Guidelines and Expectations for Magistra Pooler's Latin II
Welcome to Latin II! I am looking forward to an exciting year of studying Latin and classical
civilization! Success in Latin demands constant memorization and review of material learned this
year AND last year. I will incorporate review activities and memorization drills into the class along
with explanations and practice. Nevertheless, you MUST study on your own time in a very
deliberate way, and complete homework for every Latin class. You should allow 30 minutes for
homework every night.
Semper Paratus (always prepared) is the unofficial motto of our class. You are expected to
bring to class every day:
1.
Your textbook (covered)
2.
A pen or pencil
3.
A 3 ring notebook (You are expected to take notes and to save all handouts distributed
in class in your notebook.)
4. Completed homework
5.
A positive attitude
Class Conduct:
1.
Be prompt
2.
Be attentive
3.
Be courteous to others
4. Be responsible for your own education – ask questions when you don’t understand
something; sign up for extra help when needed (I am available after school and during all
D, E and F blocks); make up missed work promptly.
5.
Please remember that our friends Quintus and Caecilius survived without electronic
devices (e.g. cell phones, iPods, etc.) and so can you! Electronic devices of any kind are
not permitted in class. Please keep cell phones in your backpacks for the duration of
class.
6.
Nota bene: Any unauthorized absence from class will exclude you from participation in
co-curricular activities that school day. (And more importantly, we would miss you!) You
are responsible for reading and following the school’s attendance policy as stated in the
Handbook for Students and Parents.
Homework:
1.
As noted above, there is homework for every class. Typical assignments include
translations, syntax and comprehension exercises, derivative and culture activities,
vocabulary review.
2.
Homework will be checked every day. Any missing homework will be considered a zero
and averaged in to your homework grade.
3.
You are permitted to miss one homework per quarter without penalty.
Grading: Your grade will be based upon your test grades (50%), quiz grades (30%), and
homework and participation (20%).
Your final grade for the year will be weighted as follows:
1st Q: 20% 2nd Q: 20% Midterm Exam: 10 %
3rd Q: 20%
4th Q: 20%
Final Exam: 10 %
Textbooks: This course cover stages 18-20 in the Cambridge Latin Course Unit 2 and stages 2131 in the Cambridge Latin Course Unit 3.
CHHS Grading Scale:
97-100=A+
87-89=B+
77-79=C+
67-69=D+
93-96=A
83-86=B
73-76=C
63-66=D
90-92=A-
80-82=B-
70-72=C-
60-62=D-
Latin Moments: You may earn up to two points per quarter by bringing in items relevant to Latin
class that you find on your own. Examples might include Latin expressions found in a newspaper
article or book, or some mention of or reference to Roman history that you come across. In order
to receive credit, you must bring in the Latin words and a correct translation AND explanation of
what it means in context. The History Channel and Biography often feature documentaries
pertaining to Roman history. If you watch one and bring in a one page summary of the program,
you will also earn extra credit. (Extra credit for watching TV!) Derivatives and frequently
occurring sententiae such as etc., a.m., p.m., are not counted as Latin moments.
E.g. (exempli gratia) of a Latin Moment: Here is a store I happened to pass by in the little French
village of Roussillon. It’s called “Carpe Diem”.
This expression means “Seize (literally pluck) the day” and was first said by the Latin poet
Horace. I think it is an appropriate name for this store since it sold whimsical artwork and the
store owner probably wanted to encourage customers to savor the moment of their visit by
purchasing some artwork (He may also have wanted them, in true Epicurean fashion, not to think
about the future consequences of a significant expenditure of money).