LINGUIST List 10.248

Tue Feb 16 1999

FYI: Summer Latin Institute, PBS Language series

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

Directory

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

    Message 1: 1999 Summer Latin Institute at UVa

     Date: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 22:34:57 -0400
    From: Adam Briggs <acb4sunix.mail.virginia.edu>
    Subject: 1999 Summer Latin Institute at UVa




    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

    Message 2: The Human Language - PBS series

     Date: Tue, 16 Feb 1999 15:52:20 -0500
    From: Gene Searchinger <equinoxfilmsmindspring.com>
    Subject: The Human Language - PBS series




    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