Participation. Class participation is an essential aspect of this course and consists of getting to class on time; participating in drills, games and discussions; and keeping pace with the rest of the class. Classroom work is a requirement, not an option. You may take 2 absences from the classroom during the semester without penalty -- no questions asked, no explanation necessary. After two absences, each absence will lower the class participation component of your grade by one full grade (i.e., 2% of your final grade).

Part of our class participation includes discussing cultural aspects of ancient Rome. Each week we will examine some element of Roman culture - for example, religion, gladiatorial games, names, slavery, etc. (using both the The Penguin Historial Atlas of Ancient Rome and the Social and Cultural Studies section of the Web Resources page). Every third week the two Latin classis will gather for a certamen, a competition that will test each class' knowledge of Roman culture and the Latin language. The classes will prepare the questions in advance, drawing upon all of the material you've learned so far, and will compete for points. At the end of the semester, we will hold a certamen summum and, at the end, award prizes to the prima classis and the secunda classis.