Scripta Latina de Monstris Monsters in Latin Literature: A Guided Reading Seminar

2.Course Overview

• Abstract

  This guided reading seminar explores monsters in Latin literature through a carefully selected corpus of authentic texts from Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Early Modern period. Participants will improve their reading fluency while discovering how Latin authors imagined and described mythological monsters, werewolves, vampires, fabulous beasts, and other extraordinary creatures.

• Comprehensive Description

  This seminar is centred on the guided reading of approximately ten authentic Latin texts connected by a common theme: monsters. Arranged in roughly chronological order, the selected readings illustrate how extraordinary creatures were represented across a wide variety of genres, including epic poetry, natural history, Christian literature, hagiography, medieval encyclopaedias, and Neo-Latin scholarship.

  Possible authors include Ovid, Virgil, Petronius, Pliny the Elder, Isidore of Seville, Jacobus de Voragine, Thomas of Cantimpré, Olaus Magnus, Johannes Henricus Zopfius, and others.

  Each session focuses on a single text. Whenever appropriate, graded Latin paraphrases will accompany the original in order to facilitate reading while maintaining direct contact with authentic Latin. Particular attention will be paid to vocabulary, style, and cultural history.

  All teaching and discussion will take place in Latin.

3. Proficiency & Requirements

• Language Level:

  • Framework Reference: This course is intended for students with an intermediate level of Latin, equivalent to Familia Romana (LLPSI), Chapters XXVIII–XXXV.

  • General Description: Intermediate. For students who can comfortably read straightforward Latin prose and engage in basic active dialogue.

• Estimated Self-Study Time:

  • Time Commitment:  1.5 hour per week.

  • Preparation Type: No prior preparation required.

4. Materials & Bibliography

• Required Textbooks:

  • Primary Text: Handouts provided by the instructor.

    Texts will be selected from authors such as:

    • Ovid

    • Virgil

    • Petronius

    • Pliny the Elder

    • Isidore of Seville

    • Jacobus de Voragine

    • Thomas of Cantimpré

    • Olaus Magnus

    • Johannes Henricus Zopfius

• Further Reading:

A short bibliography will be provided during the course.

5. ATTENDANCE, CERTIFICATION AND RECORDINGS

By enrolling, you agree to our standard academic regulations. These guidelines include the minimum attendance required to earn a Certificate of Completion, policies regarding lesson recording availability, mandatory parental consent for minors, and intellectual property protections. Please read our complete Attendance, Certifications, and Recordings Policy herefor full details on attendance, certifications, session recordings, user privacy, intellectual property rights, and special learning accommodations.