December 27, 2023 to January 3, 2024
Thank you for expressing interest in Living Latin in Paris 2023-2024. We hope that you will join us in the City of Light as part of a group of enthusiastic students of medieval Latin.
Please read these application guidelines thoroughly, then fill out the application linked at the bottom of this page.
Course Description
Living Latin in Paris is a Living Latin experience focusing on Latin texts of the Middle Ages, a rich yet often overlooked period in the history of Latin literature. The program takes place in Paris’ medieval Latin Quarter, connecting participants with an area where Latin had a long vitality, both during and after the Middle Ages.
Participants in the program are divided into sections based upon their experience with Latin. Every level meets daily for two 90-min sessions, except if there is a full-day site visit. At the lowest level, participants read selections from the text in Latin, discuss the text, its historical context, and Latin grammar in both English and Latin, and begin to practice speaking Latin as a living language. At the intermediate level, more of the text is read in the original Latin, discussion takes place in both English and Latin, and more advanced Latin grammar is reviewed. At the advanced level, participants read and discuss the entire text in Latin, and delve into the finer points of Latin grammar and syntax.
All levels feature Paideia’s interactive Living Latin pedagogy, which invites participants to treat Latin as an active, living language. Research into second language acquisition shows that speaking Latin as a living language helps students learn the language more quickly and effectively than they do from the traditional grammar-translation method alone. Speaking Latin also helps the learner gain an intuitive feel for Latin and build fluency in the language. Many Latin speakers also find that discussing Latin literature in Latin opens up new interpretive pathways by dispensing with the need for translation.
Readings and discussions are supplemented by visits to sites in and around Paris. These site visits add historical context to the program's theme and feature more spoken Latin, as well as the reading of Latin texts that are relevant to, or evoke, the site–an approach we call loci in locis, or “texts in places.” Participants in Paideia programs report that reading loci in locis helps them form a deeper connection with both ancient texts and the sites and monuments they visit.
In 2023, the Living Latin in Paris program will read the Carmina Burana, a collection of 12-13th century medieval songs, and as well as other similar texts from the era.
Admissions Process
Participants should know the basics of Latin grammar. This usually means the equivalent of one year of college or two years of high-school Latin or completing Paideia’s self-paced online Living Latin course. No experience speaking Latin is required, but experienced Latin speakers are also encouraged to apply. Anyone 18 and above who meets the prerequisites is welcome to apply. The ideal group will be varied and complementary, able to help one another learn by playing to each other’s talents and interests.
Tuition
The tuition for Living Latin in Paris is $1800. This payment covers program instruction, transportation to and from site visits, museum and site admissions, and two group meals.
Housing and other Costs
Participants must arrange their own housing in Paris. The Paideia Institute has negotiated discounted group rates with trusted housing providers in hotel accommodations. Approximate rates for each type of lodging for the duration of the program are listed below. Contact information for housing providers and group discount codes will be provided upon acceptance.
Estimated costs of housing at suggested hotels:
- Triple room shared with other program participants: €385
- Double room shared with another program participant: €455
- Single Hotel Room: €725
Airfare, transportation to and from the airport, daily expenses for meals, and spending money are not included in the cost of tuition. The cost of life in Paris can vary greatly depending on one’s tastes, but at the very least we recommend that participants budget €30/day for food. If applicable, please consider exchange rates when planning your budget.
Deposit and Payment Schedule
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required of all participants by October 15, 2023. Our acknowledgment of receipt of this deposit guarantees a place in the course. The balance of the remaining $1300 is due by November 15, 2023.
Travel
Participants should plan to arrive in Paris by 1pm on Tuesday, December 27th.
If you do not have a valid passport, get one immediately. This process can be time consuming and should not be left to the last minute. Due to changes after COVID, passport processing times are delayed significantly.
Please wait until the deposit deadline of October 15th to book any nonrefundable travel.
Questions
Please direct all questions to [email protected].
Application
To apply, please complete the following application form by October 1, 2023. Applications received after October 1st will be considered on a rolling basis as space becomes available.