Horace Contemplates an Invitation

To celebrate the August arrival of Latin I at Truett-McConnell College, here is an easy passage for translation from the Wheelock:

Maecenas et Vergilius me hodie vocant. Quid cogitare debeo?  Quid debeo respondere?  Si erro, me saepe monent et culpant; si non erro, me laudant.  Quid hodie cogitare debeo?

Horace was a poet and satirist of the Augustan Age. He counted among his contemporaties none other than Vergil himself.  Maecenas was a wealthy Roman soldier and statesman who used him resources to patronize the arts.  He kept his home open for scholars and poets.

The Most Important Day In History

Every Feminist's Nightmare . . .

I love to learn about the First Ladies of our Nation's history.  The gowns, the china, and the refurbishing from time to time of the White House --these topics, rather than how pillow talk leads to policy and empowerment have drawn me to the First Ladies for years!

Just look at Lady Bird's gown--she truly was the "Yellow Rose of Texas" in this beautiful picture.

This summer, we will be looking at America's First Ladies.  These women had no Constitutional guidelines (or limitations) and without question played dramatic roles in the Chief Exexcutive's decision-making.  We'll look at the backgrounds of these extraordinary ladies and their places in the unfolding of history.

But, we'll also take time to explore their contributions to popular culture as well.

La Liberte' Guidant le Peuple

Chaos

A New Readings Course

Last summer, we had great success with the readings course in Espionage of the World War II era. This summer, we will examine the Pacific Theater of the War. I have to say that I have been planning the course for some time and had no idea that HBO was about to release a series on this subject. I am concerned about the controversy that is swirling up about this particular series, but I want to find out more before I comment further. Having said all of this, I am truly excited to be able to lead this course in June. This is another "readings course" (I will give the book list in another post),
but it should really be called a readings and writing course because we'll be doing so much writing! Last summer, with each assigned book, the students had to complete a different historigraphical writing exercise. We used fascinating subject matter not only to increase knowledge of the era, but to enhance writing and analytical skills as well. I hope this course proves to be as successful. Stay tuned for the reading list.

Tools of the Trade

Salve discipuli et discipulae!  Won't be long!