Journeys to the Underworld: Aeneid 6 and Odyssey 11

This course is designed for dedicated intermediate to advanced students in either Greek or Latin (rising high school juniors and seniors, recent grads/gap year students). Modeled after our residential program in Tuscany , in this online course we read ancient texts that explore underworld narratives and prophecies: Latin students read Aeneid 6 — Aeneas’ famous landing in Italy, his meeting with the Sybil of Cumae, and his journey to the underworld; Greek students read Odyssey 11, which tells of Odysseus’ νέκυια to hear the prophecy of Tiresias. Additional related texts are read in each group. The primary goal of this course is to advance students’ reading speed and comprehension of Latin or Greek vocabulary and syntax as well as to engage in discussions of the parallel texts. We will investigate how Vergil appropriates Homer’s underworld, and how we understand Homer’s underworld, mediated through Vergil’s text. In order to facilitate further discussion and understanding of the ancient world, students of Latin read Odyssey 11 in English and students of Greek read Aeneid 6 in English.

Dive into a Virtual “Tuscan Classroom”

Our study of prophecies and the underworld are beautifully visualized in the “canvas” of Italy where Caitlin Petty, our local art historian, guides us through a digital tour of Medieval and Renaissance representations of the afterlife. As we journey (virtually) through Italian cities such as Siena, Padua, Florence, Orvieto, and Rome, we feast our eyes on carvings of the Sybil in Siena, interpretations of the Last Judgment by Giotto and Michelangelo in Padua and Rome, and Botticelli’s illustrated manuscript in Dante’s Inferno. In a special lesson with Zoe Fox we explore the historical and archaeological context of the “Parade of Heroes” scene in Vergil’s underworld, comparing Augustus’ “summī virī” statues with the Aeneid text. Throughout the week students enjoy the opportunity to fuse their readings with vibrant visual representations as they analyze the influence of antiquity on later representations of underworld narratives.

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Dates & Fees

July 31 - August 8,  2021

Latin/Greek Reading Sessions daily, INCLUDING weekends, 10:30am - 1pm EDT

Art History Sessions Monday - Friday, 2pm - 4pm EDT

Course Fee: $1200

Relevant Testimonials on the “Journeys to the Underworld” program in Tuscany

"The Tuscany trip was such an enjoyable and enriching opportunity to study classical texts and visit ancient sites! Seeing characters from the [Aeneid] poem represented on the walls of Etruscan tombs was invigorating and helped me understand what the Romans or Etruscans thought of the underworld. But my favorite parts of the trip were definitely all the moments at the table reading Latin; although I had read parts of the Aeneid at school, I had never had the chance to fully immerse myself in the text and consider its broader implications. The comparison discussions led by Jeff were also thought-provoking and encouraged me to approach texts with a critical angle and come up with my own interpretations. It was infinitely rewarding to be at a program fully dedicated to classical studies, surrounded by passionate teachers and peers. I'll definitely be carrying the memories and lessons from this trip with me for a long time!" Erin C., student

“Translating the Aeneid Book 6, Eclogue 4 and other esteemed texts, while visiting historic sites and towns and examining artistic masterpieces on the Tuscany Program, has entirely changed my approach to Latin studies and miraculously animated a dead language.” Maude G., student

Calder Classics was not just your typical high school summer program. On this trip, not only did my Latin improve immensely but we were immersed in a new culture. We had the chance to visit Etruscan tombs, talk to real life Italians and try new foods such as cinghiale (wild boar). It was especially interesting to see Charon depicted on the tomb walls whom we had just read about in the Aeneid. We got through a lot of lines everyday in Latin and English. Cindy was very helpful and I now feel a lot more confident reading Vergil on my own. This was definitely the highlight of my summer and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a unique and enriching experience! Lyris X., student

“The Greek summer program [in Tuscany] with Calder Classics was an incredible combination of studying and sight seeing. Having personally never been to Europe before this program, to see the legacies and reception of the Roman, Greek and Etruscan cultures firsthand in both the countryside and cities of Italy breathed an illuminating force upon the texts we were translating and discussing daily. In this way, the ancient words on the pages of our books came to life for me and have now left a lasting impression to further inspire me towards a career in the field of Classics.” Eric S., student

“The Calder Classics trip to Tuscany was a wonderful balance of academic instruction, cultural immersion, and social activities. It created a space where I was able to see the beauty of the countryside and various small towns while learning about the legacy and connections of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan traditions. This, of course, heightened my experience of reading the Aeneid and enabled to me to dig into the text in a very special way. Because of this, the program has left a very strong impression and inspired me to continue with my studies of Classics in college.” Sonnet C., student

“Tuscany: Journeys to the Underworld was such a wonderful and interdisciplinary course. The small class size and devotion of our instructor, Jeff Ulrich, kept the class fast-paced and exciting. I especially appreciated how the program wove together the Etruscan manifestation of the underworld with that of Greek and Roman counterparts, highlighting cultural interchanges often ignored by the classical community.” Aulden F., student

I would highly recommend any Calder Classic trip for motivated students who wish to have an immersive and unique educational experience!” Maude G., student

Photos From Previous Trips

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