum.

Learning Expectations:

3.1  Reinforce and further the student’s knowledge of other disciplines through the classical language.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• use information from the language class in other school
• subjects such as geography, social studies, and music;
• use information from other subjects in the classics class;
• recognize some famous classical figures from history and mythology.

3.2  Expand the student’s knowledge through the reading of Latin or Greek and the study of ancient culture.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• recognize plots and themes of Greek and Roman myths;
• identify the modern equivalent of geographical and political structures.

IV.    Standard Number 4 (Goal Four): Comparisons: Develop Insight into Own Language and Culture

Standard Rationale:  Since so many aspects of Western culture and language (particularly vocabulary) rely so heavily on classical influences, much can be learned about the nature of one’s culture by using classical societies as touchstones and by recognizing classical influences in language.

Learning Expectations:

4.1  Recognize and use elements of the Latin or Greek language to increase knowledge of the student’s own language.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• recognize loan words, Greek and Latin phrases, mottoes and abbreviations in English;
• demonstrate an understanding of basic language patterns of English as they relate to the structure of Latin or Greek.

4.2  Compare and contrast the student’s own culture with that of the Greco-Roman world.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• compare and contrast aspects of student’s own public and private life to those of the Greeks and Romans;
• compare heroes and themes of classical mythology to the heroes and themes of the student’s own culture.

V.    Standard Number 5 (Goal Five):   Participate in Wider Communities of Language and Culture

Standard Rationale:  Much can be learned about the continuing role and influences of classical language and culture on the modern world by maintaining an awareness of these influences in school, community, and global situations.  Classical roots can often provide a sense of continuity and reinforce relationships in an ever-changing, multicultural society.

Learning Expectations:

5.1  Use the student’s knowledge of Latin and/or Greek in a multilingual world.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• present and exchange information about his/her language experience in the school and in the community;
• recognize the influence of Latin and Greek in professional vocabulary (e.g., law, science, architecture).

5.2  Use the student’s knowledge of Greco-Roman culture in a world of diverse cultures.

Performance Indicators:

The student is able to

• recognize from his/her study of Greco-Roman culture that cultural diversity has been an integral feature of society from antiquity;
• become a member of the school’s Junior Classical League chapter;
• use technology to research classical sites.