There are three levels of study in Latin: Elementary/Introductory (first year), Intermediate (second year), and Advanced (third year and beyond). See the explanations below, and see also our Guide to Latin and Ancient Greek at Penn.
In Elementary Latin you learn the basics of the language and begin reading simple inscriptions and passages: LATN 0100 Elementary Latin I (fall) followed by LATN 0200 Elementary Latin II (spring). If you are looking to save time, an intensive one-semester equivalent of these two courses is LATN 0110 Accelerated Elementary Latin (semester varies). After completing Elementary Latin, the sequel courses are in Intermediate Latin (below).
The accelerated/intensive course is not always offered and is not for everyone, since it moves at double the regular pace of a regular course and also meets more often. This course is ideal, however, for a student who has prior experience in learning Latin, Greek, or another language and is familiar with the concepts and the learning methods that help speed your progress. It is also perfect for the student who studied this language previously but would benefit from a rapid review before moving forward.
Technically, a student who has completed LATN 0110 is ready to register in 0300 (fall only). But a student who completes the accelerated course with a grade of A- or higher may also place directly into LATN 0400 (spring).
In Intermediate Latin you begin continuous reading of whole literary works in both prose and poetry: LATN 0300 Intermediate Latin I (fall) followed by LATN 0400 Intermediate Latin II (spring). After completing Intermediate Latin, the sequel courses are in Advanced Latin (below).
You read both primary texts and secondary literature on a specific author or theme and conduct analysis, interpretation, and research. Courses are numbered LATN 3000+ and are offered in fall and spring. The topic of the advanced course is different each semester, and you may take as many advanced courses as you wish during your time at Penn. Recent topics have included: Catullus, The Latin Novel, Latin Love Letters, Seneca, Latin Prose Composition, Plague and Pestilence, Underworld in Latin Poetry, Writing Roman Women, Pagan and Christian Martyrs, Poetry of Phaedrus, Roman Satire, Medieval Latin, Tacitus’ Agricola, Epic and Civil War. An additional advanced course on a two-year rotation is LATN 3801 Advanced Latin Language and Composition (upcoming in spring 2026, 2028, 2030).
This course is offered over and above the regular 3000-level courses in Latin. It is an opportunity for students to boost their vocabulary, grammar and practical skills in the language, including skills relevant to becoming a teacher of the language. Latin and Greek are taught in every other spring semester: LATN 3801 Advanced Latin Language and Composition (upcoming in spring 2026, 2028, 2030) alternates with GREK 3801 Advanced Greek Language and Composition (upcoming in spring 2027, 2029, 2031).