Short courses for lay people and others
Courses from Matthew Spencer MA MPhil and Peter Day-Milne MA MPhil
The LMS is now able to support two very different but complementary ways of Latin.
“Live” instruction: Whether you are an absolute beginner or a more experienced Latinist who is returning to the language, after some time away, you can now join an expressly designed live class — run by Peter Day-Milne. He has taken over these groups from Matthew Spencer and brings to the table a carefully arranged series of sessions (both for beginners and intermediate students). More details, including how to sign up, can be seen at latinexplained.com.
“Self study / asynchronous” method: This is Matthew and Peter's budget option, designed to fit the needs of those who wish to study in their own time. For no more than £50 you can be introduced to all the grammar of four classic prayers via our “Latin shots” — not a jolt of caffeine but a dose of expertly introduced grammar to set you on your way. The four prayers covered at present are: Regina Caeli (the Marian antiphon for Eastertide); Salve Regina; Ave Maria and of course the Pater Noster. If you want some bespoke feedback, an encouraging word from a Latinist by email to make sure you’re on track, the charge is no more than £75 for 16 weeks of (32) videos — otherwise the course can be done independently.
Both methods — live class and self study — are interoperable. You might start off on one and then switch to the other. For example, the more immersive free flowing approach of “Latin shots” might be a good way to refresh the nervous system after those all important weeks formally studying grammar by way of a dedicated live class — though please note that attention to grammatical detail is, ultimately, a preoccupation of all our provision, even if Matthew’s and Peter’s ways of approaching grammar are naturally different.
Although our courses may seem pricey at the outset, you get closer attention than in many universities and the standard of discussion by the end of the course will not be far removed from what you might expect there, even if you start out as an absolute beginner. Write to learnlatin@lms.org.uk to discuss your options and hear from others who have been down this route.
Some bursaries are available for priests and religious hailing from, or resident in, England & Wales, who join with enthusiastic laypeople on our courses.
Testimonials
It was a totally different approach to learning a language. Instead of throwing rules and tables at the student, the teacher plunged us into the text so we could acquire a feel for the language and the context of the words. This is a more natural and organic way to learn a new language.
Matthew’s Latin expertise and his fascinating choice of texts. The teaching style was also very relaxed and supportive. The possibility to approach the language no matter the background of the learner.