LINGUIST List 10.248

Tue Feb 16 1999

FYI: Summer Latin Institute, PBS Language series

Editor for this issue: Jody Huellmantel <jodylinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. Adam Briggs, 1999 Summer Latin Institute at UVa
2. Gene Searchinger, The Human Language - PBS series

In the summer of 1999 the Department of Classics at the University of
Virginia will again offer Latin as one of the University's Summer
Foreign Language Institutes. The program, which will take place from
June 14 through August 13, is an intensive course designed to cover
two years of college-level Latin (12 UVa credit hours earned).
Students who wish to acquire experience in reading Latin but do not
require course credit may also choose a non-credit option, which is
available at a lower tuition rate. No previous knowledge of Latin is
required for participation. The Summer Latin Institute is an
excellent opportunity for motivated students to achieve rapid
proficiency in Latin.

The Institute begins with the fundamentals of Latin grammar, including
elementary readings and composition. In the second half of the
program students read extensively from prose and verse authors at the
intermediate level, in addition to completing more advanced exercises
in prose composition and metrics. There are six hours of formal
instruction per day and supplementary review sessions in the evenings.

The University of Virginia is located in Charlottesville, a city with
approximately 30,000 residents situated at the foot of the beautiful
Blue Ridge Mountains. The University was founded by Thomas Jefferson,
who also designed the Rotunda and the "Academical Village," which are
the centerpiece of the University's grounds. Jefferson's celebrated
home, Monticello, is nearby. Within driving distance are Washington,
D.C. (2 hours), Richmond (1 hour), and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline
Drive, and the Shenandoah Valley (45 minutes).

A unique feature of the Summer Latin Institute at UVa is its housing
option. The Latin House is supervised by a House Director who is also
an instructor competent in the language. Evening study sessions,
special activities, and assistance on assignments are all available at
the Latin House, where students have ready access to reference
materials and other study aids. The Latin House is located near the
University's grounds, within walking distance of classes and the
Corner District, where there is a variety of stores and eateries.
Members of the program may purchase a Corner Meal Plan, valid at many
restaurants on the Corner and around Charlottesville. The Latin House
is also equipped with kitchen facilities. The cost of housing will
not exceed $17.50 per diem.

Participants in previous sessions of the Institute have benefitted
greatly from this experience. For example, undergraduates from
several institutions, including UVa, have applied credit earned at the
Institute toward degrees in Classics and other related disciplines.
Many UVa graduate students from such departments as History, Religious
Studies, Art History, Philosophy, and English have completed our
intensive program and continue to use Latin to further their
educational and research objectives.

The following is a sampling of comments made by students of the 1998 Latin
Institute:
	 "The work was challenging, but I felt well prepared."
	 "The Latin Institute has instructors with creative and energetic
 approaches to language study."
	 "Because of the intensive nature of the course, the role of the
 House Director was essential to my success."
	 "The structure was most effective...the whole process was very
 rewarding."
	 "Working in groups during class was an effective method."
	 "I learned a tremendous amount of Latin in a very short period of
 time."
	 "The student has been given a thorough base from which to
 continue study."

For more information please contact:

Professor Jenny Strauss Clay, jsc2tvirginia.edu OR
SFLI Director Barbro Kelley, barbrovirginia.edu

Adam C. Briggs
Department of Classics
University of Virginia
401 New Cabell Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22903
TEL: (804)924-3008
FAX: (804)924-3062

THANK YOU LSA! The Linguistic Society of America just gave us the
"1999 Linguistics, Language and the Public Interest Award" for
producing The Human Language - that series of films for PBS. It
attempts to explain what language is and how it works. The award goes
to Gene Searchinger, the producer/director. The last (and first) LSA
Public Interest award was given to Steven Pinker for his book "The
Language Instinct." We're proud to be in his company. The series of
three films is available on video for teachers in universities,
schools and libraries. Some 1600 universities already have it. There
really isn't anything else like this series. Details on our website:
http://equinoxfilms.home.mindspring.com