Living Latin in Rome: The Poetry of Catullus
June 27th - July 11th, 2021
APPLICATION AND GUIDELINES
Thank you for expressing interest in Living Latin in Rome 2021. We hope that you will join us in the Eternal City as part of a group of enthusiastic students of the Latin language.
Please read these application guidelines thoroughly, then fill out the application linked at the bottom of this page.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Living Latin in Rome is a two-week immersive experience in Latin literature and language set in the city of Rome. Under the guidance of expert instructors, program participants read a work of Latin literature and explore it using Latin as an active, living language.
Participants in the program are divided into sections based upon their experience with Latin. Seminars meet twice a day for one hour, five days a week. At the beginner level, participants read and discuss the text in English translation and are introduced to the basics of Latin grammar. 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.
Another purpose of the Living Latin in Rome program is to visit ancient sites, both in the city of Rome and elsewhere in Italy, that put the program’s reading in context. Once each week program participants visit a site in Rome related to the program’s chosen text. Over the middle weekend, the program visits a site in Italy related to the chosen text or author.
In 2021, the Living Latin in Rome program will read the poems of Catullus in Verona and the Sirmio Peninsula, where Catullus had his summer villa.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Anyone 18 and above, regardless of experience level with Latin, is welcome to apply. Absolute beginners will feel welcome and supported if Living Latin in Rome is their first experience with the Latin language. On the other hand, experienced classicists, including high school teachers, graduate students, and college professors will be challenged in our advanced levels. The ideal group will be varied and complementary, able to help one another learn by playing to each other’s talents and interests. All applications for admission must be received by March 1, 2021.
TUITION
The tuition for Living Latin in Rome is $2500. This payment covers program instruction, transportation and housing on the weekend trip, museum and site admissions, and three group meals.
HOUSING AND OTHER COSTS
Participants are free to arrange their own housing in Rome. The Paideia Institute has negotiated discounted group rates with several trusted housing providers in dorm, hotel, and apartment style 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.
Dorm accommodation: $550
Hotel room shared with another program participant: $850
Single Hotel Room: $1300
Apartment: $1500
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 Rome can vary greatly depending on one’s tastes, but at the very least we recommend that participants budget €20/day for food. Please consider the exchange rate when planning your budget.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required of all participants by April 1, 2021. Our acknowledgment of receipt of this deposit guarantees the participant a place in the program. The remaining $2000 is due by May 1, 2021.
TRAVEL
Participants are encouraged to book their flights as soon as possible to take advantage of cheaper fares. Participants should plan to arrive in Rome by Sunday, June 27th.
QUESTIONS
Please direct all questions to [email protected]
APPLICATION
This application deadline for Living Latin in Rome is March 1. Applications received after this deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as space becomes available.