4. Course organisation 4.1 Time allocation The minimum number of hours of timetabled school time, including assessment for a course of study developed from this syllabus, is 55 hours per semester. A course of study will usually be completed over two years (220 hours). 4.2 Components of course Learning Latin involves the following three components: study of the Latin language knowledge and appreciation of Roman literature, including an in-depth study of Virgil and Cicero Roman culture. 4.2.1 of the Latin language The senior Latin course should extend students’ awareness of language as a sensitive and precise instrument of communication. Several skills are of particular importance in developing this awareness. These include the ability to scan dactylic hexameters, to identify figures of speech and other stylistic devices, and to hypothesise as to the function or purpose of these devices. The structural components (grammatical forms, morphology and syntax) that comprise Latin assist students to better understand how language systems work. Learning Latin should develop students’ sensitivity to language and its structure, in particular to the English language. Understanding, manipulating and using the grammatical forms outlined below are necessary to enable students to attain the levels described in the standards at exit. The structures should be assessed as they occur in the literary texts studied. Grammar should be studied in context through the exploration of authentic Classical Latin. Students’ knowledge and understanding of how the language works may be enhanced by translating sentences into Latin. Oral work may be used to enable students to use case and tense endings naturally and to facilitate understanding and memorising of paradigms.
Complex reasoning The student work has the following characteristics: comprehensive understanding of gist and fine detail demonstrated perceptive conclusions drawn about the purpose of the text and the author’s attitude and intent references and ideas in Latin texts are readily identified in the full range of contexts; insightful comment is made and fully supported by evidence from the passages perceptive character analyses from texts are made incisive viewpoints, interpretations and hypotheses are made based on in-depth research into Roman antiquity. The student work has the following characteristics: an effective grasp of the main ideas from text is evident, although some detail may be overlooked valid conclusions are made about the purpose of the text and the author’s attitude and intent references and ideas in texts are usually identified in a range of contexts; plausible comment is made and supported with evidence from the passages, although hindered by lack of detail character analyses from Latin texts are made convincing viewpoints, interpretations and hypotheses are supported by thorough research into Roman antiquity. The student work has the following characteristics: most of the main ideas are presented recognition of the author’s attitude and intent when made obvious within a familiar context obvious references and ideas in texts are identified in some contexts; comment is made and supported with some evidence from the passages aspects of characters portrayed in texts are described viewpoints and interpretations are provided, although support from research is not always effective; some hypotheses may be presented. The student work has the following characteristics: a broad outline of straightforward texts is understood and some detail is recognised in familiar language obvious ideas in familiar texts are identified and some comment is made some comments on obvious aspects of characters are made some opinions are provided, based on limited research. The student work has the following characteristics: isolated details pertaining to Latin texts and characters are identified in familiar contexts little evidence of opinion or research. Criterion Standard A Standard B Standard C Standard D Standard E