Latin 1
Learning Latin truly and well, with care and depth. This is the access course to Latin studies through the IISC method: it is open to everyone and initiates the active use of Latin through engaging teaching. In this way, students learn the basic literary lexicon, without ever neglecting rigorous attention to grammatical norms: in fact, it completes the study of nominal and verbal morphology, as well as the essential elements of an extensive syntax of cases and periods.
Overview
Admission
The course is the first year of the School of Higher Studies in Latin. Access to the first year is free and no pre-requisites are requested.
Objectives
- Understanding of a Latin text, without using the dictionary
- In-depth knowledge of the most important structures of Latin syntax and grammar
- Knowledge of the 2000 most frequent words in Latin classical literature
- Ability to write and speak in Latin
Program
Through the reading of texts in Latin, which are designed to encourage language learning, students deal with literary Classical Latin morphology, syntax and phraseology. Lessons will be held completely in Latin: following the fundamentals of the inductive-contextual methodology, the active use of Latin language both by the students and the teacher turns passive learning into an active competence, thus ensuring a sound knowledge of the language. Readings of some original Latin texts complete the course program. View the program in details
Over the course, there will be two Saturday afternoons of lessons and two cultural field trips of two days each: Latin will be the only language of communication and there will be reading of classical texts, lessons and visits to archeological sites.
The course will be held in person. Those who wish to attend the course online might register to Latin 1 on-line.
CONTINUE STUDYING WITH US
Upon the completion of the course, students who have attended at lest the 75% of class hours, may access the course Latin 2.
It is of the utmost importance that students have their textbooks since the first day of classes.
1. H. H. Ørberg, Lingua Latina per se illustrata – Pars I: Familia Romana (any edition)
2. F. Pirrone, Grammatica latina: guida allo studio di Familia Romana, Edizioni Istituto Italiano di Studi Classici for students who cannot read Italian: M. Neumann, A companion to Familia Romana, Focus)
3. H. H. Ørberg, Exercitia Latina (Cap I-XXXV) (any edition)
4. Excerpts (provided by the instructor) from textbooks from the 1900s, based on the inductive-contextual method, by the following authors: W.H.D. Rouse, R.B. Appleton, W.H.S. Jones, G. Pasquetti, G.B. Gandino, C.W.E. Peckett, A.R. Munday, U. E. Paoli
5. Excerpts (provided by the instructor) of Latin classics
Recommended readings (the following texts are not required for the exam, but are recommended for those who wish to strengthen their knowledge):
1. A. Traina – G. Bernardi Perini, Propedeutica al latino universitario, Patron
2. G. B. Conte – E. Berti – M. Mariotti, La sintassi del latino, Mondadori Education
3. C. Pavanetto, Elementa linguae et grammaticae Latinae, LAS
4. W. H. S. Jones, Intermediate oral Latin reader, based on Cicero’s De senectute, with extracts from Martial and Horace, Blackie and Son (Download the pdf)
5. G. Cauquil – J. Y. Guillaumin, Lessico essenziale di latino (a cura di F. Piazzi), Cappelli
– Students who have attended at least 75% of class hours may obtain a course completion certificate.
– Those who wish to obtain university certifications (6 CFU/ECTS) should pass the final exam with an evaluation fo at least 18/30. The exam will consist in a written test structured as follows: (a) grammatical competences, (b) comprehension of a written text, (c) production of a written text.
In virtue of an agreement between the Italian Institute of Classical Studies (IISC) and the Faculty of Classics of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) – whose titles are recognized by Italy – the ECTS issued at the IISC are automatically recognized for the student enrolled at the UPS and they are recognizable at the Italian Universities (without prejudice to the discretion granted to the universities by the Italian law).
The course is also recognized by the MIUR – Regional School Office for Lazio as valid for the professional training of teaching staff.
First lesson
Last lesson
Saturday afternoon lessons (3.30-7.30 pm)
2026 December
No class days
2026 December, 30
2027 January 6
2027 March, 24
2027 March, 31
DIDACTICAL FIELD-TRIPS
Gaeta (LT) – Overnight stay from Sat 2027 May ( 3:00 pm) to Sun 2027 May (2:00 pm)
Exam sessions
2027 July, 14
2027 September, 29
First lesson
Last lesson
Saturday afternoon lessons (3.30-7.30 pm)
2026 January 10
No class days
2025 December, 31
2026 April, 1
2026 April, 8
DIDACTICAL FIELD-TRIPS
Tarquinia (VT) – Overnight stay from Sat 2026 May, 23 ( 3:00 pm) to Sun 2026 May, 24 (7:00 pm)
Exam sessions
2026 July, 15
2026 September, 16
Instructor
Alessandro Agus teaches Latin language at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. Previously, he has been a teacher of History and Philosophy in high schools.
He achieved the qualification for teaching in High School. He completed the School of Higher Studies in Latin at the Italian Institute of Classical Studies. He graduated with honors in Philosophy and History of Philosophy (La Sapienza University).
His main interests are in Roman and Medieval philosophy and he has conducted researches in Latin composition.
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