FAQ
Is there a fee to enroll in language courses?
Foundations courses (Latin and Greek) are free for all Lyceum members (i.e., those who have signed up for any of our membership plans). There is a fee to enroll in all other language courses; as with our philosophy seminars, the pricing for these courses is structured on the principle of financial subsidiarity.
Do you use a particular teaching method?
Many language teachers employ the so-called “natural method,” in which a new language is taught to students by an almost exclusive use of that language itself. While there is great merit to this method, the Lyceum uses an approach based on the so-called “grammar-translation” method—i.e., participants study the language’s grammar intensively and translate texts into English. This approach is used for two reasons: first, and more theoretically, most Lyceum members study languages to read and translate texts; second, and more practically, most participants do not have enough time to undergo a language course which is also devoted to speaking and writing a language fluently.
That said: while our German and French programs will also focus primarily on reading and translation, these programs will feature added emphasis on speaking and listening comprehension.
Do you plan to teach other languages?
We are open to the possibility of offering other languages, especially if enough of our members express a sustained interest. However, our current concern is to maintain, develop, and refine the quality of our Latin and Greek programs.