Latin

For more information about the Latin program, email us at cnrc@umn.edu

Latin, the language of the ancient Romans, has served as a means of communication for well over 2,000 years. It was not only one of the two chief languages of one of the world’s major civilizations, but also an international language for centuries after Rome’s fall: a language of science, religion, education, and philosophy, as well as the ancestor of the modern romance languages (including Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian) and an important influence on English.

In our own time, Latin has lost much ground as an international language to modern languages such as English and French, but there is a growing movement advocating the use of spoken Latin as a way for people with different native languages to communicate on an equal footing. Latin may no longer be anyone’s native language, but it is certainly not a dead language.

Latin as CLA Second Language Requirement

The beginning and intermediate sequence in Latin consists of LAT 1001, 1002, 3003, and 3004. To fulfill the second language requirement with Latin, you must complete LAT 3004 with a grade of C- or better (or S). There is no Language Proficiency Exam for Latin.

Courses in Latin

Latin is offered at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels every semester. No courses are offered during the summer.

Beginning

  • LAT 1001 – Beginning Latin I (5 cr., every fall)
  • LAT 1002 – Beginning Latin II (5 cr., every spring)
  • LAT 5001 – Intensive Latin (3 cr., offered occasionally)

Intermediate

  • LAT 3003 – Intermediate Latin Prose (4 cr., every fall)
  • LAT 3004 – Intermediate Latin Poetry (4 cr., every spring)

Advanced

  • LAT 5100 – Advanced Reading (3 cr.)
  • LAT 5200 – Advanced Reading in Later Latin (3 cr.)