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Classical Language

Ever since Saint Ignatius went back to school as an adult to learn Latin, Classics has been at the heart of a Jesuit education, not merely because of its pride of place in both secular and religious tradition, but because Jesuit educators recognize it as a most effective means of achieving the goal of education – training the mind and forming the character. Classics courses also highlight the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge and critical thinking skills, and students often happily report how their Greek and Latin studies enhance their overall academic experience. Students may study Ancient Greek or Latin to fulfill their language graduation requirement and/or as an elective. Teachers in our department are known for their high level of cura personalis – more effectively practiced with typically smaller class sizes and an evident dedication to helping each student thrive.  All Latin students in the high school participate annually in the National Latin Exam and both middle school and high school students are invited to be a part of our chapter of the National Junior Classical League, a national organization that promotes Classics and whose activities animate students with a love of learning.  We also offer an annual trip to Italy for students in Latin IV Honors or AP Latin.  Greek students meet annually with the rare book librarian at the Peabody Library in Mt. Vernon and visit the Walters Art Museum.  The Father Sheridan, S.J. medal is awarded annually to a student who excels in both classical languages.

  • AP Latin

    This college-level course involves the reading passages from the Letters of Pliny and parts of Vergil’s Aeneid. Students become familiar with the metrical and other stylistic devices used by the poet in his epic. Pertinent Roman cultural, social and political history and the study of the ancient epic as a literary genre are also components of this course. At its conclusion students will take the College Board’s Advanced Placement examination.  

  • Classical Languages

    6th grade Classical Languages is a year-long introduction to language study through Greek and Latin, which besides having rich literary traditions that continue to shape our culture and its values, influenced the development of the Romance languages and English vocabulary and grammar. While most of the time will be spent on reading Latin stories about the people of the ancient city of Herculaneum, students will learn the Greek alphabet and make some progress with Greek by learning some simple words and phrases and reciting some memory verses from the New Testament. The study of Greek and Roman myths will be a thread throughout the course.  The course is designed to complement a student’s study of English and the other humanities, as well as prepare him for continued study in Latin or any modern language in grade 8 or Greek in high school as an elective. All students participate in the Exploratory Latin exam and the 6th grade Latin Spelling Bee in the spring.  

  • Classical Mythology

    This senior elective, taught in English, delves into the stories and themes that make Classical mythology a subject of perpetual fascination and enduring relevance. While presenting an overview of Greek myth from the cosmogony, through the rise of the Olympians, onto an in-depth study of the hero’s journey, students will pose and attempt to answer some frequently asked questions about the nature of myth: 

    • What is universal about mythology? 
    • How is it different from religion or history? 
    • Did the Greeks and Roman really believe in their gods? 
    • Why is there so much violence in mythology? 
    • Why are so many of the statues naked? 
    • How does mythology influence the media we consume today? 

    Students will learn the Greek alphabet, the Greek and Latin names for all the gods and heroes, and come to understand many of the words and phrases in English with mythical etymologies, such as the verb “tantalize” and whose was “the face that launched a thousand ships.” For a final project, students will produce a creative analysis of a classical myth that is reinterpreted in a contemporary context e.g. video game, book, film, or other art form.    

  • Greek I Honors

    While becoming familiar with the sights and sounds of a new alphabet, students master the fundamentals of Greek grammar, and after only a few weeks,  begin to read unadapted sentences from the New Testament and Septuagint. Students read a book together on the ancient Olympics to introduce them to the cultural values of the ancient Greek world. This course dovetails nicely with any other coursework in the humanities, especially theology and philosophy, and art.  

  • Greek II Honors

    This intermediate course is a continuation of Greek I Honors. Students’ progress with the fundamentals of Greek grammar and continue to read increasingly complex and lengthy passages from the New Testament and Septuagint. Students begin to see themselves as philosophers as we practice philosophy together through the ancient exemplars of Socrates, the Stoics, and Jesus.   

  • Greek III Honors

    This advanced course is a continuation of Greek II Honors. Students read, discuss, and analyze passages from Homer  in addition to the New Testament in their own historical contexts and within the classical tradition.  

  • Latin I

    Students are introduced to the basic grammar, syntax and vocabulary of the Latin language through readings from Unit 1 of The Cambridge Latin Course, whose engaging stories integrate Roman culture with language learning.    

  • Latin I Honors

    Students are introduced to the basic grammar, syntax and vocabulary of the Latin language through readings from Units 1 and 2 of The Cambridge Latin Course, whose stories integrate Roman culture with language learning.  

  • Latin II

    Students continue with the fundamentals of Latin grammar, syntax and vocabulary through readings from Unit 2 of The Cambridge Latin Course, whose stories integrate Roman culture with language learning. 

  • Latin II Honors

    Students continue with the fundamentals of Latin grammar, syntax and vocabulary through readings from Unit 3 of The Cambridge Latin Course, whose stories integrate Roman culture with language learning. 

  • Latin III

    Students continue with the fundamentals of Latin grammar, syntax and vocabulary through readings from Unit 3 of The Cambridge Latin Course, whose stories integrate Roman culture with language learning. 

  • Latin III Honors

    Students begin to read unadapted passages of Latin through readings from Unit 4 of The Cambridge Latin Course and selections chosen by the instructor, analyzing the literature in its own historical context and within the classical tradition. This class is an opportunity to prepare for the Advanced Placement Latin couse.  

  • Latin IV Honors

    In this course, focused on Roman history, students will continue to strengthen their Latin listening, translating, analyzing, and comprehension skills with an added component: the theme of Rome and her development from Aeneas’ journey all the way to the Empire. Students will read about Roman historical figures, both men and women, who helped shape and build Rome. Using actual historical texts as well as selected adapted readings, their understanding of Roman culture and history will help them better understand themselves as modern Americans. They will end up asking themselves the question: Are we Rome? Students in this class are also invited to participate in the Classical Languges Department’s trip to Italy where we study famous passages of Latin in context! This course is also good preparation for the Adavanced Placement Latin course or can be taken after AP.  

Department Faculty

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