Believing that intensive study of the classical languages imparts a global understanding of English grammar, an advanced vocabulary, rhetorical prowess, sophistication of analysis, and access to the most seminal texts of the Western literary tradition, Sparhawk High School proudly offers courses in Ancient Greek and Latin.  We learn in a dynamic environment where it is not unusual for students to be up at the board writing, chanting, or even playing games. Throughout the course of study, instructors emphasize connections from these languages to English and the other modern languages. Although we are unwavering in our expectation that students will acquire some expertise in grammar and syntax, we cultivate this understanding only insofar as it facilitates reading ability. Once students have satisfactorily mastered the elements of Latin or Greek grammar, we introduce them to selections from such diverse authors such as Caesar, Ovid, Cicero, Horace, Boethius, Vergil, Augustine, Homer, Euripides, Plato, Herodotus, the New Testament writers and Athanasius.

It is our conviction that exposure to such classical authors in the original languages will prepare students for a successful experience not only in their further study of ancient literature (should they elect to pursue a major in this or one of its cognate fields), but also in other curricular pursuits. Those who are aware of classical antecedents have an enriched familiarity with the conventions of most Western literature up to the modern era.  Since much scientific and legal nomenclature arrives to us directly from Greek and Latin cognates, study of the classics is quite beneficial to the aspiring doctor or attorney. In fact, undergraduates with a concentration in classics statistically have a greater rate of acceptance to graduate programs in law and medicine than those concentrating in other areas.  In some of its publications, the College Board has also pointed out that an education in the classics is considered highly advantageous for computer scientists because it inculcates familiarity with the underpinnings of linguistic structures so important for programmers. More immediately, study of the classical languages often enhances performance on standardized tests, and may be a particularly attractive trait for applicants to undergraduate programs.

The Romance Languages: Italian, French & Spanish

Classical Culture Series