An Introductory Latin Course: A First Latin Grammar for Middle Schoolers, High Schoolers, College Students, Homeschoolers, and Self-Learners - Paperback

by Robert Zaslavsky (Author)

Dr. Zaslavsky's An Introductory Latin Course presents the characteristics of the Latin language in a holistic way, rather than in the fragmented way that is typical in other Latin textbooks. This allows learners to gain a comprehensive conceptual grasp of the linguistic characteristics that are to be learned. In addition, since there has been a neglect of the teaching of English grammar in our schools for over a third of a century, our students have been left grammar poor. Therefore, this textbook provides a comprehensive explanation of both English and Latin grammar. This makes it as useful for understanding English as it is for learning Latin. In summary, this textbook provides: (1) a clear explanation of the kind of language that Latin is (as opposed to the kind of language that English is); (2) detailed, step-by-step instructions for the construction of all Latin forms; (3) a clear and workable guide for translating from Latin into English based on rational and consistent principles of translation; (4) straightforward explanations (without superfluous refinements) of Latin grammar and syntax; (5) a full explanation of the English grammar that students need; (6) copious paradigms and a plethora of useful supplementary materials. Finally, it is rigorously non-sexist in its language use.

Author Biography

Dr. Robert Zaslavsky received his BA in Philosophy and English from Temple University, and his MA and Ph.D. in Philosophy from the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research. In addition, he has done graduate work in English at New York University and in education at Cabrini College. At Cabrini College, he served as interim Secondary Education Advisor (observing and evaluating student teachers). In addition to his two decades of teaching Latin and Greek in private and public middle and high schools, he has taught courses in Literature, Religion, Psychology, Philosophy, History, Film, and Art History on the university level and in secondary private and public schools. He has made presentations to the Southwest Conference on Language Teaching, the Texas Foreign Language Association, and the Florida Foreign Language Association on methods of teaching an inflected language for today's students and on teaching students learning and translation strategies. Furthermore, he has been a guest lecturer on Greek philosophy, on poetry, on methods of textual study, and on the Bible, Maimonides, and Milton. He is the author of Platonic Myth and Platonic Writing. In addition, he has published scholarly essays on Plato, Aristotle, classical philology, detective fiction, Shakespeare, and Homer. He has been a guest columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Fort Worth Weekly. He has contributed a regular column to the Atlanta (GA) weekly The Sunday Paper, writing on politics, technology, and education. He has been a theater judge for the Suzi Bass Awards (Atlanta, GA). He resides in Decatur, GA. His web site is www.doczonline.com.