The Poetry of Praise

The art of praising powerful men and women comes into Roman poetry from Greek encomium, particularly of the Hellenistic period; it begins in the late Republic, but comes into full flower with Augustus' consolidation of his own rule. Are we dealing with straightforward praiseof rulers? With ironic or tendentious critiques? With texts that can perform both functions? We will study examples drawn from a number of Latin authors, mainly Augustan, as well as a few Greek texts in English translation. Enrollment limited to 20. Intermediate Latin (a passing grade in LATN 0300 and/or 0400 ) or the equivalent, for example in secondary school.