Latin Game
University of Arkansas, Fall, MMVI
(PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE FROM LATIN GAME OF IX SEPT. TO
SEE PHOTOS OF LATIN GAME XVI OCT, CLICK HERE.)
Object: To write correct Latin sentences; to practice Latin grammar;
to help one another; to draw pictures; to earn points; to learn principal
parts; to have fun.
Name: To be determined during the course of the semester.
Date: When needed or requested.
Location: In the classroom.
Participation: Potentially every student, but not
always.
Procedure: Students in groups of two will receive a prompt/assignment/task
from the Magister, and will complete it in a stated amount of time.
Rules:
i. No two teams may complete the prompt/assignment in the same way (i.e.
each answer must use words different from the other teams’ answers). The
team to put their answer on the board first has first claim to the words.
If another team has the same idea, but does not write it first, they must
use different words.
ii. Team members may consult with each other, with a lexicon, with other
teams, and with other members of the class in order to complete the task.
iii. No two teams may consult the same person for any help or final checking.
iv. Every task must have a final check by a student who has not already
helped that day.
v. The Magister is the judge of all disputes, or may appoint judges to
adjudicate.
vi. Incorrect use of apostrophes in English will incur serious point
loss.
Scoring:
A. Team points.
One point for each correctly written Latin word.
Two points for each intelligible drawing.
Two points each for consulting other students during the game (maximum
three).
Three points for final checker signature.
B. Non-team points.
Two points for being a consultant.
Three points for being a final checker.
C. Other points
Positive and negative points may be earned, as the Magister deems appropriate.
For example, if the Latin or English are incorrect, or do not follow the
prompt correctly, the Magister will deduct points from the team, the consultants,
and the checker. On the other hand, extra brilliance could merit bonus points.
D. All numbers must be in Roman Numerals or written out (undeviginti,
e.g.)
EXAMPLE of Task/Prompt/Assignment:
On the Board (and on the score sheet to hand in):
i. Write the name of an animal or animals in the nominative case.
ii. Write a transitive verb (present tense) that takes the animal(s)
as subject.
iii. Write in parentheses the principal parts of the verb you chose.
iv. Write a noun as the object of this verb, and put it at the beginning
of the sentence.
v. Draw a picture that describes the action of the sentence.
vi. Give a caption to the picture (four words maximum; may not be same
as sentence above).
vii. Write a literal English translation of your caption.
viii. Fill out score sheet and assign points.
A possible solution:
Piscem piscis edit. (edo, edere (esse), edi, esum)
[Drawing of a fish eating another fish.]
Caption (Latin): Cena piscium.
Caption (English translation): The dinner of the fish (pl.)/The fishes’
dinner.
Score sheet:
Names of team members __________, __________ .
Latin sentence or phrase: __________ = __________ points.
Intelligible drawing: __________ = __________ points.
Drawing caption __________ = __________ points.
Other students consulted for individual questions. Names (maximum three)
__________, __________, __________ = __________ points.
Final product checked by _______________ = __________ points.
Total Points: _______________
Photos By John Leslie
[This Game came to the Magister in a Dream: August, mmvi.]
© Daniel Levine, mmvi.
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