Why study Latin? Because it's a beautiful, rich language. Because it's the gateway to the marvels of Roman literature and history: epic heroes! Dastardly villains! True love! Glorious victory! Heart-breaking defeat! Pirates! Because Latin is the root of all the Romance languages &mdash Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian &mdash and has had a profound influence on English, as well. Because studying Latin will make you a better, more astute user of language in general.

Students in Classics 110, Elementary Latin will:

• learn basic Latin grammar, syntax, and vocabulary;
• begin to read simple Latin poetry and prose;
• become familiar with the historical and cultural contexts of the Latin language.

Furthermore, students will acquire universal skills of analysis and critical thinking, and will communicate these skills both in class and in written exercises.