Classical Languages---Year Two (Beginning/Emerging)
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 and understand passages of Latin or Greek composed for acquisition of content and language skills, adapted from original authors;
- exhibit a knowledge of vocabulary and syntax appropriate to his/her reading level;
- demonstrate reading comprehension of more difficult written passages by answering simple questions in Latin, Greek, or English about short passages of Latin or Greek;
- show a knowledge of verbals;
- demonstrate a knowledge of specialized usage (e.g., ablatives, locatives).
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
- read orally longer passages of classical prose with meaningful phrase grouping and appropriate voice inflection;
- respond appropriately to questions, statements, commands, and other stimuli;
- write simple phrases and sentences in Latin or Greek.
II. Standard Number 2 (Goal Two): Gain knowledge and Understanding ofGreco-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 the Mediterranean;
- identify prominent historical characters, authors, and events of the kingdom and republic.
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 heroes;
- identify Roman and Greek architectural sites and structures;
- demonstrate a knowledge of architectural styles and artifacts of the Greeks and Romans.
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 classical language.
Performance Indicators:
The student is able to
- use information gained from the language class in other school subjects such as geography, social studies, and music;
- use information from other subjects in the classics class in order to make comparisons and contrasts;
- recognize some famous classical figures from history and mythology and their contributions to contemporary culture.
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 and discuss recurrent plots and themes from Greek and Roman myths;
- identify the modern equivalents of geographical structures and countries.
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
- demonstrate knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes used in English words;
- compare and contrast the language patterns and grammar of Latin and Greek to the structure and grammar of English sentences.
4.2 Compare and contrast the student’s own culture with that of the Greco-Roman world.
Performance Indicators:
The student is able to
- reflect on the classical underpinning of his or her own culture;
- recognize the influence of selected classical myths and literature on modern stories and literature.
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
- combine the tools of technology with their language skills to communicate with others in the global community;
- interact with community members from a variety of careers to understand how they have used their study of classical languages in their careers.
5.2 Use the student’s knowledge of Greco-Roman culture in a world of diverse cultures.
Performance Indicators:
The student is able to
- compare issues that reveal cultural differences in the ancient world with similar issues in modern culture;
- attend the Tennessee Junior Classical League Convention;
- plan a trip to classical sites.