When things get out of hand in class, Ian, standing proudly before his disciples like a Roman emperor, gesturing as if delivering a great decree, orders everyone to "decrease the mirth."
For it is difficult in this class not to be mirthful. In Ian's class, you will read of wretched slaves in futile love and women who seize men with swords. You will dress up as a famous Roman during Halloween and address the class in Latin.
That said (and partially because of it), Ian is, especially academically speaking, one of the best teachers I've ever had. No other teacher will go through your every homework with such thoroughness and painstaking care, correcting every mistake every time you make it. Even those who loathe Latin will admit that Ian is extremely thorough--in teaching, grading, evaluating, answering questions. And while his class plan is often right in the textbook, go to class for the rigorous practice and for Ian, for you are privileged to bear witness to Ian's life--every moment of it is epic.
The class can be difficult sometimes, but always engaging. Don't expect to learn to say "How are you?" and "My name is so and so." You'll instead learn the vocabulary of war, death, treachery, poetry. Deal with it or just go fall upon a sword. This isn't French.
Take this class. Latin is a challenging and impressive language, one that will shed light on all others, and Ian--well who am I to speak of Ian? Let the great poets of years to come shower him with praises.