Description

Vergil’s Aeneid Book 6: translating and understanding the Classical reception of Vergil’s book of the dead.

This class is aimed at those who have a good grasp of Latin grammar.

Students will read and translate sections from Vergil’s Aeneid book 6, tracing the footsteps of Aeneas’ descent into the underworld from images of horror to the bucolic imagery of the Elysian Fields.

Students will also explore the Classical reception of book 6 from examining sections of Dante’s Inferno to various artwork that were inspired by Vergil’s description of the underworld, as well as examining translators’ interpretation of the book, including the famous version composed by Seamus Heaney.

Participants will meet on Zoom, on Tuesdays from 19:30-21:00 (UK/Ireland local time) on Tuesday 16th September, 23rd September, (no class on 30th September), 7th October, 14th October, 21st October, (mid-term break 28th October), 4th November, 11th November, and 18th November 2025.

Tutor: Alexis Prescott.

The class will proceed subject to a minimum number of enrolments.

Cancellation policy: students will receive a full refund if the student cancels their registration more than two weeks before the class begins. Students will receive 50% refund if the student cancels their registration 8-14 days before the class begins.