Classics

Classics describes the discipline that comprises the study of Latin and Ancient Greek, two ancient languages and cultures of the ancient Mediterranean world. At TAS, Classics is a program that emphasizes language skills, especially those that are directly related to improving proficiency and sophistication in the use of the English language. In Grade 6, the course focuses on the principle features of phrase and clause structure in English, and as broadly applied in language theory. Considerable attention is paid to learning Indo-European roots, thus strengthening vocabulary in English and providing a base from which students can learn English words more quickly. Students start to explore the archeology and geography of the ancient past. A firm foundation is laid on which students can build a precise knowledge of ancient languages.

In Grade 7, students study the syntactic relationships of elements in a sentence, starting with English. Students master the case systems of Latin and Greek and begin to learn the verb systems. Through storytelling activities, students begin to learn the stories of the Greeks and Romans that have influenced all subsequent western literature. Grade 7 students are welcome to select this class as beginners – no previous experience is necessary.

In Grade 8, students build upon the Grade 7 class by intensifying their study of grammar and beginning sustained reading in both Greek and Latin. The class has a strong emphasis on vocabulary acquisition (Latin, Greek, and English) and on identifying and solving problems in linguistics.