The Division of Classics notes a nike or a Victoria. For individuals who will not be fluent in Greek or Latin, it is a win!
The division just lately realized that three of its latest graduates (one is now a Dal grad pupil) gained the highest competitors in final yr’s nationwide visible interpretation competitors. Canadian Classical Affiliation (CAC), profitable prizes in each Greek and Latin.
Malcolm Sepulcher gained first place within the Senior Latin competitors and Joanna Daley gained first place within the Senior Greek competitors. Angus Wilson took honorable point out in each the Grand Latin and Grand Greek competitions.
The annual competitors is open to undergraduate college students at Canadian establishments who’ve studied Greek or Latin for 2 or extra years. The competitors itself is just like writing an examination, with every candidate given 90 minutes at their college to finish a translation into French or English. In fact, dictionaries will not be allowed.
“The competitors is extraordinarily aggressive, and often all the highest undergraduate language majors within the nation attempt their hand at translating elements of Greek and Latin that haven’t been chosen that yr,” mentioned Classics Division Chair Dr. Eli Diamond says. “Whereas we’re the most important Classics program east of Montreal, we’re nonetheless small in comparison with different bigger and better-resourced packages in Canada. This makes their achievements much more exceptional.”
The highway to victory
Three college students started their undergraduate research within the Basis Yr Program at King’s School College after which accomplished majors in Classics at Dalhousie.
“The outcomes of this competitors are additionally a testomony to the wonderful collaboration between the Basis Yr Program and Dalhousie Classics to draw and educate the very best humanities college students within the nation,” mentioned Dr. Diamond provides.
All three college students graduated with top notch honors final spring. Joanna’s scientific director Dr. Wrote honors thesis on Augustine with Michael Fournier; Malcolm Dr. Diamond and Dr. about Plato, and Angus about Virgil. Wrote with Peter O’Brien.
Whereas Malcolm and Joanna are taking a break from research this yr, Angus Dalda, recipient of the College Medal for Classics on the Spring Convention, is continuous his research in Classics and beginning a Grasp’s diploma this fall, funded by Social Sciences and Humanities Research. Council.
Angus was first inspired to pursue Latin after studying Latin epic poetry. Aeneidby Virgil, Throughout his first yr at King’s, a textual content intrigued him. He then studied Latin in an intensive summer season course and started finding out Historical Greek the next yr.
“I have been very lucky in my academics, who all clarify the troublesome ideas of language studying in as accessible a approach as potential,” says Angus. “A strong basis for studying a language is absolutely necessary, and I am glad I received it. Latin and Greek created an awesome curiosity in languages ​​for me.”
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Love of languages
Angus has since studied Outdated English, Norse and early Celtic. She additionally brushed up on her Spanish after touring to Spain final summer season.
As an undergraduate, Angus was a member of the Classics pupil society. Public Res, served as vice chairman for one yr and as president for 2 years. He additionally participated yearly within the Pythian Video games as each organizer and performer, often performing poems in Latin or Outdated English.
“The CAC competitors was a flattering recognition to attain after a number of years of ardour for the topic and is especially validating to be acknowledged in each languages,” he mentioned.
Angus says that as a Masters in Classics he continues to focus closely on language, and the Roman poet Virgil and Aeneid.
“I specialise in Latin poetry and throw in a splash of Greek philosophy for good measure. With the ability to work with each of those within the authentic is a spotlight for me. With a view to proceed this sort of work, I’m making use of to PhD packages for admission subsequent yr.”
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