Library Exhibit Features Work from Students in LATN 350

The students of LATN 350: Readings in Latin Literature created an exhibit for their work with “De Rerum Natura,” a first-century BCE didactic treatise by poet and Epicurean philosopher Lucretius that offers explanations of topics ranging from atomic theory, metaphysics, sex and genetics, the function of the senses, and the Athenian plague.

In this course, students translated and analyzed the original Latin and studied the history of the manuscript’s rediscovery and revival via Stephen Greenblatt’s popular book, “The Swerve.” They also explored how ancient manuscripts were copied to gain a greater understanding of, and appreciation for, the chain of fortuitous events that led to the preservation of “De Rerum Natura” for modern study. The exhibit, “Atomic Venus,” features manuscripts of passages from Lucretius created by the students using period tools, paired with information about Lucretius to bring visibility to this incredible work.

The exhibit will be up through finals week in Pickler Memorial Library by the Doug Villhard Innovation Lab. Amy Norgard, associate professor of classics, is the instructor for this course.