Lingua Imperii, Lingua Ecclesiae
Language of the Empire, Language of the Church. The Lyceum Institute’s Latin program is designed to help participants learn to read and translate Latin texts from various literary genres and time periods. We offer courses for members with varying levels of proficiency—from beginners who have never studied another language to those with advanced Latin experience.
Our Latin program currently consists of three modules: first, a three-course Foundations sequence; second, several intermediate courses which introduce participants to Scholastic Latin and Latin Composition; and third, several individual courses devoted to the study of more sophisticated Latin texts.
Latin Schedule (2026)
| Course | Course Dates | Enrollment and Placement Test Deadlines | Day & Time |
| Foundations: Latin I Foundations: Latin II Foundations: Latin III Selected Readings (De aeternitate mundi) | January 06-April 28 May 12-August 25 September 08-November 17 Fall – dates TBD | January 25 May 24 September 20 TBD | Tuesday 6:00–7:15pm ET Tuesday 6:00–7:15pm ET Tuesday 6:00–7:15pm ET TBD |
Foundations Courses
The Foundations sequence consists of three courses: Latin I, II, and III. Taken together, these courses introduce participants to the fundamental grammar and essential vocabulary of Classical Latin. Upon completion of this sequence, successful students are prepared to engage with simple Latin texts with minimal need of external aids. This sequence is designed to instruct beginners, including those who need to fulfill a university language requirement. So too, it is well-suited both for those who currently possess some limited knowledge of Latin and for those who have studied Latin some time ago but desire some refresher courses.
Latin I
Latin I introduces common vocabulary and the basics of grammar, including pronunciation. The primary grammatical emphasis of the course is a presentation of the fundamentals of morphology (chiefly: the declensions of nouns, pronouns, and adjectives, as well as various present tense forms of verbs) and syntax (chiefly: basic word agreement; common case functions; and an introduction to the structure and use of phrases, clauses, and sentences).
(NB: the deadline for enrolling in Latin I is January 25, 2026.)
Latin II
Latin II introduces more essential vocabulary and grammar.
In terms of grammar, the primary morphological emphasis of the course is a fuller explanation of the verbal system, including: most remaining tenses of the indicative mood; impersonal and deponent verbs; most tenses and voices of participles; all remaining tenses and voices of the infinitive; supines; and gerunds.
In terms of syntax, participants encounter concepts such as: new case functions; tense rules for participles and infinitives; the active periphrastic; and more advanced clause and sentence structures.
(NB: the deadline for enrolling in and/or testing into Latin II is May 24, 2026.)
Latin III
Latin III introduces a sizable amount of vocabulary and more advanced grammatical concepts.
In terms of grammar, the primary morphological emphasis of the course is a complete explanation of the Latin verbal system, including: the future perfect indicative; all forms of subjunctive mood verbs; gerundives; semi-deponent verbs; and defective verbs.
In terms of syntax, the course focuses primarily on the formation and use of a variety of independent and subordinate clauses, especially those taking subjunctive verbs. Participants are also introduced to Latin poetry.
(NB: the deadline for enrolling in and/or testing into Latin III is September 20, 2026.)
intermediate Courses
Our intermediate courses allow students to develop their understanding and skills with Latin in diverse directions, with specific areas of focus. These include topics such as Scholastic Latin—focusing on authors such as Thomas Aquinas and Duns Scotus—and Latin Composition. More intermediate courses will likely be added over time as our program continues to grow.
Scholastic Latin
Our Scholastic Latin course (taught by Dr. Andrews) is designed to take students already in possession of basic proficiency in reading and translating the Latin language into English and enable them to do the same with a range of Scholastic Latin texts. This course will not result in total fluency with respect to all Scholastic authors, but will enable the reading and translation of most important authors with the aid of a dictionary and very occasional reference to a grammar.
This course will be offered again in 2027.
Latin Prose Composition
Our Latin Prose Composition course trains participants in the art of composition using the standards and style of Classical Latin. Participants are trained to compose sentences of increasing complexity, with particular attention given to: the use of inflected forms (especially nouns and verbs); the use and structure of subordinate clauses; and the major differences between English and Latin modes of expression.
This course is designed not merely to help participants compose Latin, but also: to further consolidate their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar; to improve their reading comprehension; and to familiarize them with common Latin idioms and expressions.
selected readings courses
We also offer courses for those with intermediate or advanced Latin skills; these courses focus on the translation of selected Latin passages from a specific author, literary genre, or time period. In these courses, participants not only read and translate these works, but also develop the skills to critically analyze texts in terms of grammatical and rhetorical figures of speech; poetic meter; historical, societal, mythological and religious dimensions; and philosophical or theological terminology.
These courses are offered irregularly, as befits scheduling and demand. The below may be offered again in the future, or other courses may be added in 2025 and beyond.
Prose & Poetry
The Lyceum Institute’s Prose and Poetry course guides participants in a study of unadapted selections from the following Latin works: Caesar’s Commentaries on the Gallic War; Vergil’s Aeneid; and the Gospel of Mark, as presented in the Vulgate.
This course is designed to help participants improve their ability to read and translate sophisticated Latin writings with accuracy and confidence. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of basic skills in literary interpretation.
Moral Epistles of Seneca
This course guides participants in a study of selected letters from the Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium of Lucius Annaeus Seneca (ca. 4 BC – 65 AD), known more commonly as Seneca the Younger.
This course is designed to help participants improve their ability to read and translate sophisticated Latin writings with accuracy and confidence. Particular emphasis is placed on Seneca’s use of grammatical and rhetorical devices, as well as the stylistic preferences of the “Silver Age” of Classical Latin.
De Aeternitate Mundi
Details forthcoming.
This course will be offered in the Fall of 2026.
FAQ
Is there a fee to enroll in your Latin courses?
Latin Foundations courses and Scholastic Latin 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 Selected Readings and Composition courses; as with our philosophy seminars, the pricing for these courses is structured on the principle of financial subsidiarity.
Which type of Latin is taught at the Lyceum?
The ages of the Latin language are traditionally divided as follows: Old Latin; Classical Latin, consisting of both a Golden and Silver Age; Post-Classical (or Late) Latin; Medieval Latin, and Modern Latin.
Our Latin Foundations courses, as well as most of our other courses, focus on a study of Classical Latin, particularly the prose and poetry of the so-called “Golden Age” (ca. 100 BC–AD 14). However, some Selected Readings courses study Silver Age Classical Latin, Post-Classical Latin, and Medieval Latin. Scholastic Latin involves a study of Scholastic authors from both the Medieval and Modern periods.
Will a study of Classical Latin prepare me to read the Latin of other periods?
So long as you master a relatively small number of important grammatical differences between the time periods, yes: study of Classical Latin is a perfectly suitable preparation for work with the Latin of other periods.
Which pronunciation do you use?
Participants may use either Classical or Ecclesiastical pronunciation; both styles are explained.
How is Latin taught at the Lyceum? Do you use a particular teaching method?
Key to each course is the weekly class session, in which small groups (3-10 people) meet on Microsoft Teams for about an hour to read and translate a chapter or passage from the selected text. Courses last between nine and ten weeks, with a weeklong break scheduled near the midpoint of each course. In addition to attending the class session and tending to daily study, participants are encouraged both to make use of our digital resource library and to engage with our community of fellow Latin students throughout the week. The instructor is often available throughout the week to meet one on one with participants.
Most Lyceum members choose to study Latin not to speak the language fluently, but to read Latin writings. As such, our pedagogical approach is designed to take the best of the so-called “natural” and “grammar-translation” methods. From the beginning, participants are introduced to extended passages of Latin prose to help develop their ability to grasp new vocabulary and grammar intuitively. However, participants are provided extensive grammatical notes and expected to be able to translate these passages into English. We value the skill of translation not only as a means of demonstrating participants’ comprehension of vocabulary and grammar, but also to help participants develop and refine their reading proficiency.
Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in Latin I?
There is no prerequisite for taking Latin I; the instructor presumes neither a familiarity with Latin nor any previous language study from course participants. However, participants are encouraged to take our Trivium Grammar I: Foundations course either before or in tandem with Latin I.
Can I test out of one or more Foundations courses?
Yes. Our Latin program is designed to be taken sequentially: beginners must complete each Foundations course satisfactorily (chiefly, passing both quizzes and the final exam) before they may advance to Intermediate and Selected Readings courses, which may be taken in any order. That said, members possessing sufficient familiarity with Latin may test out of one, two, or all three of the Foundations courses. To request a placement test, contact either the program director or Latin instructor.
May I take Latin and Greek in tandem?
Yes; however, those who wish to take Latin and Greek courses concurrently must receive approval from the instructor(s) of each language course.
Is there a deadline for enrolling in a Latin course and/or taking a placement test to enroll in a Latin course?
Yes; as successful language study depends in large part on adequate, timely mastery of previously introduced material, potential participants must enroll and/or take a placement test before the third class session of any Latin course. (See the “Latin Schedule” section above for the specific deadlines for each course.)
