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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)