Aeneas carrying his father Anchises from Troy

The Aeneid: Course Overview

About The Aeneid

The Aeneid stands as one of the most influential works of Western literature, composed by the Roman poet Virgil between 29 and 19 BCE. This masterful epic follows the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero who escapes the fall of Troy and embarks on a divine mission to establish what will become the Roman Empire. Through twelve books of magnificent poetry, Virgil weaves together themes of fate, duty, love, and sacrifice, creating a work that has captivated readers for over two millennia.

The poem begins with Aeneas's wanderings after the Trojan War, including his tragic love affair with Dido, Queen of Carthage, and continues through his arrival in Italy, where he must wage war to establish a new homeland for his people. Throughout the narrative, Virgil explores the cost of empire-building and the complex relationship between personal desire and divine destiny.

Time To Complete This Course

This comprehensive course is designed to be completed over a 12-week semester, with approximately 3-4 hours of study time per week. Each week focuses on specific books of the epic, allowing time for deep reading, reflection, and analysis. Students should expect to spend additional time preparing presentations and working on their midterm and final papers. The course is structured to provide a balance between guided instruction and independent study, ensuring a thorough understanding of both the text and its historical context.

Features

Our course offers an immersive exploration of The Aeneid through multiple learning approaches. Students will engage with the text through guided readings, interactive discussions, and multimedia resources that bring the ancient world to life. Expert commentary provides insights into the historical and cultural context of Virgil's Rome, while comparative analyses help students understand the epic's enduring influence on literature and art.

Key course features include access to scholarly articles and commentaries, virtual reconstructions of ancient Rome, and recordings of dramatic readings in both Latin and English. Students will develop critical reading skills, learn to analyze complex literary themes, and gain a deeper appreciation of classical literature's relevance to contemporary issues.

Try This Course