LIVING LATIN IN ROME:
Vergil and the Epic Tradition
June 30, 2024 - July 12, 2024
APPLICATION AND GUIDELINES
Thank you for expressing interest in Living Latin in Rome 2024. 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 teachers, 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 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.
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 2024, Living Latin in Rome will focus on Vergil and Latin Epic, reading selections from Vergil's Aeneid as well as other Latin epic poets influenced by Vergil. From Thursday, July 4th to Saturday, July 6th, the program will visit the Bay of Naples area.
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. No experience speaking Latin is required, but experienced Latin speakers are also encouraged to apply. Paideia alumni and Nexus members are particularly encouraged to apply. Participants must be 18 years or older. Students under the age of 18 and students who have not yet graduated from high school should consider Living Latin in Rome High School. The ideal group will be varied and complementary, able to help one another learn by playing to each other’s talents and interests.
An application for admission must be received by March 1, 2024 to be guaranteed full consideration. We will notify all applicants of the results approximately 3 weeks after this date. Applications received after this deadline can only be considered on a rolling basis depending on availability.
CLASSROOM
Living Latin in Rome classroom sessions take place at the Forma Spazi conference center. This facility is located at Via Cavour 181, 00184, Rome in the Monti neighborhood. For a Google Maps link, click here.
TUITION AND FEES
The tuition for Living Latin in Rome is: $2500. This includes instruction, transportation, housing during the program’s weekend trip to the Bay of Naples, and three group meals. It does not include housing in Rome. Airfare and transportation to and from the airport are not included, and participants must bring their own edition of the course’s main text.
HOUSING AND OTHER COSTS
Participants must arrange their own housing in Rome. The Paideia Institute has negotiated discounted group rates with trusted housing providers in centrally located hotels. Contact information for housing providers and group discount codes (if available) will be provided upon acceptance. Participants are also welcome to book accommodations in dorms, hotels, or apartments of their choice. Estimated rates for each type of lodging for the duration of the program are listed below (subject to availability).
Dorm accommodation: $600
Hotel room shared with another program participant: $850
Single Hotel Room: $1200
Apartment: $1400
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 €25/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, 2024. Our acknowledgment of receipt of this deposit guarantees the participant a place in the program. The remaining $2000 is due by May 1, 2024.
TRAVEL
Participants should plan to arrive in Rome by Sunday, June 30th.
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.
Please wait until the deposit deadline of April 1st to book any nonrefundable travel.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Paideia Institute is able to offer a number of full and partial scholarships to participants with demonstrated financial need. Please visit our scholarships page to learn more. Scholarship applications received by the priority application deadline for the program (March 1, 2024) will receive fullest consideration.
QUESTIONS
Please direct all questions to [email protected].
APPLICATION
To apply, please complete the following application form by March 1, 2024. Applications received after March 1st will be considered on a rolling basis as space becomes available.