Reading Latin & Discovering Ancient History in Italy

Calder Classics invites students in 9th through 12th grades to join us in Rome during Spring Break. Over the course of a one-week program, the Classics come alive through the study of Latin, exploration of archaeological and modern sites, and immersion in daily Italian life. 

We spend the week together in a beautiful apartment, in walking distance from the Circus Maximus, the Forum, the Palatine, and the Colosseum. Language, art, and scholarship merge fluently in an atmosphere of intellectual freedom and interdisciplinary exchange. Our days consist of reviewing Latin grammar and reading the great authors of Latin literature, exploring the historical and cultural treasures of Rome, and visiting archaeological ruins as well as modern building complexes. The evenings feature Italy’s many leisure and culinary offerings.

This year we have two Spring Break sessions. Both sessions focus on reading Latin texts that are closely interwoven with site visits. The focus of each session differs. Session 1 concentrates on the interplay between art, architecture, and literature in ancient Rome, and Session 2 concentrates on the comparative use of art and architecture to assert power in ancient Augustan Rome and in modern 20th-century European regimes. We read different texts for each session although the required level of Latin is the same. (See more details below.)

Master Latin - Sessions 1 &2

Each day, students read, translate, and discuss Latin literature in an interactive “salon” style environment. Students will gain valuable sight-reading experience with such influential Roman authors as Catullus, Horace, Vergil, Ovid, Martial, Caesar, or Livy. Given that participants join us from a variety of schools, we begin each day with a review of Latin grammar. We then analyze important texts from both a grammatical and literary perspective, engaging in such topics as the significance of rhetorical devices, meter, and intertextuality. Some attention is given to passages likely to be found on the Latin AP. At least one school year of reading original (or slightly adapted) Latin texts is required.

Dive into Italy’s Art, Culture and History

Session 1 - March 20-26, 2023

Throughout this session, we engage with ancient sites that are related thematically to, or directly inspired by, the literature we read together. For example, on days when we read selections from Livy’s ab urbe condita we see sites connected to Rome’s origins and early history including the Forum Romanum, the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, Circus Maximus, and Colosseum; before we visit the bath and mosaic of Neptune on our guided day in Ostia with our resident classical archeologist, we read a selection of passages about Neptune from the Aeneid. In connection with our readings, we also explore such cultural treasures as the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica.  In this session, our discussions focus on the historical context and broader themes of the sites we visit.

Session 2 - April 1-7, 2023

Throughout this session, we investigate how the Roman Empire asserted itself physically in the city of Rome in antiquity, and how the ghosts of the ancient empire reappeared in modern history during the 19th and 20th centuries. In particular, we focus on the emperor Augustus’ massive building program in Rome, and how he commemorated his new empire through art and architecture in such structures as the Augustan Forum, the Ara Pacis, the Mausoleum of Augustus, and the Palatine Apollo complex. We then follow the thread of Augustus through to modern Rome and consider how Mussolini and the Fascist regime used Augustus as a model, and in doing so, also asserted their power in the city by means of a widespread building program.  In this session, our discussions focus on the historical context and broader themes of the sites we visit.

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Staff

Accommodations: Session 1

Session 1 is housed in a private apartment in the San Saba neighborhood in Central Rome, known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and its proximity to the ancient sites. On one side is the elegant residential area with its villas, antique churches and gardens. On the other is the folkloric Testaccio quarter, noted for its many trattorias. Conveniently located near Porta San Paolo and the Piramide metro stop, the apartment is close to restaurants, food emporiums, and many of the ancient sites we will visit, such as the Circus Maximus, the Roman Forum, the Palatine and Aventine Hills, and the Colosseum. The apartment has a large balcony where students can read Latin or relax during their free time. Rooms are shared but all beds are singles. The accommodations feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a full modern kitchen, and washer/dryer.

Accommodations: Session 2

Session 2: This course is housed in a private apartment in the Navona District of Central Rome, very close to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palantine Hill sites, down the street from the ancient Acquario Romano, and the 5th-century Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. It is just a 5-minute walk from the famous Gelateria Fassi and a few short steps from one of the best bookstores in Rome, Borri Books, with its treasure trove of reading materials. Rooms are shared but all beds are singles. Accommodations feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a full modern kitchen, and a washer/dryer.

Dates & Fees

March 20-26, 2023

OR

April 1-7, 2023

The $3,500 tuition includes accommodations, transportation within Italy, museum entries, instruction and course materials (certain additional books may need to be purchased). Breakfast and either lunch or dinner are also included. Depending on our daily schedules, students will be on their own for either a midday lunch break or an evening dinner break. Students are responsible for the cost of their own activities outside of the group. Airfare is not included.

Application Deadline

Students are accepted on a rolling admissions basis while space is available. Please submit your application by the deadline of February 20 to receive priority consideration for this program. Applications received before this date will be considered as they are received and acceptances will be granted based on careful consideration by our staff. Applications received after this date will be carefully considered as they are received as long as spots are still available.

Your application will be processed and you will receive a reply regarding your acceptance status within one to two weeks of your submission date provided that we have received your teacher reference.

 Transportation

Calder Classics will not be responsible for chaperoning students on flights to or from Rome. However, students may choose to travel on the same flight as our staff on either or both legs of the journey between New York City and Rome. Calder Classics will arrange transportation between the airport and the residence ONLY for those students who choose to travel on a flight with our staff, or who coordinate with our flight at arrival or departure. The details of the flight will be specified in advance. Students traveling on their own must make their own connections to the residence. 

Testimonials

“The trip to Italy I took with Calder Classics was probably one of the most exciting experiences I’ve had in my life. From wonderful classmates who matched my own passion in Latin to the rich explanations of both Latin translations of famous texts and the rich histories of ancient monuments, this comprehensive course most definitely gave me knowledge and fond memories that I’ll treasure forever!” Student, Rome, Spring 2023

“Calder Classics was an amazing experience that gave me an opportunity I would have never had before. Being able to combine my historical and theoretical studies of the ancient world with the physical remnants and effects of Roman civilization opened my eyes to how significant the things I am learning truly are. The teachers at Calder Classics were so knowledgeable and helpful in our tour of the city, connecting the history of Rome all the way from its very foundation to the fascist period to the modern age. If given the opportunity, I would come back every year!” Student, Spring, 2023

“I loved this program! I really liked that our days were divided into doing Latin in the morning and visiting historical sites in the afternoon because as someone who does not do well with purely lecture-style learning, I felt that this format made learning very engaging. I could tell that both of my teachers were very passionate about their areas of expertise.” Studnent, Rome, Spring, 2023

“This course is so much fun! I'd only been able to do Latin online for two years up until this course, so being able to translate ancient texts with your friends while simultaneously joking around about fun scenarios, like Aeneas getting lost at Costco or making a song about noun endings, has been so refreshing and enjoyable! The history is so in depth, the instructors care so much about the subject matter, and they teach you things that no one else will tell you about, like all the connections, good and bad, between Ancient Rome and semi-modern Rome. But there is a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes!” Rome, 2023

“Calder Classics was everything that I expected it to be and more. We read from famous Roman leaders, historians and poets such as Livy, Caesar, and Cicero. I learned a lot by reading and analyzing these texts, and thanks to Sarah, I was able to improve my grammar dramatically. The other half of our days were spent with Dr. Crispin Corrado who led us around Rome. We visited many ancient sites, including Pompeii, the Circus Maximus, the Caracalla Baths, the Forum, and much more. Crispin’s expertise and maternal nature was integral to all of the knowledge I gained on this trip. In addition, I made many close friends - we already have organized a reunion in Rome in 10 years!!! Overall, this trip opened my eyes to how much I love Latin, and even more importantly learning! “ Nathaniel, student

“Thank you so much for organizing an amazing trip to Italy! Our son returned on Monday and told us that he really loved everything about it. He enjoyed everything he saw and thought that Crispin was awesome. The trip definitely solidified his interest in Classics!”  Caroline, parent

"Calder Classics gave me a unique opportunity to see the amazing ruins of ancient Rome guided by real experts and combined with excellent Latin instruction.  Seeing the Roman Forum, Temple of Victory, triumphal arches, and more made ancient Rome come alive for me and the other students.  I highly recommend this program." Thomas, student

"Calder Classics was one of the best times of my life so far! … I feel like it was an experience that has taught me how to put both Latin and history into a visual context, live in a foreign country, and even how to be a better Latin student. I look back on these memories with fondness and I think that anyone with the opportunity to do a Calder Classics program should take it up in a heartbeat." Charlie, student

“Spring Break in Rome was a fantastic way to further my knowledge of Latin while also learning about Roman culture and history. The Latin sessions with Sarah were both enjoyable and informative. The translations that we covered were varied, interesting, and focused on grammatical concepts that were really helpful to review. After discussing the Latin texts, it was amazing to visit corresponding historical sites with Crispin! Anne, student

"Many thanks for an amazing and enjoyable educational summer program in Rome. My son learned so much about language, history and culture. He had a wonderful time!" Shelly, parent

"The Calder Classics Rome Program was the highlight of my summer vacation. I deepened my understanding of fundamental Latin concepts as well as more complex aspects of the language, gained an abundance of knowledge about Ancient Roman culture, and formed friendships and made memories that I will cherish forever. I cannot thank the Calder Classics Rome Program enough for my truly singular and incredibly memorable experience." Frances, student

"When we were looking for a summer Latin study program for our son we were lucky to find Calder Classic's Rome program. It offers lots of individual attention, small class size, excellent teachers, and history lessons to go along with sightseeing in Rome. What a great first visit to Rome. The staff, from our first inquiry into the program to arrival back in the United States, was always very helpful. Thanks Calder Classics!" -Ginny, parent

"I had a truly amazing experience in Rome, Italy. Calder Classics improved not only my Latin but also my knowledge and curiosity of the classics. I'll never forget the two weeks in Rome." -Julia, student

Photos from Previous Trips

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