Introduction to Classical Latin Course

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

Step into the world of Ancient Rome and begin learning the language behind some of history's greatest literature, philosophical ideas, and enduring traditions. Designed for complete beginners, this engaging course offers a rewarding introduction to Classical Latin while bringing the ancient world vividly to life.

Latin has influenced Western thought for more than two thousand years. As the language of Caesar, Cicero, and Virgil, it shaped the literature, philosophy, politics, and law of the Roman world before becoming the shared language of scholarship, science, and diplomacy across Europe for centuries. Its legacy continues today in modern Romance languages such as French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as throughout English, particularly in fields such as law, medicine, science, and academia.

Rather than memorising grammar in isolation, you'll learn Latin through the renowned Cambridge Latin Course, following the lives of Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, his family, and their household in Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. As the story unfolds, you'll steadily develop your understanding of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure while gaining fascinating insights into everyday Roman life.

Whether you're fascinated by ancient history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, or simply enjoy the challenge of learning languages, this course offers a rich and intellectually rewarding introduction to one of history's most influential languages.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Introduction to Classical Latin course, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• Reading and understanding basic passages in Classical Latin
• Translating simple sentences between Latin and English
• Recognising common verbs, nouns and adjectives
• Understanding basic Latin sentence structure
• Developing an understanding of Ancient Roman history, culture and everyday life through language study

Course content

What will be covered in this Introduction to Classical Latin course?

During the course, participants will work with concepts, techniques and ideas that may include:

• Introduction to the Latin language and its historical context
• Basic sentence patterns and structure
• First and second declension nouns (masculine, feminine and neuter)
• Agreement of adjectives
• Verbs across the four conjugations (singular and plural)
• Present tense forms across all persons
• Infinitives and common verb constructions
• The third declension and selected irregular forms
• Imperatives and prepositions
• The genitive case (“of”)
• Neuter nouns and adjectives

Students will also have the opportunity to review their progress through short exercises and guided activities throughout the course.

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Introduction to Classical Latin course for?

This course is ideal for complete beginners with an interest in language, history, literature, philosophy, or the ancient world.

It is particularly suited to learners curious about the origins of modern European languages, students considering Classical Studies or Ancient History, and anyone who enjoys analytical thinking, languages, and lifelong learning.

Course venue

Online via Zoom

Zoom access details will be provided with your enrolment confirmation.

Requirements:

• A device with a stable internet connection

Course materials

What to bring to class

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

Learning Resources

Please purchase the following textbook, which will be used throughout the course:

Cambridge Latin Course: Book 1 (5th Edition)
Cambridge University Press, 2022
ISBN-13: 978-1009162647

This textbook is widely available from major booksellers.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Regular attendance and participation are recommended for the best learning experience
• Some individual study outside of class may be required from Session 2 onwards

What's Next?

Continue your journey into the world of Ancient Egypt with the next course in the series

After completing this course, you may wish to continue your learning with our Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2 course, where you’ll expand your understanding of Latin grammar and engage with more complex texts while continuing your journey into the language and culture of Ancient Rome.