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AP Latin

Course Overview

The AP Latin course focuses on continued Latin language acquisition, with the inclusion of textual analysis and contextualization skills. The course features selections from two influential works of Latin literature: Vergil’s Aeneid and Pliny the Younger’s Letters. Significant time is also dedicated to the reading of non-syllabus texts chosen by teachers, as well as four Course Project passages, many of which will extend beyond the authors of the early imperial era of classical Rome. Students will prepare and translate the readings and thus further refine their knowledge of the Latin language. Students will also place these texts in a meaningful context, which will help students develop their critical, historical, and literary sensitivities. Throughout the course, students will consider the main ideas, effects or purposes, and points of view expressed in these works to gain a deeper understanding of the content and the culture in which they were created.

Expectations & Support

Students should expect a course whose focus is reading, writing, and research. This involves both reading and research of their choosing and the kind that is derived from a curated set of materials provided by the College Board. Students will hone skills required to meet their assessments throughout the course. Support is provided in whole group instruction and activities, small group discussion, and individual conferencing. As a college level class, it is the expectation that students approach their work and this class with maturity and integrity.

Exams & Assessment

  • 4 Project Passages

    • 2 Prose Passages (100–150 words each)

    • 2 Poetry Passages (100–150 words each)

  • 1 3-hour exam

    • 52 multiple choice questions

    • 5 free-response questions

Materials & Resources

  • AP Classroom

  • AP Portfolio

  • Textbooks – classroom set

Time Commitment

AP Latin requires students to complete readings and translations as the basis of their writing. While time spent on these tasks may differ from student to student, on average a student can expect to spend at least 3 hours of work outside of class per week to support their performance on assessments.