LATIN courses
for accelerated beginners and returners
We read excerpts from writers such as Cicero, Virgil, Livy, Suetonius and other classical authors, whose voices weave a narrative of the history of Rome, starting with the early myths and legends, and reaching the rule of early emperors. Along the way we explore cultural and social aspects of their times and receptive influences the world over. The language content assumes participants are beginners, although rusty returners are also welcome. Expect a steeper climb into the grammar than you’ll find in some beginners’ courses. Go here for a course for complete beginners.
10 x weekly 75-minute distance classes (via Zoom)
Autumn courses are now under way. Details of courses in 2024 will appear here.
The course fee is £96 for the 10 weeks. See below for details of the coursebook.
Post-beginners and intermediate
Courses are now under way. Details of courses in 2024 will appear here.
Course teacher
“I have worked in languages all my life, and Latin in particular. A former university teacher of Latin, I’ve produced different sorts of learning materials and course-books. I am especially hooked on the poetry, which I try to share where I can. It’s ironic in a way, that a language which has not exactly been on many people’s lips these past two thousand years should stand out for the beauty of its voice. One project is to share this extraordinary verbal music with a wider public. If you get the chance, come to a performance of The Song of Arms and a Man – a slimmed down version of Virgil’s Aeneid.“
Enrolment
To enrol, contact George ([email protected]). You will then be sent relevant bank details for payment of the fee (£96 for the 10 weeks). You will also need to purchase the coursebook (see below), although PDFs will be made available for the first two weeks
Coursebook
The Complete Latin Course (GDA Sharpley, Routledge 2019 ed.), with extensive online supports. You are advised to obtain a new, not second-hand, copy to secure the latest edition. For the best price, Amazon is an inevitable candidate, although you may find Routledge’s own website is comparable or better.
See more about the coursebook here
For more information, contact George Sharpley ([email protected])
Fresco above: Atalanta and Meleager, House of the Centaur, Pompeii, in National Archaeological Museum, Naples
Course teacher, George Sharpley, on a tour of Sicily in 2023