Latin Prose Fiction

In this course, we will read one of the most peculiar literary works from the Latin canon, Petronius' Satyricon, considering its place in the tradition of ancient prose fiction and how it reflects the complexities of Roman Imperial culture and society. We will approach the text through careful study of the novel's distinctive lexicon, register and style, supplementing our reading with clues from the archeological evidence of the ancient city of Pompeii. Students will develop greater reading fluency in Latin and expand their understanding of interpretive approaches.