Stephen Shennan
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in Classical Studies
Stephen Shennan's interests range across the world of the ancient Mediterranean, but most of all he is interested in ancient Rome, in Latin, and in what might be broadly termed institutions, meaning the norms, practices, and systems that structure social, religious, and political life. His current research explores the transition from republic to empire in Rome, especially under the second emperor, Tiberius.
Steve has taught Latin at all levels, as well as courses in Greek and Roman history and Latin literature. He hopes students enjoy their encounters with the ancient world and its writings, and that they become sharper, more creative thinkers in whatever fields they bring their talents to — hopefully further Classical Studies!
Education
- B.A., Bowdoin College
- Ph.D., Harvard University
Current and upcoming courses
Beginning Latin 1
LAT101
In a single year that assumes you have not studied Latin before, Latin 101 and 102 will teach you how to read major Latin works in their original language, substantially increase your English vocabulary (thousands of English words come ultimately from Latin), improve your writing skills in English, enhance your command of English grammar, and either build on your knowledge of Spanish, French, or Italian if you’ve already studied one of them or help you learn them if you haven’t (they are called “Romance” languages because they come from Latin, the language of the Romans). You’ll learn how to pronounce Latin out loud so you know how it sounds and you’ll acquire a reading knowledge, but we will not converse in Latin. Latin 101 covers roughly half of the year’s material, and by the end of the semester you’ll be able to read simple stories.
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Intermediate Latin 1: Introduction to Roman Literature and Culture
LAT201
In conjunction with a thorough review of Latin grammar, we will make the transition to Latin literature and Roman culture. Selections in Latin may include Catullus (poetry), Ovid and the other love elegists, the emperor Augustus' The Deeds of the Divine Augustus, Perpetua (one of the earliest known women Latin authors) and the anonymous novella, The Story of Apollonius King of Tyre. Topics to be studied might include social status and identity (What defined you? Might your status/identity change, whether for better or worse?); Rome's relation to Greece, which Rome conquered but which long dominated Roman culture; or the nature and function of literature in Roman life.