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Basics of Latin introduces students, independent learners, and homeschoolers to the basics of Latin grammar. Readings and exercises are all taken from texts in the Christian tradition and enable students to develop their skills of the language as well as grow in their appreciation for the breadth and depth of ancient Christian thought.
About the author
Derek Cooper is associate dean of the faculty and associate professor of global Christianity at Reformed Episcopal Seminary. He is also managing director of Thomas Institute. A long-term foreign language instructor, he has taught Latin, Spanish, and biblical Greek. Derek is the author of many books, including Introduction to World Christian History and Exploring Church History. He has offered professional Latin translations for the Reformation Commentary on Scripture, the Martin Luther Handwriting Font Book, and is the translator of Philip Melanchthon’s Commentary on Proverbs.
Summary
Basics of Latin: A Grammar with Readings and Exercises from the Christian Tradition by Derek Cooper introduces students, independent learners, and homeschoolers to the basics of Latin grammar with all readings and exercises taken from texts in the Christian tradition.
As part of the widely-used Zondervan Language Basics series of resources, Cooper's Latin grammar is a student-friendly introduction. It helps students learn by:
- Minimizing technical jargon
- Providing only the information needed to learn the basics
- Breaking the grammar of language down into manageable and intuitive chunks
- Illustrating the grammar in question by its use in rich selections from ancient Christian authors.
- Providing grammar, readings, exercises, and a lexicon all in one convenient volume.
Basics of Latin provides an ideal first step into this important language and focuses on getting the student into texts and translation as quickly as possible.
Additional text
'Kudos to Dr. Cooper for accomplishing something never done before: an introduction to Latin grounded in the writings of the Western Fathers, Roman Catholics, and Protestants alike. Derek Cooper has created a beautifully written and conceived textbook that teaches the language in articulate, innovative, and relatable ways to those interested in its Christian expression. He takes nothing for granted, instead teaching from the ground up while avoiding intimidating technicalities. Students will find this book a pleasure to work through. In addition to the lucid grammatical explanations, numerous historical tidbits, anecdotes, and etymologies adorn the book and will sweep the students along a journey of the first sixteen hundred years of church history. This textbook will undoubtedly find its way into many Christian high schools, and rightfully so, but it is also suitable for college students and self-learners.'
