Twenty Years of Ovid and Literary Theory

This essay reviews the history, design, and goals of "Ovid and Literary Theory," a graduate course that divides its time between Ovid (Amores, Ars amatoria) and literary theory. The course, originated at Bryn Mawr College and migrated to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, meets a graduate Latin requirement but regularly enrolls undergraduates. Students read both an introductory overview of theory and primary theory during the semester. Written assignments require them to practice applying theory to aspects of Ovidian elegy.