Conventiculum Bostoniense
Courses
Nota Bene: The two-credit option does not require a final paper/project. All course requirements are completed by the end of the immersion experience.
Latin 670 – Active Learning Methodologies
for Teachers of Latin
Designed as the first-year experience at the Conventiculum Bostoniense, this course introduces teachers of Latin to theories of second language acquisition and engages them intensively in speaking and writing Latin. All participants should be able to read Latin and should feel reasonably secure in their knowledge of basic morphology and syntax; however, previous experience in speaking Latin is not necessary. With the exception of nine hours of instruction in second language acquisition theory, students will communicate exclusively in Latin among themselves and with the instructors.
Course requirements for all students (2 or 3 credits and auditors) include: preparation of certain course materials in advance of the Conventiculum; full participation in all instructional activities; strict adherence to the requirement to speak only in Latin; the submission of a portfolio, consisting of article and textbook assessments, a journal and all written work from the composition portion of the course.
Students taking the course for three credits will also be required to complete and present online a final paper in early November.
Latin 675 – Living Text: Caesar's De Bello Gallico
Designed for repeat attendees of the Conventiculum Bostoniense or other spoken Latin programs, this course engages the participants in intensive study of Caesar's commentary on his campaign in Gaul, de Bello Gallico, incorporating both traditional pedagogical approaches (grammar/translation method, study of relevant scholarship) and active learning methodologies (especially those that build competence in oral and written production of Latin, such as oral paraphrase, contextual discussion, Socratic questioning, written response and rephrasing). Students communicate among themselves and with the instructors exclusively in Latin. Participants will work collaboratively and individually to produce pedagogical materials related to the text under study.
Course requirements for all students (2 or 3 credits and auditors) include: preparation of certain course materials in advance of the Conventiculum; full participation in all instructional activities; and strict adherence to the requirement to speak only in Latin.
Students taking the course for three credits will also be required to complete an individual final paper or project, due in early November.
Prerequisites: Latin 670 or permission of the instructors.
