Why Take Latin?

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The uses of a Classical education - some of the famous and notorious who have had the benefit.

Visit the National Committee for Latin and Greek at www.promotelatin.org

What do Admissions personnel at Universities say about Latin?

Top Ten Reasons to Study Classics

(source unknown, unfortunately)

10. "You acquire a certain logic and intuitive sense about language." -Newspaper editor

9. "Classics gives a perspective on life of beauty and greatness of the Roman and Greek cultures--arts, philosophy, literature, leadership, etc." -Owner of business consulting firm

8. "Improved vocabulary, confidence in front of people, better writing techniques. Key item: The discipline I learned has been a critical success factor, especially in the U.S. Military." -Retired military

7. "...strong vocabulary and the ability to write, two qualities which are sorely lacking in many medical students. Practically any term in medicine comes from Latin or Greek, which allows me to memorize complicated words or phrases more easily." -Medical student

6. "I found law school a breeze because of the discipline and hard work habits I developed in Classics. My awareness of linguistic processes and details is a constant strength in reading, and thinking." -Law school/Texas Legislature

5. "Classics taught me the value of discussion without argument; taught me to listen and appreciate other points of view." -Dentist

4. "Latin definitely has helped me. It implies some skills and character traits: attention to detail, knowledge of how languages work, good vocabulary, good writing skills, worldly outlook ...and maybe even wisdom." -Medical editor

3. "I appreciate having studied the Classics so much that I wish that I had the power to influence/persuade the curriculum writers in my district to make the study of Latin mandatory for all students who are seriously college bound. I see the study of Latin as one possible remedy for the plummeting SAT verbal scores." -English teacher

2. "Because of its great breadth for embracing as it does logical thinking, precise analysis, lucid expression and with its overview of human thought and development, history, economics, business and politics, Classics constitutes the single best preparation in general sense for almost any of life's available pursuits!" -Founder of a middle school

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON IS: Impressive credentials for any kind of job!

Why Take Latin?

Does Latin help your SAT scores?  The answer is a definitive Yes!

The mean Verbal SAT scores for 2002 were:

All students:  504

Latin:        666

Spanish:    581

French:    637

German:    622

But there's more to studying Latin than SAT Scores!

Latin Develops a Person's English

A person's reading, writing and speaking of his or her own language is improved by studying Latin.  His or her vocabulary is enriched, (90% of English words over two syllables are derived from Latin) grammar is sharpened, and a sense of organization is instilled in him or her.

Latin provides a solid foundation for the acquisition of other languages

Latin equips a person with the strongest single foundation for mastering Romance languages, modern inflected ones such as Russian and German, and even non-related tongues like Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese.  Working with Latin broadens a person's notion of structures possible in languages other than English In addition, Latin gives one a grip on about 80% of the Romance languages-French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish.

 

Reading, Writing and Translating Greek and Latin Sharpens the Mind

On account of their non-English word structure and sentence patterns, the classical languages have for centuries stimulated such mental qualities as being observant, accurate, analytic and logical.  Thus the mind is developed in demanding and PRACTICAL ways.  Classics majors are hired by firms that need personnel who can define and identify problems, think on their feet, and arrive at sound and creative solutions.

The Civilizations of Greece and Rome Link Us with Cultures of 57 Nations on Four Continents

A background in the classical civilizations makes Americans aware of customs, values and ideas that we have in common with Eastern and Western Europeans and with North and South Americans.  We share many concepts in government, religion, art, literature, and economic systems.