Course Description: Girolamo Fracastoro’s Syphilis sive Morbus Gallicus is the bizarre and extraordinary work that gave syphilis its very name, a mash-up of science, mythology, and poetic imagination that only a Renaissance man could produce. Written as a didactic poem in the style of Lucretius and Vergil, the Syphilis expounds on the disease’s mysterious origins and horrific symptoms (Book I) and then surveys methods of prevention and treatment (Book II) before launching into a surreal, epic retelling of Columbus’ voyage to the New World (Book III). In this course, we will read selections from Books I and III.
DETAILS
Level: Students should be well-acquainted with Latin grammar and have experience reading continuous texts of Latin verse. No prior experience with Renaissance Latin required.
Textbook: Instructor will provide materials.
Sections capped at: 5 students. If the course is sold-out, please fill out this waiting-list form.
When
Tuesdays, 8:00p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Cost
$250
