What you'll learn
Discover the language that shaped the foundation of Western civilisation with our Latin short courses online!
Step into the world of Ancient Rome and begin learning the language behind some of history’s most influential texts, ideas and traditions. This course offers a rich and engaging introduction to Classical Latin, designed for beginners and anyone curious about language, history and culture.
Latin remains a cornerstone of Western intellectual history, serving as the language of Caesar, Cicero and Virgil. Long after the fall of the Roman Empire, it continued as the shared language of diplomacy, science and scholarship across Europe for centuries. Its influence can still be seen today in modern Romance languages such as French and Italian, as well as in English vocabulary, particularly in fields such as law, medicine and academia.
In this course, you’ll learn the foundations of Latin through the stories of Lucius Caecilius Iucundus and his household in Pompeii, shortly before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Through these narratives, you’ll gradually build your understanding of grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure while gaining insight into everyday life in Ancient Rome.
Whether you’re interested in literature, philosophy, history or the origins of language itself, this course offers a thoughtful and rewarding introduction to Classical Latin.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Introduction to Classical Latin course, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:
- Reading and understanding basic passages in Classical Latin
- Translating simple sentences between Latin and English
- Recognising common verbs, nouns and adjectives
- Understanding basic Latin sentence structure
- Exploring key aspects of Ancient Roman culture and society
Course content
What will be covered in this Introduction to Classical Latin course?
During the course, participants will work with concepts, techniques and ideas that may include:
- Introduction to the Latin language and its historical context
- Basic sentence patterns and structure
- First and second declension nouns (masculine, feminine and neuter)
- Agreement of adjectives
- Verbs across the four conjugations (singular and plural)
- Present tense forms across all persons
- Infinitives and common verb constructions
- The third declension and selected irregular forms
- Imperatives and prepositions
- The genitive case (“of”)
- Neuter nouns and adjectives
Students will also have the opportunity to review their progress through short exercises and guided activities throughout the course.
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Intended audience
Who is this Introduction to Classical Latin course for?
This course is ideal for learners who:
- Are interested in Roman history, literature or philosophy
- Want to understand the roots of Western languages
- Enjoy analytical or language-based learning
- Are considering studies in Ancient History or Classical Studies
- Are curious about how language connects culture, history and ideas
Course venue
Online via Zoom
Zoom access details will be provided with your enrolment confirmation.
Requirements:
- A device with a stable internet connection
Course materials
What to bring to class
- Textbook (see below)
- Notebook and pen
- A willingness to engage and learn
Learning Resources
Please purchase the following textbook, which will be used throughout the course:
Cambridge Latin Course: Book 1 (5th Edition)
Cambridge University Press, 2022
ISBN-13: 978-1009162647
This textbook is widely available from major booksellers.
Additional information
Please note the following:
- Regular attendance and participation are recommended for the best learning experience
- Some individual study outside of class may be required from Session 2 onwards
What's Next?
After completing this course, you may wish to continue your learning with our Classical Latin: Beginners Level 2 course, where you’ll expand your understanding of Latin grammar and engage with more complex texts while continuing your journey into the language and culture of Ancient Rome.
Course testimonials
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JOHN said: Returning to a study of Latin after some 60+ years - since my high school days - I found this course perfectly suited for reviving old knowledge and skills and Chris’s excellent and friendly guidance, plus his extensive background knowledge of history and language, made every session enjoyable and stimulating. Latin in his hands is far from being a ‘dead language’.
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Lesley said: An excellent course, well paced and delivered with enthusiasm and knowledge. It has given me a real thirst to learn more of this interesting language.
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Julie said: Our tutor has an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge of the Classics and several languages in addition to Latin. He is also a very experienced teacher and uses interesting facts from the Roman world to provide a rich context. Learning a new language via Zoom is a bit more difficult than in a classroom with fellow students. However the advantage of Zoom is that you can get the recording of the lesson, making it easier to practise pronunciations and grammar. The course was very rewarding and I am looking forward to further study in this area! Would highly recommend.
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Henry said: Chris has an in-depth knowledge of the language and is a first class teacher. He provides an excellent space and structure for learning classical Latin. He mentors students within the course with brilliant cultural contexts and insights. He is very accommodating and compassionate to students of all levels. I highly recommend it.
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Elizabeth said: I had no knowledge of Latin before the course. Chris is a knowledgeable and interesting tutor. He is obviously passionate about keeping Latin alive. The way the course is taught works for me. Enjoyed it enough that I’ve booked into the second session. Thanks.
Course tutors
Chris Baghos
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Classes Online Courses
<p>Discover the language that shaped the foundation of Western civilisation with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/latin">Latin short courses</a> online!</p
...<p>Discover the language that shaped the foundation of Western civilisation with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/latin">Latin short courses</a> online!</p
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Introduction to Classical Latin Course
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Introduction to Classical Latin Course
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