Course Information
Although we do not offer a minor in Latin, the Interdisciplinary Humanities major and minor programs offer students with an interest in Latin (or Classical Greek) the option of selecting a concentration in Classical Studies. Advanced courses are taken through a variety of departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, which are taught in English.
A separate Classical Studies minor has also been developed. Option 1 requires the completion of Latin 101, 102 and 201, an additional lower-division course, either Latin 202 or one taken from the list of approved classes, and 9 upper-division units selected from this list.
We offer very advanced students the opportunity to take the Competency Exam in lieu of 201. Please check the Language Placement Guide page before enrolling in your first Latin class at USD or elsewhere.
Courses
LATN 101
First Semester Latin
Units: 3
Essentials of grammar and sentence structure. Study of culture and history through the reading of simple excerpts from Roman literature. Prerequisites: Placement Exam or Waiver of Placement. Every Fall.
LATN 102
Second Semester Latin
Units: 3
A continuation of LATN 101. Translation of brief selections from Latin authors and exploration of various facets of Roman culture continue as the nucleus of the course. Prerequisites: LATN 101 or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every Spring.
LATN 140
Topics in Latin Literature and Culture
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in Latin literature and culture. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
LATN 147
The Invention of Love in Roman Literature
Units: 3
This course introduces students to Latin literary texts in translation. How did Roman poets like Catullus, Propertius, and Tibullus, in addition to Vergil and Ovid engage romantic love, sexual love, jealousy, and death in their works? This course proposes that the love poem as traditionally understood in the Western literary tradition was created by these Roman poets writing (mostly) in the second half of the 1st cent. BCE. This course is taught in English and satisfies the core requirement for Literary Inquiry, but does not satisfy the core Second Language requirement.
LATN 194
Special Topics in Latin
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in Latin language, literature, or culture. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
LATN 201
Third Semester Latin
Units: 3
Grammar review. A more intense understanding of Roman experience and thought is achieved by analysis and translation of extended passages of Latin literature. Prerequisites: LATN 102 or equivalent, or Placement Exam.
LATN 202
Fourth Semester Latin
Units: 3
Introduction to Latin literature. Designed for those who have completed three semesters of the grammar sequence, this course exposes students to a variety of classical and medieval authors through graded readings. Review of grammar as needed. Emphasis on cultural and historical aspects. Prerequisites: LATN 201 or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every Spring.
LATN 294
Special Topics in Latin
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the lower-division level of a special topic in Latin language, literature, or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. Consult with instructor or the department chair. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: LATN 202 or equivalent, or Placement Exam.
LATN 299
Independent Study
Units: 1 TO 3
Independent study at the lower-division level. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor, chair and dean.
LATN 394
Special Topics in Latin
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the third-year level of a special topic in Latin language, literature, or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. Consult with instructor or the department chair. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: LATN 202 or equivalent, or Placement Exam.
LATN 493
Field Experience
Units: 1 TO 3
Placement in a community agency where advanced Latin language skills will be utilized. Prerequisites: Junior or senior class standing and approval of the department chair.
LATN 494
Special Topics in Latin
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the fourth-year level of a special topic in Latin language, literature, or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. Consult with instructor or the department chair. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair.
LATN 499
Independent Study
Units: 1 TO 3
A program arranged between the advanced student and the instructor to provide intensive study in a particular area of interest. Extensive reading and consultation are required, as well as preparation of reports to be assigned by the instructor. Prerequisites: Approval of the instructor and the department chair. May be taken for credit each time topic changes.