This is a rigorous introduction to Latin syntax, to the styles of Latin prose, and to the practice, history, and ideology of stylistic analysis and Latin composition. Students will contribute to a creative history of written Latin at Harvard, engaging in translation, transcription, and creative response to 300+ years of doing things with Latin on campus. This component of the course will culminate in a final online class project, The history and politics of Latin composition: 300 years of Latin at Harvard. We will explore together the pedagogical value of written Latin including, but not limited to, the purely linguistic aspect. Together we will study how and why Latin composition has been a conduit for socialization, induction, contestation, and redemption, as well as (in some instances) marginalization or irreverence.