UGA Bulletin Logo

Elementary Latin I


Course Description

The Latin language; pronunciation, fundamentals of grammar, reading, and translation.


Athena Title

Elementary Latin I


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in LATN 1001, LATN 2050, LATN 2050E


Non-Traditional Format

This version of the course will be taught as writing intensive, which means that the course will include substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline—for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; and c) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. The written assignments will result in a significant and diverse body of written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or 25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in student writing, providing opportunities for feedback and substantive revision.


Semester Course Offered

Offered every year.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to pronounce and write down familiar vocabulary words in Latin.
  • Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify and label basic morphological and grammatical structures of Latin.
  • Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to classify and describe basic forms and grammatical patterns in simple adapted and original Latin sentences.
  • Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to translate and read simple sentences and short passages in Latin including adapted sentence, original sentences, and passages not previously read.
  • Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to compare basic grammatical structures in Latin and English, including analyzing English words based on their Latin roots.

Topical Outline

  • The Indo-European language family
  • The Roman alphabet and pronunciation
  • Introduction to the Latin verb system, indicative and imperative, first and second conjugations, active and passive
  • Introduction to the first-fourth noun declensions and numerous case uses
  • Introduction to adjectives of all declensions
  • The irregular verbs sum/possum
  • Demonstrative, personal, reflexive, intensive, and relative pronouns
  • Numerals
  • Latin readings and translations in Roman literature and history and classical mythology interspersed throughout the term
  • Discussion of English derivatives interspersed throughout the term

General Education Core

CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture