Lucretius

English Italiano Latine

De rerum natura, I-II

Online Latin Literature Course, June 11th – July 2nd, 2025

This course is part of a three-part program dedicated to the reading of Lucretius’ De rerum natura. The work will be approached in three parts, following its structure:

  • Module I – Books I–II: Physics and the Atomistic Doctrine
  • Module II – Books III–IV: Soul, Death and Love
  • Module III – Books V–VI: The History of Civilization and Natural Phenomena

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

 

Structure and Methodology

The course is conducted entirely in Latin. Each session includes:

  • direct reading of selected passages;
  • paraphrase and explanation in Latin;
  • interaction with students.

The aim is to promote an active approach to the text, both enhancing linguistic understanding and stimulating reflection on the philosophical and literary content.

 

Module I – Books I–II: Nature and the Atomistic Principle

The first module focuses on Books I and II, in which Lucretius presents the foundations of Epicurean physics. The following topics will be addressed:

  • the invocation to Venus as the generative force of nature;
  • the criticism of religion and the praise of Epicurus;
  • the doctrine of atoms and the void;
  • the clinamen, or atomic deviation, as the basis of free will;
  • the wise man as a character and the ideal of ataraxia (serene detachment).

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
I. The Proem and the praise of Philosophy

Wednesday, 11th June, h. 18:00-19:15 CET

Booklet (1)

Quiz (1)

 
II. Science and the Structure of the Universe

Wednesday, 18th June, h. 18:00-19:15 CET

Booklet (2)

Quiz (2)
III. The Epicurean ideal of the wise man and ataraxia

Wednesday, 25th June, h. 18:00-19:15 CET

Booklet (3)

Quiz (3)
IV. Freedom and the Clinamen

Wednesday, 2nd July, h. 18:00-19:15 CET

Booklet (4)

Quiz (4)

 

     

     

    • Latin Reading

    Four lessons with analysis of approximately 400 verses, which will allow to appreciate both style and content of Lucretius’ poem.

     

    • Latin Commentar

    Each passage will be explained and discussed entirely in Latin, offering full immersion in the language.

     

    • Art and Culture

    Connections with masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque art will enrich the learning experience.

     

    • Interaction with Instructors

    In the final part of each lesson, students can engage with the teacher, ask questions, and request further explanations.

     

    • Teaching Materials

    The registration fee also covers self-assessment exercises and a PDF book containing the selected texts, which can be printed and used for taking notes during the lessons.

     

    • Intended course audience

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

     

    • Course materials

    Live lessons, recordings, booklets with texts, and assessment tests for each lesson.

     

    • Where and Access to the recorded sessions

    Lessons will take place on the platform Zoom; the lessons’ recordings, texts and exercises will be available for six months from the end of the course.

     

    • 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.