This Latin course focuses on Roman history and grammar. It will cover the founding of Rome through the fall of the Roman Republic. Students will read both primary and secondary Latin texts. The course is divided into 4 quarters, each covering a different era of Roman history. Students will be evaluated on tests, homework, and in-class work. Grades are based on a standard scale and semester grades factor in exam scores. The syllabus outlines classroom policies like attendance, materials, and behavior expectations.

1. Magister Nienaber
Latin III/IV Syllabus
Room: 105 Help Time: Before School (7:00)
Phone: 367-4169 After School: (by appointment)
E-mail: jeff.nienaber@southwestschools.org
About the Class:
This course will be a continuation of our primary goals of mastering English/Latin grammar, Latin pronunciation, and
Latin Reading skills. This Latin course will focus on the history of the Romans. We will read primary and secondary
Latin texts that trace the history/culture of the Romans from the founding of the Rome, with Romulus and Remus, to
fall of the Roman Republic, with the assassination of Julius Caesar. The course will culminate in an in depth study of
Cicero and his series of orations against one of Rome’s most infamous conspirators: Catiline.
The Big Picture:
Texts: Latin For Americans Book II
Latin For Americans Book III
War with Hannibal: Authentic Prose for the Beginning Student
Wheelock’s Latin Reader
Quarter 1: Grammar Review Quarter 3: Thematic Readings:
Thematic Readings: Late Republic
Founding of Rome – Early Republic
Quarter 2: Thematic Readings: Quarter 4: Thematic Readings:
Early Republic – Middle Republic Late Republic – Cicero
Grade Scale:
A 90 - 100
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
D 60 - 69
F Below 60
Evaluation:
Quarter grades will be based on an average of all announced tests (a minimum of four tests per quarter), homework
assignments, class work, and in-class translation assignments. In addition to the above graded assignments, both
midterm and final exams will also be administered at the completion of each semester. Semester grades will be
determined by the average of both quarter grades and the exam grade. Remember according to district policy,
you must accumulate a total of four (4) points in order to pass a yearlong class; moreover, you must
also pass both 4th quarter and 2nd semester in order to receive credit for a class. Moral of the story: start
working on day one, and don’t quit until it’s over.
Make-up Work:
In the event of an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to find out what material is to be made-
up. Be sure to check your class’ make-up work folder to pick up any handouts/notes that were presented during your
absence. As always, you may have as many days to complete your missed assignments as you were absent; beyond
that point, the assignments will be not be graded. If a test or quiz is missed, you must see me as soon as possible
to reschedule your make-up test (be careful, lower test grades may result from extended delays).

2. Magister Nienaber
Latin III/IV Syllabus
Homework must be turned-in on time. If homework is not turned-in on the assigned day, it will automatically become
a zero (unless you were absent from school). Homework is generally graded on completion, not accuracy
(unless otherwise indicated); don’t throw away easy points. If you experience any trouble with homework
assignments, be sure to ask questions in class, see me before/after school, e-mail me, or post a question on our Spruz
Network for extra help.
Classroom Rules and Expectations:
There are a few very simple keys to success in this class:
1. Praesentia: Be present and on time. Once the class begins, no one will be permitted to leave class, unless
deemed an emergency by myself. Not only is your prompt arrival and consistent attendance in class polite and
courteous, but it is also required in order to earn easy class points.
 NO RESTROOM TRIPS DURING CLASS, take care of personal business before coming to class
 At the end of class, DO NOT LINE UP AT THE DOOR; I dismiss the class, not the clock.
2. Classi Materia: The material with which we will be working comes directly out of your textbook. If you do
not have your textbook, then you cannot learn. In order to facilitate classroom activities, you must bring
your textbook to class everyday (unless otherwise specified). You must also have a 3 ring binder with
tabs. The binder will consist of 6 sections: 1) Class notes; 2) Grammar Grids; 3) Vocabulary; 4) Translations;
5) Culture; 6) Tests/Quizzes; 7) Homework is an optional section. I reserve the right to collect notebooks at
the end of each quarter. Notebooks should be neatly organized with all relevant class materials (especially
class notes). In the event that I collect notebooks, they will be worth 100 points.
3. Classi Mores: Respect is the ultimate key to success in this class! Respect yourself, each other, and
me by not talking when someone else is talking. Side conversations are not only annoying and rude, but also
detrimental to you; you may miss key information about the language, or even questions from other students,
which you may have yourself. Also, participation points will be given periodically; so don't miss out!
4. Castigatio: Anyone violating one of these rules, AFTER ONE WARNING will receive:
First offense: After school detention + phone call home
Second offense: 2 After school detentions + phone call home
Third Offense: Tuesday School + phone call home
Further offenses: Office Referral + phone call home

3. Magister Nienaber
Latin III/IV Syllabus
Personal Note:
I'm in the business of teaching not only Latin, but success. There are no losers in my class; there are no failures in my
class. If at any time you feel overwhelmed by this material, stop me in class and ask a question. If you would prefer to
discuss a question one-on-one, feel free to stay after school, come in early, or e-mail me to get extra help. But keep
one thing in mind when you get frustrated: we're all in the same boat. I do not possess this language; I have no
magical keys to unlock its doors; I too am a learner, a student of this language. The only difference between you and
me is that I have had more experience than you in navigating through this material. Despite this, we will learn from
one another about this incredible language and the civilization that gave it birth.
Fortuna Bona,
Magister N.
Dear Parents,
Thank you for taking the time to read over this syllabus and for discussing the above expectations with your child. I
am excited about having your child in class this year, and I look forward to working with him/her. Feel free to contact
me at any time if you have a concern about your son or daughter's performance in class (WHHHS: 367-4169; Email:
jeff.nienaber@southwestschools.org). Thank you again for taking an interest in your child's education, and I look
forward to meeting with you at the parent-teacher conferences.
Respectfully Yours,
Jeff Nienaber
I have read the above syllabus, and accept the expectations facing me (my child) in this class. I (my child) also
accept(s) the consequences for my (his/her) actions in this class.
Parent's signature date
Student's signature date