Spring School: Neo-Latin Literature in and about Rome
Course content
This Spring School, organized at the Royal Netherlands Institute (KNIR) and the Norwegian Institute in Rome (DNIR), and co-organized with the Committee for Teaching Neo-Latin of the International Association of Neo-Latin Studies (IANLS), has two main aims. On the one hand it will give a general introduction in Neo-Latin studies for students who have few or no experience with it so far. On the other hand, it will explore the field by focusing on Roman humanism and the city of Rome and its representation in Neo-Latin literature.
For many authors writing in Latin since 1350, Rome was a focal point of their attention. This was due to the city’s ancient heritage and to its political and cultural repercussions for Europe, which radiated across the continent and could be appropriated in various local, national, and transnational contexts. Furthermore, the popes residing in Rome formed an important source of both real and symbolic power, making the city an attractive destination for artists, intellectuals, and men of letters seeking protection and patronage. The vast transformation of Rome’s cityscape from the 15th century onwards is scarcely imaginable without a close connection to contemporary debates about the city’s ancient heritage and its role in Latin literature. This (Neo-)Latin heritage remains visible well into the 20th century.
On the basis of case studies, participants will become familiar with concrete examples of Rome’s attraction for Neo-Latin writers. The KNIR and DNIR will serve as venues for lectures and library research, but our main classroom will be the city of Rome itself. During the course, we will visit a variety of sites in and around Rome (Biblioteca Vaticana, Vatican Museums, Capitoline Museums, the ancient Forum, the Pantheon, the Piazza Augusto Imperatore, and many more) and relate these places to a wide range of written sources (poems, historiography, descriptions of the city, letters). In this way, we will explore how the city shaped learned Latin debates and literature in early modern and modern Europe.
KNIR coordinator
Dr. Rens Tacoma
Staff
Prof. Dr. Susanna de Beer (Universiteit Leiden)
Prof. Dr. Han Lamers (Norwegian Institute in Rome)
Dr. Christoph Pieper (Universiteit Leiden)
Prof. Dr. Leni Ribeiro Leite (University of Kentucky)
Prof. Dr. Claudia Schindler (Universität Hamburg)
Target group and admission
The course is open to 15 MA, RMA and PhD students. As we will mostly read texts in Latin (for which often no translations exist), a sound proficiency in Latin (roughly equivalent to a BA in Classics) is required. In case of more applications and equal qualification and motivation, preference is given to students who do not have the opportunity to follow course in Neo-Latin in their home Universities.
The selection is based on a motivation letter and a curriculum vitae. Students can apply via the button on the course overview page. Include in your application:
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a letter of motivation
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a C.V.
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for RMA students: a recent list of grades officially provided by your university
Course format and assignments
Preparatory assignment, brief individual presentation in Rome, final essay of 3000 words max.
Credits and assessment
The study load is the equivalent of 5 ECTS (140 hours)/equivalent to 120 CH in the US system.
Costs
Tuition and lodging at the KNIR is covered by the International Association of Neo-Latin Studies (IANLS). Personal expenses, including meals, are not included. Travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.
Facilities in Rome
All participants will be housed at the Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome’s Villa Borghese Park. From there, it is only a short walk to the historical center of Rome.
The KNIR accommodation consists of shared bedrooms/ bathrooms, and includes a living and dining space, a large kitchen, washing machine and wireless internet. All residents have 24/7 access to the library and gardens of the Royal Netherlands Institute. Part of the course will be taught at the Norwegian Institute in Rome, located at Viale Trenta Aprile 33 on the Janiculum Hill, overlooking the city and with easy access to Trastevere and the city centre. Students enrolled will have access to the Norwegian Institute’s library and student facilities.
Apply before
6 January 2027. Please note that the decision of the selection committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
More info
E-mail: secretary knir.it
Phone: (+39)063269621
Tile: Melozzo da Forli 'Foundation of the library' (Webgallery of Art)
