This page is a collection of thumbnail reviews of several Latin texts, good, bad and ugly. I've divided it into two sections: Latin curricula for younger students and Latin curricula for older students. I've linked titles to either the publisher's website or amazon.com, depending on which I felt was better. Consider this a work in progress.
Latin programs for younger students
As part of the migration to pluteopleno.com, this section has moved.
Strengths: Like the promotional material says, it's self-pacing and self-teaching. From feedback I've gotten from customers, the program lives up to that. What this means is that you can learn Latin at home without a teacher.
Weaknesses: The self-pacing is truly a double edged sword. If your student has trouble motivating himself,Artes Latinae will bring that out—and not in a good way. The reader can also be tricky to use in the first few units, but this is really a minor complaint. From Unit 11 on, the reader is useful. For families that study togetherArtes Latinae will be more of an on-your-own method, though I am certain with the least bit of creativity that can be circumvented.
Strengths: A mixed grammar-reading curriculum that goes through Roman/Latin literature. Language, culture and literature all rolled into one course.
Weakness: This needs a teacher.
Strengths: Latin immersion, so Latin even the grammar is in Latin. I cannot say enough good about this curriculum either for classes or self-study. Yes, it can be tricky. Yes, there is way more going on here than you think. Yes, you will learn how to read Latin by reading Latin. I've used this with students and been pleased with it.
Weaknesses: Since I have to make one up: You will probably want a teacher, though the author claims otherwise.
Cambridge Latin Curriculum
4 volume set with grammar volume
Strengths: Very traditional, catholic and grammar intense.
Weaknesses: Too traditional, catholic (if you aren’t), grammar intense and boring. And did I say boring?
Cambridge Latin Curriculum
Ecce Romani
Oxford Latin Course
similar multi-volume high-school curricula
Strengths: Reading intense, especially Cambridge. Lots of ancillary material available since these are used in many high schools. Listed in popularity order.
Weakness: May seem a little light on grammar (particularly Ecce, which also has a less engaging story). Teacher/tutor required.
Strengths: Widely available, this is the grammarest of the grammar books.
Weaknesses: A college text. Not for younger students.
Latin programs for younger students
As part of the migration to pluteopleno.com, this section has moved.
Latin programs for older students
Artes Latinae
Ages: middle school and up
Format: Computer materials and books
Description: Two level curriculum that comes at Latin from a structural/linguistic approach. Broadly speaking it is a reading curriculum.Strengths: Like the promotional material says, it's self-pacing and self-teaching. From feedback I've gotten from customers, the program lives up to that. What this means is that you can learn Latin at home without a teacher.
Weaknesses: The self-pacing is truly a double edged sword. If your student has trouble motivating himself,Artes Latinae will bring that out—and not in a good way. The reader can also be tricky to use in the first few units, but this is really a minor complaint. From Unit 11 on, the reader is useful. For families that study togetherArtes Latinae will be more of an on-your-own method, though I am certain with the least bit of creativity that can be circumvented.
Latin for the New Millennium
2 volume set of books with workbook and TMStrengths: A mixed grammar-reading curriculum that goes through Roman/Latin literature. Language, culture and literature all rolled into one course.
Weakness: This needs a teacher.
2 volume set with workbooks and ancillaries
Strengths: Latin immersion, so Latin even the grammar is in Latin. I cannot say enough good about this curriculum either for classes or self-study. Yes, it can be tricky. Yes, there is way more going on here than you think. Yes, you will learn how to read Latin by reading Latin. I've used this with students and been pleased with it.
Weaknesses: Since I have to make one up: You will probably want a teacher, though the author claims otherwise.
Cambridge Latin Curriculum
4 volume set with grammar volume
Strengths: Very traditional, catholic and grammar intense.
Weaknesses: Too traditional, catholic (if you aren’t), grammar intense and boring. And did I say boring?
Cambridge Latin Curriculum
Ecce Romani
Oxford Latin Course
similar multi-volume high-school curricula
Strengths: Reading intense, especially Cambridge. Lots of ancillary material available since these are used in many high schools. Listed in popularity order.
Weakness: May seem a little light on grammar (particularly Ecce, which also has a less engaging story). Teacher/tutor required.
Wheelock’s Latin
one volume with ancillariesStrengths: Widely available, this is the grammarest of the grammar books.
Weaknesses: A college text. Not for younger students.
I would like to study Latin independently and I was thinking of buying the 'Wheelock's Latin' book. However, when I read your blog, where you wrote that this book is 'a college text. Not for younger students', I wonder whether this book will suit me or not. Could you help me choose a fitting textbook?
ReplyDeleteP.S. I'm 18 (am I in the catalogue of the younger students?)