People who study Latin often score higher on the language based parts of standardized tests. Latin is in a sense the "mother" of our mother tongue, Engish; and the study of Latin affords an excellent introduction to language studies in general. A basic knowledge of Latin equips the student in a broad way, teaching him the roots of a whole host of English words, providing a sound understanding of the workings of grammar, and bolstering vocabulary and spelling skills like few other studies can. Perhaps more important still, Latin has been the language of the Church for centuries, and of the Roman empire before it. Because of this, the study of Latin richly benefits the student who hopes to pursue theological or classical studies; and it offers to all students a deeper understanding of our Western heritage.
Students will wrap up their study of Latin grammar with some advanced grammatical concepts: the subjunctive mood and its applications; gerunds and gerundives; and the ablative absolute. Exercises and Latin composition will provide practice of these concepts. Thereafter in the course the focus will be in reading excerpts from original Latin texts, in particular Caesar and Cicero. Students will need to apply their knowledge of Latin grammar and syntax for literal translation of these excerpts. Quizzes and tests will serve to evaluate students' progress with the language. The three Latin courses are the equivalent of two years of high school Latin.