World Languages - Latin
Latin Class
Although Latin is a "dead" language, Latin at James River is alive and well! With the Latin club planning many activites celebrating Roman history, Latin students have the opportunity to spend their time in and out of the classroom expanding their Latin skills and exploring Latin literature and mythology.
Sitting in a green plastic chair in the classroom of Mrs. Dollings or of Dr. Meader, James River students can explore the world of the ancient Romans through the language which continues to live as the base for Romance languages such as Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian, and Italian. Latin 1 students rest under trees in the Roman countryside, and make trips to the Forum in ancient Rome with fictional characters Cornelia and Marcus and their friends in order to build a foundation in the language. Latin 2 students continue with these stories and their examination of grammar. Latin 3 students take a more in-depth look at the language, and translate the works of some ancient historians, to prepare for the study of Vergil's masterpiece the Aeneid, in Latin 4. Latin 5 and 6 students continue practice with translation through the study of poetry, including the works of Catullus and Ovid. In addition, students in each year of Latin develop knowledge of the history and culture of the ancient world, through studies of mythological and historical stories, and through the creation of artistic projects pertaining to Latin. Students also increase their ability to use the English language through the study of English words derived from Latin.
FLES Program
Many Latin students have participated in the FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools) program. They have traveled to nearby elementary schools to share their enthusiasm for Latin language, culture, and history. Using games, posters, and special activities such as mini Olympic games, James River students teach 1st through 5th graders. As students, we are very proud of this activity, because we feel that this exposure to foreign language at a young age helps develop a life-long love for languages. We have seen the difference that the program makes with the students through their touching thanks and enthusiasm, and through the progress we have seen them make with linguistic skills in general.
Latin Club
The purpose of the James River Latin Club is to promote and celebrate the study of Latin, and to perform services to bring unification to the school and the area around it. The club performs annual fundraisers to raise money for scholarships. Community services have included regular trips to local nursing homes, participation in the Richmond Christmas Mother project, and donations to those in need. Traditions that have been established during the first four years of James River High School include the annual Saturnalia party, a celebration of the ancient Roman winter-time holiday, as well as a celebration of the ancient festival of Lupercalia, complete with "Mr." and "Ms. Rome" contests. An end-of-the-year banquet is held annually in June, for students and their families to get together and recognize the many JRHS Latin students who win awards at the state and national levels each year. Other activities of the club include an annual ski trip, star-gazing, and excursions to operas and plays with Latin-related themes. Of the many clubs at James River, the Latin club is one of the most active, creating a float for the Homecoming Parade each year, and often winning one of the prizes in the competition. The club has also shown its enthusiasm for the school through participation in banner contests and other activities. Elections held at the end of each school year determine the members of the club's council for the next year.
Latin Activites for the Year:
VJCL (Virginia Junior Classical League) State Convention
NJCL (National Junior Classical League) National Convention
NLE (National Latin Exam)
CAV (Classical Association of Virginia) Exam
FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools) Program
Trips to Italy and Greece
National Latin Honor Society
Latin 1 Z 9-12
The first level of Latin offers the basic vocabulary and grammar system for all future study of Latin. Roman culture and life are introduced through the readings. Mythology, history, and geography are incorporated. The use of technology is encouraged to implement and enhance the students' studies. Upon completion of the BEGINNING STAGE, students are able to read and understand simple passages and their cultural context. They can ask and answer questions, as well as initiate and respond to simple statements and commands, Their vocabulary is adequate to understand elementary Latin passages. The students' compositions can generally be understood by a sympathetic reader.
Latin 2 H Z 9-12
Linguistic skills and grammatical concepts are reviewed and strengthened, while cultural concepts are expanded to enable The second level of Latin offers a continuting study and review of grammar previously introduced. Most of the formal grammar necessary for the reading of Latin literature will be presented. Readings continue to focus on daily life, Legendary history and mythology complement the integrated language appraoach to translation. the use of technology is encouraged to implement and enhance the students' studies. Upon completion of the BEGINNING STAGE, students are able to read and understand simple passages and their cultural context. They can ask and answer questions, as well as initiate and respond to simple statements and commands, Their vocabulary is adequate to understand elementary Latin passages. The students' compositions can generally be understood by a sympathetic reader.
Latin 3 H Z 10-12
The third level reviews and completes the study of grammar. Additional vocabulary is introduced through the readings. Latin prose reading sections, featuring the Republic and the Empire, include such authors as Cicero, Casear, Eutropius, Augustus, and Petronius. The use of technology is encouraged to implement and enhance student's studies. Upon completion of the DEVELOPING STAGE, students are able to recognize and understand most grammatical structures found in Latin prose. With enhanced vocabulary, students are able to read passages from the works of selected authors.
Latin 4 AP H 11-12
This level features Virgil's Aeneid and the Augustan Age. The politics, history, and mythology emphasized in the Aeneid enhance the students' understanding of the Augustan Age and its influence. There will be study of grammar and vocabulary particular to the Aeneid. The study of literary devices and meter strengthen the students' appreciation of epic poetry. The use of technology is encouraged to implement and enhance the students' studies. Upon completion of this DEVELOPING STAGE, students are able to recognize and understand most grammatical structures found in Latin poetry. With enhanced vocabulary, students are able to read passages from the works of selected authors.
Students may opt for an Advanced Placement prescription at Level 4 or 5; the designated author is Virgil. Through these reading and independent work, a study of Roman history and culture is continued. A review of grammar and writing is instituted when necessary. The use of technology is encouraged to implement and enhance the student's study.
Latin 5 AP H 12
Since learning a foreign language is a lifelong process, students many continue to improve and expand their language skills, knowledge, and appreciation of Latin throughout their lives. During the EXPANDING STAGE, students will gain a more precise understanding of Latin grammar and more facility in reading authentic text, broaden their appreciation of both Latin and English literature, and develop more insight into their own lives through comparison with the classical world.
Students may opt for an Advanced Placement prescription at Level 4 or 5; the designated authors are Catullus, Horace, Ovid, or Cicero. Through these reading and independent work, a study of Roman history and culture is continued. A review of grammar and writing is instituted when necessary. The use of technology is encouraged to implement and enhance the student's study.