Fracastoro: Syphilis, or the French Disease (1530)

Course Description

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 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

Details

• Semester: Summer 2025
• Day: Thursday
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Duration: 60 minutes per session

Tuition

$250 per course

Availability

6 spots remaining out of 7

Cancellation Policy

Telepaideia tuition is non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel your enrollment or withdraw from your class, you may be eligible for a 50% credit to be used toward a future Telepaideia course. In order to be eligible for this credit, you must notify info@paideiainstitute.org of your withdrawal before the second class meeting has taken place.