Community Based Learning - LATN 101 - F21

 

Our course will explore how engaging with Latin as a historical language can offer new perspectives on the ancient world, the way we view ourselves and our society, and the construction of structures of power over time. A central component of our mission is weekly engagement with the local community, through which students will see how Latin continues to shape the world around us. We are hopeful that the community-based portion of the course will be realized by having you teach Latin to elementary and middle-school students at Worcester Public Schools (we do understand that things may change due to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic). This engagement will be run in conjunction with the Donelan Office of Community-Based Learning. Between travel and teaching, you should anticipate spending roughly two hours per week working with the students, beginning in October (the scheduling will be done in conjunction with the CBL office).

In addition to the time you spend on site, we will have a weekly practicum section, run by TA (a former 101/102 student), in which you will have time to prepare and plan for your engagement with WPS students as well as discuss and reflect on your CBL experience. You will have signed up for one of the three following practicum sections when you signed up for the course:

  • Monday, 4:45-5:35 PM (Location TBD)
  • Monday, 6:00-6:50 PM (Location TBD)
  • Tuesday, 8:00-8:50 AM (Location TBD)

Below you will find a schedule of readings, assignments, and announcements related to CBL and practicum.

Week 1

 

September 6/7

 

  • Icebreakers
  • Overview of CBL with Isabelle Jenkins
  • Session sign-ups

Week 2

 

September 13/14

 

  • The problems of grammatical gender
  • Homework: In preparation of our discussion, please read this brief article on the concept of gender diversity in Latin.

Week 3

 

September 20/21

 

  • Verbal voice and racial injustice
  • Homework: In preparation of our discussion, please read Prof. Libatique’s article on the distinction between the active and passive voice and how it relates to structures of power.

Week 4

 

September 27/28

 

  • Toxic charity and the pitfalls of CBL
  • Homework: In preparation of our discussion, please read this brief article on the concept of toxic charity.