Ovid’s Amores and Ancient Poetic Books (Caleb Dance)

Hybrid: this project is scheduled to begin on 6/16/2025 and run for 6 weeks, finishing on 7/25/2025.

Project Description

Although composed more than 2000 years ago, Ovid’s Amores, a collection of Roman amatory poetry, still attracts the attention of casual and scholarly readers alike. The student will work with Professor Dance on research related to a commentary for Latin students on Book 3 of Ovid’s Amores. Special attention during these six weeks will be devoted to book historical inquiries, particularly the economic demands related to the circulation and preservation of ancient Latin poetry books from the 1st c. to the 10th c. CE. Additional activities will include transcription of ancient witnesses of the Ovidian text (using TEI), exercises in textual criticism, and the development of a database of Latin vocabulary from Amores Book 3 for use by students at the (college) intermediate level.

Prerequisites

Advanced competency in Latin (such as that attained through completion of LATN 202) is required. Familiarity with the poetry of Ovid is also desired.

Special Comments

This project has been developed in collaboration with a specific student scholar. Other interested students are encouraged to contact Prof. Dance before applying.

Project Information (subject to change)

Estimated Start Date: 6/16/2025

Estimated End Date: 7/25/2025

Estimated Project Duration: 6 weeks

Maximum Number of Students Sought: 1

Research Location: Hybrid

Contact Information: Caleb Dance (email: dancec@wlu.edu)