Latin I: First Steps

5.00 (9 Ratings)
Categories Latin Language
Course Duration: 30h
Last Updated:September 18, 2026

Welcome to Latin I, a complete introduction to Latin for students starting from absolute zero, guided step by step by a PhD instructor through a structured, immersive, and enjoyable learning experience.

What You Will Learn

This course is designed to take you from zero knowledge to the ability to read basic Latin texts with confidence, without constantly relying on a dictionary.

The course follows a natural, reading-based approach to Latin, combining direct exposure to the language with clear, progressive instruction in grammar and vocabulary.

You will:

  • Read Latin from the very beginning

  • Understand grammar through clear, step-by-step explanations

  • Build vocabulary naturally through meaningful context

  • Develop confidence through written and spoken Latin practice

  • Strengthen your reading comprehension through progressively more challenging material

Students are expected to have their own copy of Hans Ørberg’s Lingua Latina per se Illustrata: Familia Romana, which is used as a separately purchased companion reader for independent reading alongside the course.

The book is published independently and must be obtained separately. No text, pages, or illustrations from the book are included or reproduced in the course materials, slides, or recordings.

How You Will Learn

Each lesson is carefully structured to combine explanation, reading, and active practice.

  • Grammar Instruction — Schola: Clear and progressive explanations of essential grammatical concepts.

  • Latin Reading — Lēctiō: Progressive reading practice designed to develop comprehension directly in Latin.

  • Practice Exercises — Exercitātiō: Active reinforcement of vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structures.

Students also receive access to:

  • Quizzes for self-assessment and review

  • Exclusive lesson slides (tabulae)

  • Summary sheets (cōnspectūs) and review materials

  • Q&A support through the official forum

Course Format

Latin I is a structured, self-paced online course designed for flexible study. You can progress at your own rhythm while following a clear path from the fundamentals of Latin to increasingly confident reading comprehension.

For students who prefer a more guided experience, a live cohort edition is offered at selected times throughout the year, with weekly sessions and shared progression alongside other learners.

We also offer Latin Grammar Labs throughout the year to reinforce important concepts, clarify difficulties, and strengthen your grammatical foundations.

Start Learning Latin Today

Whether you are studying independently or alongside formal instruction, Latin I: First Steps provides a strong foundation in Latin language and Roman culture through a structured and immersive approach.

You will progress step by step, at your own pace, with clear instruction and carefully designed practice at every stage.

If you have any questions before enrolling, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help you determine whether the course is the right fit for you.

Welcome—and happy Latin learning!

Course Program

Course Reading & Study Guide

The Latin Alphabet, Pronunciation & Spelling

Caput I: Rōma et Provinciæ

Caput II: Parentēs, Līberī et Servī

Caput III: Puerī et Puella

Caput IV: Ubi Est Pecūniā Dominī?

Caput V: Vīlla Rōmāna

Caput VI: Viae Rōmānae

Caput VII: Rosae, Māla, Ōscula

Caput VIII: Ānulus Gemmātus

Latin Learning Tools & Resources

Enrollment Options

Choose the plan that best suits your learning style:

🔸 All-Access Membership – $34.95/month

Everything you need to learn Latin in one place.

✔ Unlimited access to our entire course catalogue
✔ Weekly live lectures and practice labs
✔ Members-only discussion groups
✔ Video lessons, quizzes, and cheatsheets

🔸 Annual All-Access Membership – $349.95/year

Commit to learning and save money.

✔ Enjoy two months free (worth $70)
✔ 17% cheaper than paying monthly

🔸 Lifetime Access – $349.95 (one-time payment)

Own this course, forever.

✔ Full lifetime access to this course
✔ All future course material updates included
✔ One-time payment — no subscriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior Latin knowledge to start?

No! Our courses are designed for all levels, from complete beginners to more advanced learners.

 

How do I access the courses?

Once you have registered and selected a membership plan, you will be able to access the courses through the course catalog. There, you will also find the Zoom link for weekly webinars and live sessions.

 
Can I upgrade or downgrade my membership?

Yes! You can change your membership level at any time. Upgrades take effect immediately, while downgrades apply from the next billing cycle.

 

Do you offer a free trial?

At the moment, we do not offer a free trial. However, you can cancel anytime if you decide the program isn't the right fit for you.

 

Is there a minimum commitment?

No, our memberships are billed monthly, and you can cancel at any time.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major credit/debit cards and PayPal, with all payments securely processed via Stripe.

What happens if I cancel my subscription?

You will retain access to your current membership benefits until the end of the billing cycle. After that, your access will be revoked unless you re-subscribe.

Do you offer refunds?

Due to the nature of digital courses, we do not offer refunds. However, you can cancel anytime to avoid future charges.

Student Ratings & Reviews

5.0
Total 9 Ratings
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G(
3 weeks ago
I retired just last year. I wanted to try an online course to see if I could fill some of the more egregious gaps in my education and reading I had identified over the past fifty years. Latin was the first on my list. Magister Iācōbus offers here on his LEARNLATIN site a rigorous and progressive method to acquire the skills to read and comprehend Latin. His personal presentations are entertaining and encouraging. I needed lots of encouragement. If a student follows the website instruction, the readings, and the drills, he or she will be well on the way to success. I was also very pleased to be a member of a great assortment of students ranging from home-school students to retirees (like myself) to serious scholars. It was invigorating to hear them banter back and forth. It's been a great experience. I recommend it.
stephanus
2 months ago
I love this class. We have been thru lesson 6 and I look forward to each lesson like i can’t wait for it! Highly recommended, especially participating in the live sessions. I’m a native English speaker (American), and have learned Italian (high school), Indonesian (lived in Jakarta), Mandarin Chinese (lived in Shanghai and Beijing), and Korean (lived in Seoul). I took formal classes in all those languages and eventually became reasonably proficient, but it was always a slog and took time. In this Latin I class Master Iacobus is teaching us Latin in a revolutionary yet basic natural method. 6 weeks in and I can read, speak and understand complete Latin sentences and concepts. Bravo Magister Iacubus!
DW
2 months ago
Magister Iācōbus is a fantastic teacher—he makes the study of language exciting! He not only understands the language thoroughly, and is able to impart it clearly to students, but he so evidently loves the subject that his enthusiasm is contagious. The materials (using the "natural method," in which you immediately start reading and speaking Latin) are clear, helpful, easy to follow, and progress naturally at a pace that is just right. I like too that Magister Iācōbus is immensely knowledgeable about history, culture, and linguistics, and works in aspects of those subjects during the classes. I highly recommend the "live courses" over Zoom especially—it's like being right in the classroom, only more convenient!
MF
2 months ago
Magister Iācōbus is an excellent instructor who gives detailed lessons and homework to help beginners learn Latin in an effective and enjoyable way. I am currently in the Latin one course and I look forward to taking Latin II and other courses with him. I am an adult life time learner and he has made my further education an intellectually stimulating and rewarding experience for me.
MM
2 months ago
After converting to Catholicism last year I wanted to be able to read my Missal in Latin as our services are in Latin. My son found this course and it has been a wonderful experience. Magister Jacobus is so patient - my grammar leaves a LOT to be desired and he has helped me on so many levels. In fact, if he is game, I'd love to take Latin II, Lord willing. Being 78 I just never know what the next day will bring but my plans are to be around for a bit longer. It is so fulfilling at my age to be learning something new and Magister Jacobus is making it a lot of fun, too.
If you want to Learn Latin, you are in the right place. Not just the right place, but the best place. I tried many times to learn latin and this is the only place where the teaching sticks with me and I feel like I am understanding and learning the language. You will learn and have fun and have A LOT of resources at your disposal! Go for it!
Dima Nkh
1 year ago
My desire to learn Latin led me to the popular app Duolingo. But even after a year of Duolingo, I haven't learned as much as I have here in three months. I'm glad I discovered this offer early on and I'm still convinced that I will continue to stay here to learn. Magister Iacobus is very patient and makes it clear early on which focal points should be applied at a certain point in time. However, there is so much information in the live session that I only understand the wisdom of his words after reviewing the material ;) So, repeat the exercises and participate in the course.
Mark Wahba
1 year ago
Beginner's Latin with Magister Jacobus was a great introduction to the Latin language. He is a great instructor who takes the time to explain everything to his students.
After years of saying "one day I’ll learn Latin" I finally started right here and it was the best decision ever! Magister Iacobus’ course is brilliantly designed for both independent study and live sessions. The lessons are clear, motivating, and fun. If you’ve been thinking about learning Latin, this is the perfect place to start!

Price

Choose plan

What I will learn?

  • Essential Latin grammar in context
  • Reading and understanding simple Latin
  • Core vocabulary through natural immersion
  • Insights into Ancient Roman culture

Material Includes

  • Engaging video lessons
  • Interactive quizzes
  • Handy cheatsheets
  • Chapter summaries
  • Presentation slides

Target Audience

  • Absolute beginners with no prior Latin experience
  • Returning learners seeking to strengthen their Latin foundations
  • Homeschoolers, self-learners, and enthusiasts of classical languages
  • Teachers and educators interested in learning Latin through the natural method
  • Students of ancient history, philosophy, theology, or medieval studies

Requirements

  • No prior knowledge of Latin required
  • Stable internet connection and a computer
  • 2–4 hours per week available for study and practice

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