Soul, dreams and love

De rerum natura, III-IV

Latin Literature Course in Latin

This course belongs to a three-part program dedicated to Lucretius’ De rerum natura. The poem is being approached in three modules, following its dyadic structure:

Module I – Books I–II: Physics and the atomistic doctrine (on demand Course)
Module II – Books III–IV: Soul, dreams and love (January 9-30th, 2026)
Module III – Books V–VI: The history of civilization and natural phenomena (Spring 2026, Live Course)

The entire program is designed for teachers, enthusiasts, and students of Latin who wish to explore or return to Lucretius through direct engagement with the original language.

Module II – Books III–IV: Soul, dreams and love

The second module focuses on Books III and IV, in which Lucretius presents the epicurean theory of the soul and the philosopher’s attitude towards dreams and love. The following topics will be addressed:

Hymn to Epicurus
The union of animus and anima
The common Fate of soul and body
The divisibility of the soul
Nihil igitur mors est ad nos — Death is nothing to us
The torments of Acheron
The burden of life
Sleep and dreams
The physiology and psychology of love

Approximately 400 lines will be read in total, distributed across four sessions. The selected passages offer a coherent introduction to Lucretius’ thought and poetic language.

Program schedule

	Topic
	1. Mind and soul united: the architecture of human nature Friday, 9th January, h. 17:30-19:00 CET A. Reading and discussion of selected passages B. Cooperative activities C. Self-Assessment Exercises D. Lucretius Course Reader
	2. Death is nothing to us Friday, 16th January, h. 17:30-19:00 CET A. Reading and discussion of selected passages B. Cooperative activities C. Self-Assessment Exercises D. Lucretius Course Reader
	3. Sleep and dreams: The boundaries of consciousness Friday, 23rd January, h. 17:30-19:00 CET A. Reading and discussion of selected passages B. Cooperative activities C. Self-Assessment Exercises D. Lucretius Course Reader
	4. Desire and Serenity: Epicurus on the Nature of Love Friday, 30th January, h. 17:30-19:00 CET A. Reading and discussion of selected passages B. Cooperative activities C. Self-Assessment Exercises D. Lucretius Course Reader

Teaching structure and methodology

Immerse yourself in the language of Lucretius. The course is conducted entirely in Latin, offering a live experience of the language through reading, dialogue, and reflection. Each meeting unfolds in three interconnected moments:

1. Reading and commentary on selected passages

Each live session invites participants to explore -entirely in Latin- some of the most thought-provoking passages from books III–IV of De rerum natura. Before every class, you’ll have access to a downloadable booklet of loci selecti, allowing you to prepare at your own pace and according to your interests. Through an active and immersive approach to the text, the course develops both linguistic mastery and philosophical insight, leading participants to experience Lucretius’ ideas in their original voice.

2. Cooperative activities

Debates, collaborative tasks, and guided discussions will encourage participants to engage with the language and the concepts of Epicurean philosophy. Particular emphasis will be placed on expanding vocabulary and mastering key idioms, as tools for expressing subtle thought with clarity and elegance.

3. Self-assessment exercises

At the close of each workshop, self-assessment activities will invite you to review linguistic and conceptual progress, helping to consolidate understanding of the themes and texts.

Intended course audience

Teachers, students and all lovers of the ancient world and of the Renaissance.

Lessons and recordings

Live sessions and workshops take place on Zoom. All digital materials, texts, and exercises will remain accessible for six months after the last class.

Language

Latin.

Level

Intermediate or advanced.

Professional development credit

At the end of the course, a certificate of participation will be issued on request.

Registration fee

€97

Course registration

Upon successfully registering for the course, you will receive an email with the credentials for access to the virtual classroom within 24 hours.