What is the appropriate age to begin using Artes Latinae?

The series is accessible to a wide range of learners from elementary aged students (who have a reading level of at least fifth grade) to senior citizens. While some families have reported using it with students as young as 7, we recommend 9 or 10 as a good starting age if the series is to be used with little or no supervision.

Do I need to know Latin if I get this series for my child?

No. We do encourage parents to take advantage of this user-friendly series and learn Latin for their own benefit right along with their children. However, the self-teaching program provides all the necessary components for independent study, and children can learn from this series on their own.

If I used another first-year Latin course and want to switch to Artes Latinae, where should I begin?

No first-year Latin course covers exactly the same content as another first-year course. Some objectives covered in one course in first year are covered in a different course in second year and vice-versa. Before you start the Level II course, we recommend that you start with the following Level I materials: Student Books 1 and 2, the Unit Test Booklet, and the Guide to the Unit Tests. (We will give you a 40% discount on these materials if you also buy the Level II course.)

You will need to acquaint yourself with the course by going through the first 42 frames of Unit 1. Then move on to the summary section of Unit 4. See if there is anything in that summary section you are unfamiliar with. (The summary section will refer you back to portions of the text.) Do the frames that cover any unfamiliar material. For extra assurance, take the Level 4 test. For items you miss, go back and cover the appropriate frames.

Then follow the same procedure for each of the remaining units. (Latin II courses typically start with a review of Level I objectives. The procedure outlined here will serve as that review.)

Since you have already covered Level I of another course, you will go through this review fairly quickly. Allow yourself two to three weeks in Level I before starting Level II.

What material does the series cover?

In the course of the two-level series, students will cover all of basic Latin grammar; acquire a core vocabulary; study Caesar's Bellum Gallicum and the epigrams of Martial; be prepared to begin a course in an ancient author, and will meet the foreign language requirement for university entrance.

How much time should students spend on the series each day?

The times listed here are recommended for those who want to progress through this series at a rate similar to a standard classroom pace. Keep in mind, however, that this series is programmed to be self-pacing and affords students the opportunity to challenge themselves according to their individual abilities and comfort levels.

• ages 9 and 10: up to 25 minutes per school day
• middle school level: one-half hour per school day
• high school level: one hour per school day

How much time will it take to complete Phase I? (for students using the traditional format)

An attractive feature of the Artes Latinae program is that individual students can set the learning pace that best suits their needs and abilities. Generally, however, if students spend the recommended time per school day, most middle school student will complete Phases I and II (which are tied together) in approximately one school year; most high school students in one semester.

Do we really need the cassette tapes? (for students using the traditional format)

Hearing and repeating the sound of a language is an integral part of experiencing and learning that language. In addition to providing the vital sound component, the cassettes provide an interactive experience often absent in independent study courses.

Can a student receive high school foreign language credit for completing the series?

Yes, students can receive credit, but it is not automatic. The person supervising the instruction should apply directly to the local high school principal or his/her designate.

What is your return policy?

If you are ordering the book and tapes format, you may request a 30-day approval period if you think you may want to return the materials. If you are considering the CD-ROM version, you can ask for a demo to try the program before you purchase.

Is there a similar course for other languages?

Dr. Sweet's programmed, self-teaching approach is unique to the Artes Latinae Latin series. While this method is an excellent model for other language courses, none has yet been developed in this format.