Analysis of Texts

1. Analysis of Texts Latin IV

2. What is it? • To analyze a text is to express the results of critical and reflective thinking. • Comprehension, translation, and contextualization provide the foundation for the analysis of Latin texts. • Unification of two things: • Careful consideration of details • Development of a clear and coherent argument. • Which explains HOW those details ILLUSTRATE an idea, theme, or concept.

3. How do you develop this? • By citing and explicating relevant examples from the Latin text and, if necessary, from the required readings in English • Analyze the importance of language usage and elements of literary style for the meaning of the text • Make inferences about AND draw conclusions from the text.

4. Where do you find analysis? • Essays • Other written responses • Class discussions

5. What might it involve? • Comparing features of two Latin texts • Calling upon contextual knowledge • Incorporating information from the readings in English

6. Learning objectives and evidence statements for analysis of texts • This is “AP speak” for identifying two things • What it is you should be able to do (objectives) • Proof that you are able to do it (evidence) • These are the criteria AP readers use to determine where you fall on the spectrum of Latin IV students (i.e. whether you get a 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1).

7. Primary objective: the student analyzes linguistic and literary features of one or more Latin texts. • The student develops clear and coherent arguments in English about the Latin texts. • Use of coherent structure and logical development • Use of relevant examples from the Latin text(s) to support the student’s argument • Use of relevant examples from readings in English and class discussions to support the student’s argument • Articulation of conclusions and inferences based on textual features or contextual knowledge (e.g., imagery, characterization, knowledge of Roman culture, knowledge of other Latin literature).

8. Primary objective: the student analyzes linguistic and literary features of one or more Latin texts. • The student analyzes the effects of language usage and stylistic features in Latin texts • Analysis of the effects of language usage (e.g., word choice, ambiguity, word order) • Analysis of the effects of stylistic features (e.g., characterization, rhetorical strategies, poetic devices) • The student analyzes the Latin texts based on knowledge of products, practices, and perspectives of Roman culture • Analysis of the Latin texts based on knowledge of Roman culture (e.g., use of cultural products such as the signa; cultural practices such as military techniques, cultural perspectives such as virtus, dignitas, pietas, auctoritas)

9. Achievement level descriptions • Just like it sounds, these are the criteria that indicate whether you score a 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1.

10. Achievement level breakdown • Every single essay is graded based on how well you achieve the following: • Development of an argument • Use of Latin textual examples • Inferences and conclusions • Analysis of language usage and stylistic features • Use of contextual knowledge • See the handout for the achievement level descriptions.