LAT 322: Introduction to Advanced Latin (33825)

Version: 21-JAN-2019 12:00pm

Instructor: Pramit Chaudhuri
Email: pramit.chaudhuri@austin.utexas.edu
Time: MWF 12.00-12.50 (class ends at 12.50pm per usual practice with 10 mins padding)
Classroom: MEZ 1.216
Office Hours: Th 2-4pm & 1 hour by appt.
Office: WAG 107

Required Texts
• Cornelius Nepos, Life of Hannibal by Bret Mulligan
o Also available online via Dickinson College
Commentaries: http://dcc.dickinson.edu/nepos-hannibal/chapter-1 (Links to an
external site.)
• Catullus: The Poems by Kenneth Quinn (Links to an external site)
• A good Latin-English Dictionary (below are two examples; you only need one):
o Simpson, ed., Cassell’s Latin Dictionary (ISBN: 0025225804)
o Traupman, New College Latin and English Dictionary, (ISBN: 055359012X)

Prerequisities
This course is the fourth semester of the Latin language sequence. A grade of C or better in
LAT 511K or LAT 312K is required to take this class. If you did not receive a C in LAT 511K or
LAT 312K, or have not taken any Latin at the University of Texas at Austin, please see me
promptly. In order to proceed to LAT 323, you must earn at least a C (NOT a C-).

Course Description
Latin 322 is designed to help students develop their reading and translation skills, and solidify
their grammar and morphology skills in preparation for upper-division Latin courses.
Nepos’ Lives of Hannibal, as well as Catullus’ Carmina serve as the two primary texts for this
course. The course focuses on developing good translation skills and expanding Latin
vocabulary, as well as solidifying Latin morphology, grammar and syntax acquired in previous
semesters of Latin. In addition, students learn to scan Latin poetry in dactylic hexameter and
hendecasyllables, identify a variety of rhetorical and poetic devices commonly used by Latin
authors, and explore the literary and historical contexts of Nepos’ and Catullus’ works.

Course Goals
• Solidify our knowledge of Latin morphology, grammar and syntax
• Read a substantial amount of unaltered classical Latin prose and poetry with ease
• Expand Latin vocabulary specific to classical Latin authors
• Learn components of Latin poetic meter, specifically dactylic hexameter and
hendecasyllables
• Comprehend and analyze texts within the historical context of Rome.
• Consider how Latin enhances our knowledge of the past and reflects on our own times

Class Time
In order for you to succeed in this class, it is important that you attend EVERY DAY and that
you come prepared to participate. There will be daily translation assignments from the texts. In
addition, you will be reviewing Latin grammar and syntax in a series of quizzes, the average of
which will be 25% of your final grade. Attendance and participation is worth 10% of your final
grade. Therefore, I encourage you to come to class on time everyday with your assignments
completed and ready to actively engage in the class.

Class Preparation
Your goal in preparing for class is to provide a literal translation of the Latin passages
assigned. A literal translation is one in which the English reflects the form and structure of the
Latin, yet is grammatically correct itself. To reach this goal, please DO NOT WRITE OUT A
TRANSLATION. You will not be allowed to use a written translation in class. Instead, work
through the text, one sentence or phrase at a time. You can and should write out any
vocabulary or translation notes that you need. Once you think you have it figured out, read
through it once again translating the section aloud or in your head. Continue this process until
you have completed the assignment. Finally, review the entire assignment once more some
time shortly before class. I also strongly recommend that you DO NOT WRITE TRANSLATION
NOTES IN YOUR TEXTBOOK. NB “Translation notes” typically means information pertaining to
grammar or syntax that you didn’t work out straightaway and of which it would be useful to
remind yourself; it does not mean a translation or paraphrase.

Grading
Attendance and Participation (15%)
Quizzes (25%)
Midterm (25%) in class on Friday March 13th
Final (35%) on Wednesday May 13th 9am-12pm.

According to department policy, you must earn a C (not a C-) or 75 in order to advance to the
next level of Latin (LAT 323).

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE TAKING THIS COURSE CREDIT/NO CREDIT: Due to a recent
policy change, students who take this course on a Credit/No Credit basis will not be able to
advance to LAT 323, regardless of the letter grade earned.

The scale below is used to translate letter grades into point values (column #3), and for
calculating your final grade based on the range (column #2) within which your overall
percentage falls. All values have been rounded to the nearest whole number. A zero on an
assignment indicates some egregious failure or other for which even 30% (F) would be an
inappropriately generous award (e.g., excessively belated submission, plagiarism, minimal
effort, categorical misunderstanding, etc.). Certain actions, such as plagiarism, will bear other,
more serious penalties in addition.

letter range pt
A 93-100 97
A- 90-92 91
B+ 87-89 88
B 83-86 85
B- 80-82 81
C+ 77-79 78
C 73-76 75
C- 70-72 71
D 60-69 65
F 0-59 30
0 0

Quizzes
Frequent unannounced quizzes will be given throughout the semester and will be worth 25% of
your final grade. Quizzes will test the material covered since the last quiz and up to and
including the current class. Content will focus on translation but will also include grammar and
syntax, and occasional contextual/historical information. You are required to stay for the
duration of the class; otherwise, your quiz will not be counted. The lowest quiz grade will be
dropped.

Make-up quizzes and exams

If you miss a quiz due to an absence, you will NOT be allowed to make up any quizzes unless
you provide appropriate documentation for your absence. Similarly, I will not give make-up
tests unless I am given advanced notice and good reason. If you miss an exam in the event of
an emergency, you must notify me as soon as possible.

Electronics Policy
Some work in class may require use of the internet (any device should do), but electronic
devices should only be used for such work and should not be a distraction.

Course Policies
Disabilities: UT Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for
qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact SSD at 471-6259, or go
to http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/
NB: students must present a UT "accommodation letter" authorizing specific accommodations.

Religious holidays: If you need to miss a class or other required class activity for the observance
of a religious holiday, you must notify me at least 14 days in advance so we can make
alternative arrangements for your absence.
NB: the University's Religious Days Policy is
online: http://www.utexas.edu/provost/policies/religious_holidays/

UT Honor Code: "The core values of The University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery,
freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the university
is expected to uphold these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect
toward peers and community.” The Student Honor Code reads, "As a student of The University
of Texas at Austin, I shall abide by the core values of the University and uphold academic
integrity."

Scholastic dishonesty: Scholastic dishonesty on any graded assignment will result in zero credit
on that test or assignment and violations will be reported to the relevant administrators.
Scholastic dishonesty includes any kind of cheating or collaboration on tests, or submitting
work that is not either your own or accurately attributed to its source. For more information,
contact Student Judicial Services at 471-2841, or go to https://catalog.utexas.edu/general-
information/academic-policies-and-procedures/scholastic-probation-and-dismissal/
Behavioral concerns: If you are worried about the way someone is acting, you may use the
Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) to discuss your concerns by phone. This service is
provided through a partnership among the Office of the Dean of Students, the Counseling and
Mental Health Center (CMHC), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and The University of
Texas Police Department (UTPD). Call 512-232-5050 or visit http://www.utexas.edu/safety/bcal

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements. Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the
professor and TAs for this course are required to report for further investigation any
information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and
stalking committed by or against a UT student or employee. Federal law and university policy
also requires reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual
misconduct (collectively known as Title IX incidents). This means we cannot keep confidential
information about any such incidents that you share with us. If you need to talk with someone
who can maintain confidentiality, please contact University Health Services (512-471-4955 or
512-475-6877) or the UT Counseling and Mental Health Center (512-471-3515 or 512-471-
2255). We strongly urge you make use of these services for any needed support and that you
report any Title IX incidents to the Title IX Office.

Schedule of Reading:
We will read as much of Nepos and Catullus as possible, but the pace will be tailored to the
class. Assignments will be announced in class.