High School Latin Foundations
Study High School Latin Foundations Online with Queen of all Saints
About this course
High School Latin Foundations Online Course
In this accelerated introductory course, students will master the basics of Latin grammar and vocabulary and begin reading short Latin texts of increasing complexity. This course is an excellent introduction to reading the Latin classics.
Why Latin? Some educationalists, especially advocates of modern culture, see in the classical schools only a gloomy ruin of the time of the renaissance. Others of the more practical turn of mind see classical studies as useless because they do not teach the rising generation how to evaluate stocks or build bridges. These minds cannot appreciate classical studies because they cannot reduce them immedately to any corresponding value in the United States currency.
However, despite the many critics, classical curriculum is upheld at QAS not because it is an old traditional system, but because it has proved for decades to be the best means of training the mind, which is the one great end of education. If another study should prove better than classical languages, QAS would not hesitate to accept it. We would teach, for example, French and German, intead of Latin and Greek. But the proofs and testimonies in favor of classical languages are overwhelming. For example, after ten years of trial and discussion, the University of Berlin addressed the Ministry of Instruction with a memorandum declaring that students of the practical (modern) schools were not fitted to pursue university courses on par with students of the classical schools. Among the reasons mentioned in the study were slower development, superficial knowledge, lack of independent judgement, less dexterity, inferiority in private research, to name only a few. This only one example amongst a wealth of data and testimony.
Then why is the study of classical languages the best means of intellectual training? The first reason is the fact that Latin is a dead language. No longer in common use, everything must be learned by system, rule, grammar, and logic. Thought and judgement are constantly exercised in assigning the exact equivalents of the mother tongue. This logical training leads to correct and clear thinking, close and sharp reasoning. Latin is better adapted to accomplish this effect than any other language; for whereas Greek is more delicately organized, more beautiful and poetic, the Latin is perhaps the more systemically elaborated. This logical advantage is only the first of many aspects of Latin that make it the most suitable for the training of the mind. Other aspects include its historical, literary, aesthetic, and ethical advantages, not to mention the fact that two thirds of English vocabulary is derived from Latin. “Only great, concentrated, and prolonged efforts really train the mind.” This training is found in the study of Latin.
Key Information
Type of course
Part TimeSingle Course
Subject code
HS LTA
Exam board
QAS Issued Exams
Start date
03/09/2024
Duration
1 Year, September-June
Delivery method
Live Class, 3 hours per week
Exam details
Enrollment in Grades 8-12
Flexible enrollment options
Full time
Our full time program, available both on-campus and online, provides a comprehensive Catholic education. Students benefit from academic advising, Catechism classes, student clubs, career-readiness programs, and the opportunity to graduate with a QAS Academy Diploma.
Part-time
Our part-time program allows students to take 2-3 courses while attending another school. These students receive academic advising, participate in Catechism classes, and can join student clubs and events.
Single course
Ideal for those looking to supplement their education, the single course option allows students to enroll in individual classes. They also receive academic advising and can participate in Catechism classes and student clubs.
