Overview. In this course students continue their acquisition of Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary by reading the oratory of Marcus Tullius Cicero, who was arguably the greatest Roman author of all.  The core texts are Cicero’s first and second Orations against Catiline, in which he describes and denounces one of the most perilous episodes—so he says—in the history of the Roman Republic:   the conspiracy led by L. Sergius Catiline in 63 BCE.  We shall devote special attention to the conspiracy itself:  the conspirators, their plot, and its consequences for the Republic.

Objectives. The specific goals for this course are as follows:

• to learn advanced Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary;
• to appreciate the composition and style of Latin prose;
• to understand the content, form, and scope of Ciceronian oratory;  and
• to discern the historical and cultural concerns within Cicero's rhetoric.

Furthermore, students will obtain and exercise the following skills:

• to read literature critically;
• to communicate critical thinking in presentations and written assignments;
• to plan, execute, and complete a long-term project; and
• to engage in and to facilitate group discussions and activities.