Medulla

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The Medulla Project is an open-source initiative to develop a shared planning document that outlines a core sequence of Latin vocabulary and grammar. This sequence enables chapter-by-chapter compatibility across different Latin textbooks, allowing educators to interchange materials more easily.

Core values

  1. The Medulla project will be released under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, dedicating its content to the public domain and allowing unrestricted commercial and non-commercial use.
  2. The document specifies a standardised sequence of core grammar and vocabulary to enable chapter-by-chapter cross-compatibility between resources.
  3. Beyond the core sequence, the project aims to allow for maximal freedom of implementation. This includes such choices as pedagogical approach, story setting and subject matter, modes of delivery, use of L1, role of metalanguage, teaching of derivatives, etc.
  4. The Medulla framework does not serve as an endorsement of textbook quality; it is designed solely for cross-compatibility. Responsibility for textbook quality remains with individual authors and publishers.
  5. Community involvement is essential to ensure the framework is relevant, representative, and adaptable across contexts. We actively seek feedback from Latin teachers from different regions, demographics, and pedagogical approaches.
  6. The Medulla framework will be maintained with transparent versioning and changelogs, allowing users to track updates and ensure compatibility across editions.

Approach to Grammar

We aim to balance pragmatic and systematic sequencing of grammar, prioritizing pedagogical practicality where necessary and maintaining structural coherence where possible.

Approach to Vocabulary

We aim to establish a lean, shared sequence of topic-neutral vocabulary that will not limit subject matter. Textbooks can then build on this core with their own topic-specific vocabulary.

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Development process

  1. With help from Latin teachers in various locations, confirm whether any serious restrictions are imposed on the project by local Latin curricula, inter-school competitions or standardised tests. Timeline: (Nov 2025) This is more or less complete now. I have identified the NLE (National Latin Exam) in the US and CE (Common Entrance) Latin examinations in the UK as having some influence on course planning in their respective regions, while state-set curricula have relatively little effect on course design.

  2. Survey: What are the major textbooks being used to teach Latin in high schools? Timeline: By 1 Dec 2025 at latest, release a survey for Latin teachers to report what textbook they are currently using in high school. Include some demographic data on the teachers’ region, year levels, etc. Also include questions about feedback on the grammar and vocabulary sequence of textbooks they have used. Survey responses are to be collected in December and January.

  3. Research the make-up of these textbooks: e.g. number of chapters, common approaches to grammar sequencing, what topic-neutral words consistently appear in vocabularies and at what stages, etc. Timeline: By 1 Dec 2025, pass around a request for teachers to email me .csv files of the grammar sequence and chapter vocabularies of their textbooks if these have already been made. Gather data on these textbooks during December-January. During February, analyse the results and release a report summarising the general make-up of Latin textbooks.

  4. Create a target number of chapters based on the average number of chapters in major textbooks. (Timeline TBC)

  5. Create a draft grammar sequence to fit these chapters. (Timeline TBC) (Nov 2025) I have sketched out a draft grammar sequence. I will share this very early version soon, but I know that it will change as I gather more research into the grammar sequences of existing Latin courses and compare it with the feedback people have about the sequences of their own current textbooks.

  6. Create a draft vocabulary sequence and vocabulary sequence to fit these chapters. (Timeline TBC) (Nov 2025) I have written some notes about how to go about designing a vocabulary sequence for optimal cross-compatibility and flexibility of subject-matter.

  7. Seek consultation comments on the draft grammar and vocabulary sequence. (Timeline TBC)

  8. Incorporate feedback to create a workable version 1.0 (Timeline TBC)

  9. Keep in contact with writers of textbooks for any feedback on how the Medulla framework is performing. Are there any hangups about fulfilling the demands of this core sequence? (Timeline TBC)

  10. Incorporate feedback into updates of the core sequence, with transparent versioning and changelogs. (Timeline TBC)

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