So Much Latin, So Little Time

Wilfred E. Major (Louisiana State University)

A crucial balancing act facing college teachers and textbook designers concerns the limited contact time in the classroom and the finite amount of time students can and will devote to preparation outside of class meetings. While the goal is always a high level of preparation and experience for authentic ancient Latin, it is also desirable for mid-level students to grasp the fundamentals of the language so they can have positive, meaningful comprehension of Latin, even if their skill level is below that of the best students.

A textbook that makes clear priorities in the material while still providing advanced detail for teachers and more motivated students helps teachers achieve such a goal. How much lecturing will be needed? Is there a mix of exercises suitable for class time and for homework? If there is a time crunch, can the teacher and student determine the essential material and push forward to complete the survey of material they will need? Will crucial information or narrative be overlooked if, for example, a teacher skips a chapter?

This panelist will review the material with an eye on these sorts of exigencies characteristic of the college classroom.