Jeff Settles & Jessi Danielson CLA 1001

Why Should UMD Offer Latin?

The History of Latin

The Latin language is now dead. The history of this language is quite interesting. It started in 753 B.C. when the city of Rome was discovered, at this time only a few thousand people spoke Latin at this time. Between 250 - 100 B.C. the Romans began to conquer neighboring nations and with that the spread of Latin started. The western half of the empire begins to fall to pieces, they keeps using Latin in official contexts until the end of this period which is 200 - 550 B.C. By 60 - 750 Latin had became a dead language only a few people can read it such as monks and the Catholic Church. Latin is still spoken in Catholic churches until the 1960's. In the present no one can speak Latin well, few can write it, but many can still read it. Most of the people who have any knowledge in Latin are professors or other highly intellectual people

How does Latin benefit you?
        Latin is a very beneficial language because of its ties to so many
other languages like Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Romanian.  Even
some English words are based from Latin.  Colleges such as the University of
Minnesota, Twin Cities offer Latin courses that many students take.  This
language is seldom taught as a means for communication, but mostly for
translation and better understanding of previous texts.   In the Twin Cities,
their program mainly focuses on Latin literature and cultures.  Many students
who take this on as a major also end up studying Greek and often have a double
major in something like history.  In the end, having a background in Latin
helps students who are pursuing careers in law, teaching, writing, medicine,
and business.  The outlook for Latin majors is excellent in the career field
because there is a shortage of teachers right now.  Latin is kind of dying out
despite how useful it is for many different careers.  I think UMD should help
in keeping this language alive by offering courses in it.