Readings in Latin Literature (310-0-1)
Topic
The Latin Iliad: Translating Homer in Nero's Rome
Instructors
Jennifer LeeAnne Cecelia Weintritt
Meeting Info
Locy Hall 314: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
Translating Homer into Latin on a reduced scale was a popular literary endeavor in Roman antiquity. In this class, we'll read the only surviving example of this subgenre: Baebius Italicus' Ilias Latina, which reduces Homer's 24-book epic to just over a thousand lines of action. At the same time, Baebius updates Homer's poem with interpretations and details that are tailored for a Roman audience in the mid-1st century CE. Agamemnon is a Stoic's nightmare, Nero is on Achilles' shield, and Poseidon knows all about the Julio-Claudians. To appreciate this impressive feat of miniaturization and yet expansion, we'll do a few things: (1) create a collaborative commentary on the poem, (2) read selections from the Iliad and ancient scholarship about the Iliad in translation, and (3) develop research papers for a class conference at the end of the quarter. Finally, in terms of language pedagogy, we will work to develop our sight-reading skills.
Class Materials (Required)
Wilson, Emily. Homer: The Iliad. New York: Norton, 2023. ISBN 978-1324001805
Norris Bookstore strongly encourages all students to place their orders early at their website, www.northwestern.bncollege.com, and not wait until the last minute to purchase.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area