Conventiculum Bostoniense 2012, Latin By The Sea
Vocamus vos, o magistri, ut linguam Latinam nobiscum in ora maritima colatis!
The Conventiculum Bostoniense is a full-immersion residential experience, specifically designed for teachers in schools and universities, who want to gain some ability to communicate ex-tempore in correct Latin on a wide range of subjects. Participants will enhance and develop their own abilities to express themselves in Latin, both in speaking and writing, and at the same time will explore various ways to employ active Latin in the classroom to enhance the learning experience of their students. After the first evening’s arrival and orientation session, participants will speak Latin exclusively with one another and the faculty for seven days.
Two different graduate level courses are offered during the Conventiculum, one for first time attendees and one for returning participants as described below. Days are filled with instructional activities, including sessions focused on oral expression or prose composition, opportunities for social interaction (particularly at meals and in the dormitories), and excursions to the beach and local attractions, including museums and a winery.
Courses
Active Learning Methodologies for Teachers of Latin
Designed as the first-year experience at the Conventiculum Bostoniense, this course introduces teachers of Latin to theories of second language acquisition and engages them intensively in speaking and writing Latin. All participants should be able to read Latin and should feel reasonably secure in their knowledge of basic morphology and syntax; however, previous experience in speaking Latin is not necessary. With the exception of nine hours of instruction in second language acquisition theory, students will communicate exclusively in Latin among themselves and with the instructors. The course requirements for all students (two or three credits and auditors) include: preparation of certain course materials in advance of the Conventiculum; full participation in all instructional activities; and strict adherence to the requirement to speak only in Latin. In addition, those taking the course for credit are required to submit a portfolio at the end of the week, consisting of article and textbook assessments, a journal and all written work from the course. Three credit students will also be required to complete and present online a final paper in early November.
Living Text: Caesar’s De Bello Gallico
Designed for repeat attendees of the Conventiculum Bostoniense or other spoken Latin programs, this course engages the participants in intensive study of Caesar’s war diary, the Commentarii De Bello Gallico, incorporating both traditional pedagogical approaches (grammar/translation method, study of relevant scholarship) and active learning methodologies (especially those that build competence in oral and written production of Latin, such as oral paraphrase, contextual discussion, Socratic questioning, written response and rephrasing). Students communicate among themselves and with the instructors exclusively in Latin. Participants will work collaboratively and individually to produce pedagogical materials related to the text under study. Course requirements for all students (two or three credits and auditors) include: preparation of certain course materials in advance of the Conventiculum; full participation in all instructional activities; and strict adherence to the requirement to speak only in Latin. In addition, those taking the course for credit are required to submit a portfolio, consisting of a journal and all written work from the course. Three credit students will also be required to complete an individual final paper or project, due in early November.
Prerequisites: Active Learning Methodologies for Teachers of Latin or permission of the instructors.
Credit Option
As a participant in the Conventiculum, you have the option to take courses for either two or three credits. All course requirements for the two credit option are completed by the conclusion of the immersion program, while three credit participants must complete a final project/paper in the fall.
Audit Option
This option is designed for school teachers over the age of 60 or college faculty who would like to attend the Conventiculum but who do not need graduate credit for their participation. Auditors will be expected to participate fully in all activities for the course they are attending (depending upon their experience with spoken Latin) and to adhere strictly to the requirement to speak only Latin, but they are not required to submit any written work. This option is also available for repeat attendees who have already taken both courses.
Location & Housing
The Conventiculum will be held in the facilities of UMass Dartmouth, which is located in North Dartmouth, near the south coast of Massachusetts. Sessions will meet at the conference center on campus, and students will be housed in apartments adjacent to the center. Housing for the Conventiculum consists of 2 or 4 bedroom apartments, each with its own full kitchen and common living area; all bedrooms are single occupancy with double beds and shared bathrooms (2 per apartment). Kitchens are not equipped, but bed linens are provided.
Faculty
- Peter Barrios-Lech, Assistant Professor, Classics, UMass Boston
- Jacqueline Carlon, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Classics, UMass Boston
- James Dobreff, Assistant Professor, Classics, UMass Boston
- Corinne Etienne, Associate Professor, Applied Linguistics, UMass Boston
- Emily McDermott, Professor, Classics, UMass Boston
- David Morgan, Professor, Modern Languages and Literatures, Furman University
