Classical Latin Course: Intermediate

What you'll learn

Continue your journey into the language of the ancient world with our Classical Latin short courses online!

Build on your existing knowledge of Classical Latin as you continue your exploration of one of history's most influential languages. Designed for students who have completed our Introduction to Classical Latin and Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2 courses (or have equivalent knowledge), this continuation course expands your understanding of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and translation while deepening your appreciation of the Roman world.

Working through the renowned Cambridge Latin Course, you'll continue reading engaging stories from across the Roman Empire, following the lives, ambitions, and adventures of people in regions including Italy, Britannia, and Egypt. As your language skills develop, you'll gain greater confidence interpreting increasingly sophisticated texts while discovering the rich history, literature, and culture that continue to shape Western civilisation.

Classes combine structured language learning with lively discussion, allowing you to strengthen your reading and translation skills while exploring the historical and cultural context behind the language. Whether your interest lies in ancient history, literature, philosophy, or the enduring influence of Latin on modern languages, this course offers a rewarding opportunity to continue your studies alongside like-minded learners.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Classical Latin: Intermediate course, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• Reading and translating increasingly complex passages of Classical Latin
• Expanding your Latin vocabulary and grammatical knowledge
• Recognising and applying a broader range of active verb forms and moods
• Understanding and using the genitive case
• Identifying and declining a wider range of nouns, adjectives, and pronouns
• Using comparative and superlative adjectives appropriately
• Recognising and applying a broader range of adverbs
• Constructing increasingly accurate Latin sentences
• Developing a deeper understanding of Roman history, society, and culture through language study

Course content

What will be covered in this Classical Latin: Intermediate course?

Using the renowned Cambridge Latin Course (Book 2), participants will continue developing their understanding of Classical Latin through structured readings, translation exercises, vocabulary development, and grammar practice.

Participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

• Reading and translating passages from the Cambridge Latin Course
• Building vocabulary through contextual reading
• The genitive case
• Personal, demonstrative, and relative pronouns
• The infinitive and imperative moods
• The pluperfect tense
• Present participles
• Conjugation of irregular verbs
• Neuter nouns of the first, second, and third declensions
• Translation and comprehension exercises
• Exploring Roman life, history, and culture through authentic stories and texts

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Classical Latin: Intermediate course for?

This course is ideal for students who have completed our Introduction to Classical Latin and Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2 courses, or who have an equivalent level of Latin knowledge.

It is particularly suited to those with an interest in Roman history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, theology, or Classical Studies, as well as anyone wishing to continue developing their Latin language skills in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

Course venue

Online via Zoom.

Zoom details will be emailed to you with your enrolment confirmation.

Requirements:

• A device with a stable internet connection

Course materials

What to bring to class

• Cambridge Latin Course: Book 2 (details below)
• Notebook and pen

Learning Resources

Please purchase the following textbook, which will be used throughout the course:

Cambridge Latin Course: Book 2 (Fifth Edition)

Cambridge University Press, 2022

ISBN-10: 1009162683

ISBN-13: 978-1009162685

The textbook is widely available through major booksellers, including Abbey's, Dymocks, Amazon, and other online retailers.

What's Next?

After completing this course, you may wish to continue your study of the ancient world through our Philosophy Course: Stoicism, also taught by tutor Chris Baghos, exploring the philosophical traditions that influenced Roman life and thought.