This sixth-month programme consists of six individual learning modules, and each module entails eight lessons spread over four weeks. The focus of these modules is three-fold.

The modules introduce, in a relaxed and stepwise manner, the essential grammar of the Latin language— from the basics of noun declensions (Module 1) to the uses of the subjunctive (Module 6). Grammar is not an end in itself but helps us to understand texts in a more accurate manner and to become more fluent. The grammar which you will learn roughly follows the order prescribed by Shelmerdine’s Introduction to Latin (second edition only), which will serve as textbook throughout the modules.

Across six modules, your Latin vocabulary will grow to roughly 2,000–3,000 words. The preceptor will also tailor, to an extent, the vocabulary you learn in accordance with your specific subject interests (see below).

We will learn to enjoy reading basic Latin texts, including adaptations of original Latin texts (as your level increases), modern texts and literature in Latin (such as The Hobbit or simply daily news), and tailored texts which I will create according to your own interests (whether philosophy, art, Tolkien-based, science, or anything else really).

In a given week, the basic idea is for the first lesson to be more instructional, focused on explaining key grammatical constructions, while the second lesson will take the form of a workshop, where we will translate passages together and discuss any issues, and where the preceptor can help answer questions from homework assignments. Depending on the class’s interests, we can also divide into groups.

Note: "Basic Latin" does not involve translating English into Latin (so-called ‘prose composition’) or learning how to speak Latin (oral communication). Both of these are higher-level competencies, which you might encounter in intermediate or advanced Latin courses.

Key grammatical topics by module (not exhaustive):

• Module 1:
  • Basic parts of speech, introductory syntax, nouns and cases, present-tense verbs, adverbs and prepositions (Shelmerdine, Chapters 1–4)
• Module 2:
  • Adjectives, functions of the cases, imperfect and future tenses, noun declensions, personal pronouns, verb conjugations (Chapters 5–8)
• Module 3:
  • Verb conjugations, demonstrative pronouns, case usage, perfect-system tenses (perfect, pluperfect, future perfect), subordinate clauses (Chapters 9–12)
• Module 4:
  • Relative pronouns and clauses, passive voice across tenses, more complex sentence structures, additional noun declensions (Chapters 13–16)
• Module 5:
  • Participles, relative clauses (continued), interrogative pronouns, infinitives, indirect statements, irregular verbs (Chapters 17–20)
• Module 6:
  • Comparison and degree, deponent verbs, additional irregular verbs, introduction to the present subjunctive and its uses (Chapters 21–24)