Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2

Discover the language that shaped the foundation of Western civilisation with our Latin short courses in Sydney!

Acquire the skills needed to read and appreciate such influential authors as Caesar, Cicero, and Virgil in their own language! Suitable for those who have completed our Introduction to Classical Latin course (or 20 hours of recent tuition), this online course will expand your knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary, while offering you a detailed and nuanced portrait of the wider Roman world which underpins our Western civilisation.

Throughout this Latin course, you will explore captivating readings and exercises detailing the fortunes, vocations, and interests of Romans from all walks of life in places such as Pompeii, Britannia, and Egypt. Join us as we continue our journey bridging the ancient past with contemporary language, culture, and the human experience.

This Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2 course will be held online via Zoom.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2 course, you should be able to:

1. Read and understand longer passages in Classical Latin with fluency and enjoyment 
2. Translate more complex sentences from Classical Latin to English, and vice versa 
3. Distinguish between major past and present verbs 
4. Identify and decline a wide range of nouns and adjectives  
5. Utilise verbs, nouns, adjectives, and prepositions to construct sufficient sentences in Classical Latin 
6. Demonstrate sound knowledge of Ancient Roman culture and society not only with respect to Italy but different Eastern and Western provinces

Course content

What will be covered in this Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2 course?

Using books 1 and 2 of the renowned Cambridge Latin Course, students will acquire knowledge of the following grammatical components based on the reading of original texts: 

• Common verbs of the first, second, third, and fourth conjugations 
• Masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns and adjectives (of the first, second, and third declensions) 
• The ablative and genitive cases  
• Prepositional phrases  
• Relative clauses and pronouns 
• The infinitive and the commonly associated verbs volo (‘I want’), nolo (‘I do not want’), and possum (‘I can’) 
• The imperfect and pluperfect tenses

Intended audience

Who is this Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2 course for?

This course is ideal for students passionate about Roman literature, history, philosophy, or pursuing studies in Ancient History/Classical Studies. It also suits individuals looking to explore the origins of Western languages and deepen their appreciation for classical texts. 

Course venue

Online via Zoom

• Zoom details will be emailed to you with your enrolment confirmation.
• Requirement: A device and stable internet connection.

Course materials

What to bring to class

• Textbook (information below)
• Notebook and pen
• A willingness to engage and learn!

Learning Resources

Please purchase the following textbooks, which will be used for each session of the course:  

• Cambridge Latin Course: Book 1. Fifth Edition. Cambridge University Press, 2022. ISBN-10: 1009162640. ISBN-13: 978-1009162647. This popular textbook is widely available, including via Amazon, Abbey’s, and Dymocks. 
• Cambridge Latin Course: Book 2. Fifth Edition. Cambridge University Press, 2022. ISBN-10: 1009162683. ISBN-13: 978-1009162685. This popular textbook is also widely available, including via Amazon, Abbey’s, and Dymocks.