Objective
To learn fundamental grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of ecclesiastical Latin in order to understand the Vulgate (Latin Bible), Latin hymns, and Latin liturgies, plus writings of the Western church fathers. (Part II of IV)
Outline
- The Perfect Active System; Relative Pronouns and Interrogative Adjectives
- The Pluperfect and Future Perfect Indicative Active
- Review
- The Irregular Verb Possum; Uses of the Infinitive; The Perfect Passive System
- The Pluperfect and Future Perfect Indicative Passive
- Review
- Third Declension Nouns; Additional Case Uses
- Third Declension I-Stems; More Case Uses
- Review
- Third Declension Adjectives; Present Active Participles
- Irregular Verbs Volō and Eō
- Review
- The Future Active and Passive Participles; Dative of Personal Agency
- Review
- Review for Mastery
Related Courses
This course is part of a four-course sequence, after which students will be ready for intermediate Latin readings with the assistance of a dictionary and some occasional use of a grammar reference. This course emphasizes church-related vocabulary and models the ecclesiastical (Italian) pronunciation of Latin; other courses emphasize classical Roman vocabulary and model the classical reformed pronunciation.
Students who complete either course sequence (classical or ecclesiastical) generally are well equipped to catch up on the alternative vocabulary and adjust to the alternative pronunciation as needed, whether they choose to pursue further studies in classical or ecclesiastical Latin. Our classical sequence consists of six courses and our ecclesiastical sequence consists of four courses because the texts of the church are generally more familiar to our students than the classical texts. While both sequences include and equal amount of grammatical instruction, the classical sequence includes cultural content that generally is new to our students.
Instructor
Miss Rose MacPherson is pursuing a BA in classical liberal arts with a parish music emphasis at Luther Classical College. She has studied both classical and ecclesiastical Latin through a combination of homeschooling, a private high school, and college course work. She regularly reads from the Vulgate for her personal devotions. She plays piano, organ, and trumpet, and enjoys composing and arranging Lutheran hymns.
Scheduling
This course will be offered in the spring of 2027. The specific times for weekly videoconference sessions will be announced in the near future. To express your intention to enroll and indicate a preferred meeting time, contact us.