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 greatest literature, philosophical ideas, and enduring traditions. Designed for complete beginners, this engaging course offers a rewarding introduction to Classical Latin while bringing the ancient world vividly to life.
Latin has influenced Western thought for more than two thousand years. As the language of Caesar, Cicero, and Virgil, it shaped the literature, philosophy, politics, and law of the Roman world before becoming the shared language of scholarship, science, and diplomacy across Europe for centuries. Its legacy continues today in modern Romance languages such as French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as throughout English, particularly in fields such as law, medicine, science, and academia.
Rather than memorising grammar in isolation, you'll learn Latin through the renowned Cambridge Latin Course, following the lives of Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, his family, and their household in Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. As the story unfolds, you'll steadily develop your understanding of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure while gaining fascinating insights into everyday Roman life.
Whether you're fascinated by ancient history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, or simply enjoy the challenge of learning languages, this course offers a rich and intellectually rewarding introduction to one of history's most influential languages.
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
- Developing an understanding of Ancient Roman history, culture and everyday life through language study
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 complete beginners with an interest in language, history, literature, philosophy, or the ancient world.
It is particularly suited to learners curious about the origins of modern European languages, students considering Classical Studies or Ancient History, and anyone who enjoys analytical thinking, languages, and lifelong learning.
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?
Continue your journey into the world of Ancient Egypt with the next course in the series
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
-
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’.
-
Robyn said: Chris is a fabulous teacher - his experience, sound pedagogy and passion for the subject are catching, and looking forward to leaning more with him soon
-
Selina said: Chris is a wonderful teacher. He is knowledgeable and patient and is able to get the best from his students. I loved the course and am looking forward to the next level.
-
Jennifer said: Great course. Really enjoyed the teaching style and the pace.
-
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.
Course tutors
Chris Baghos
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
4.7 starsaverage rating on Google
1,400+courses to choose from
99%customer support rating
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
...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
Related courses
-
Ancient Egypt: Foundations of a Civilisation
Explore the origins of Ancient Egypt and discover how one of the world's earliest and most influential civilisations was built with our history & philosophy short courses online & in Sydney! Step back more than 4,500 years to a time when the Nile River sustained a thriving culture of kings, builders and storytellers. In this engaging introductory course, you will explore how Ancient Egypt emerged from early settlements into a powerful and highly organised civilisation. From the...
Learn more about Ancient Egypt: Foundations of a Civilisation -
Classical Latin Course: Beginners Level 2
Discover the language that shaped the foundation of Western civilisation with our Latin short courses in Sydney! Step deeper into the world of Classical Latin and experience the language of Caesar, Cicero and Virgil in its original form. Designed for students who have completed our Introduction to Classical Latin course (or have around 20 hours of recent study), this course will expand your knowledge of Latin grammar and vocabulary while offering a richer understanding of the Roman...
Learn more about Classical Latin Course: Beginners Level 2 -
Classical Latin Course: Intermediate
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...
Learn more about Classical Latin Course: Intermediate -
Modern Greek Course: Beginners Level 1
Start speaking Modern Greek and connect with one of the world’s oldest living cultures with our Modern Greek language short courses online! Have you always wanted to learn Greek but weren't sure where to begin? This beginner-friendly course offers a practical and supportive introduction to Modern Greek — no prior experience required. From your first classes, you'll begin speaking, reading and understanding simple Greek. You'll learn the Greek alphabet, develop your pronunciation...
Learn more about Modern Greek Course: Beginners Level 1 -
Modern Greek Course: Intermediate Level 2
Improve your work skills and embrace a rich cultural heritage by learning how to speak Greek with our Modern Greek language courses online & in Sydney! Have you completed previous Greek language study and are ready to improve those skills further? In this Modern Greek intermediate course, we continue the study of grammar by seeing in more depth the passive voice, the subjunctive and the imperative but we also see more adverbs. The topics covered are everyday life at home and out of...
Learn more about Modern Greek Course: Intermediate Level 2 -
Philosophy Course: Introduction to Stoicism
Explore Stoicism and the art of living well with our philosophy short courses online! What does it mean to live a good life? How should we respond to uncertainty, adversity and success? Developed by thinkers including Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, Stoicism offers a practical philosophical framework for examining these enduring questions and considering how we respond to the complexities of life. In this Introduction to Stoicism course, you'll explore the origins, key...
Learn more about Philosophy Course: Introduction to Stoicism -
Philosophy Course: The Great Philosophers
Learn to answer fundamental questions about life with our philosophy short courses online & in Sydney. Philosophy means 'the love of wisdom' and the search for knowledge. Philosophy concerns itself with the fundamental questions of our existence and the nature of the universe as a whole. This course focuses on the nature of consciousness or mind and its relation to the human body, the nature of the material and biological universe, whether human beings have a soul, whether there is...
Learn more about Philosophy Course: The Great Philosophers -
Philosophy Course: The Great Political Philosophers
Learn thinking and philosophical skills with our philosophy short courses online & in Sydney. In this Philosophy course, you will examine the theories of the great political philosophers from Plato through to Hobbes, Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, Marx, and into the great modern thinkers such as John Rawls and Habermas. In this philosophy course, you will learn about the nature of society, of the state, of government, of citizens and the interaction between them all. This beginners...
Learn more about Philosophy Course: The Great Political Philosophers
