Preservation and Relevance of Latin and Greek in Modern Educational Institutions
Despite the general decline in the prominence of classical languages in modern education, Latin and Ancient Greek continue to find a place in various educational settings. This study delves into the venues where these languages are still taught, exploring the ongoing importance of classical education in our rapidly evolving world.
Where Latin and Greek Are Taught
1. Private and Independent Schools
Many private schools, particularly those with a classical curriculum, offer Latin and Greek as part of their core language offerings. These schools recognize the historical and cultural significance of these languages and provide students with the opportunity to study them.
2. Classical Education Schools
Classical education schools, which emphasize a traditional educational model, often incorporate Latin and sometimes Greek in their curricula. These schools believe in the depth and breadth of knowledge that classical education can provide, making these languages an integral part of their curriculum.
3. Universities
Most universities with strong humanities or classics departments include courses in Latin and Ancient Greek. These institutions recognize the value of these languages in understanding classical texts and cultures, which are foundational to many fields of study.
4. Online Courses
There are numerous online platforms and institutions that offer courses in Latin and Greek, making these languages accessible to a wider audience. Online learning has made it easier for individuals to study these languages without being physically present in a classroom.
5. Homeschooling Programs
Some homeschooling curricula include Latin and Greek as part of their language studies. This allows parents and educators to tailor the curriculum to fit their specific educational philosophies and goals.
The Declining Prevalence of Latin and Greek
While the prevalence of these languages in primary and secondary education has decreased over the years, there remains a dedicated interest in classical languages, especially in the context of education focused on the humanities. As of 2017, out of 24,000 high schools in the USA, only 1,513 taught Latin, which is about 6%. This is in sharp contrast to 17,778 public high schools that taught Spanish. Greek was even less prevalent, with only 129 schools teaching it.
It's important to note that these numbers do not necessarily reflect a decline in interest but rather a shift in educational priorities. Many schools that continue to teach Latin and Greek perceive these languages as both intellectually challenging and practical for understanding modern Romance languages.
The Challenge of Maintaining Classical Languages in Education
The challenge of maintaining classical languages in education lies in the false perception of declining enrollment and subsequent funding issues. Many schools, particularly public ones, face pressure to cut programs and focus on more widely taught languages. However, this perception has led to a shortage of teachers and a decrease in opportunities for students to learn these languages.
For example, as recently as the 1970s, private schools retained Latin and Greek in their curricula, while public schools started removing these languages from their classrooms. Over time, these languages have become seen as both interesting and useful, leading some classicists to be fluent in five or six languages.
Despite these challenges, there remain dedicated teachers and institutions that continue to offer Latin and Greek courses. For instance, some teachers have retired but continue to teach classes for free. Furthermore, the number of graduating classicists has decreased, leading to a shortage of new teachers in this field.
Conclusion: The Future of Latin and Greek
The decline in the teaching of Latin and Greek is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, the ongoing interest in classical studies and the unique benefits that these languages provide suggest that they will continue to find a place in modern educational institutions. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to understand and appreciate classical texts and cultures becomes more valuable.
About Classics
This study explores the importance of classical education in the modern world, examining the various settings where Latin and Greek are taught and the benefits that these languages offer to students.