Dickinson Summer Latin Workshop 2024: Luisa Sigaea

July 9–14, 2024

The Dickinson Workshops are mainly intended for teachers of Latin, to refresh the mind through study of an extended text, and to share experiences and ideas. Sometimes those who are not currently engaged in teaching have participated as well, including students, retirees, and those working towards teacher certification.

The 2024 workshop will be conducted both in person ($600) and online ($400) and consist of readings from Luisa Sigaea de Velasco. (biography from womenwriters.nl.)

painted portrait of a woman in high collar dress, with Latin text at the side from her book,

Source: El Plural.com

Luisa Sigea is a very unusual example of a female scholar for both Portugal and Spain. Educated by her father, Diego Sigeo, Luisa was particularly famous for knowing Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Chaldean, and Arabic as well as some modern languages. In 1542, she went with her sister to Queen Catarina’s court. Here they were at the service of the king’s sister, D. Maria of Portugal. Luisa had access to the royal library and could dedicate herself to her literary pursuits. Her most famous works, produced during these years, are: Duarum Virginum Colloquium de vita aulica et privata, a bucolic dialogue filled with classical topoi, and Syntra, a poem dedicated to her patron (D. Maria). We also have some letters, including letters sent to Pope Paul III. Sigea was by far the best and most renowned female scholar of her age.[1]

Texts for the workshop will be provided, based on the best modern editions.

Moderators:

Leni Ribeiro Leite, Associate Professor of Classics, The University of Kentucky

Ashley Roman, Adjunct Professor of Latin, Dickinson College

Fees, Meals, Facilities, and Lodging

The fee for each participant is $600 for those attending in person, $400 for those attending online. The fee for in person attendees covers lodging, breakfast and lunch in the Dickinson cafeteria, the facilities fee, which allows access to the gym, fitness center, and the library, as well as wireless and wired internet access while on campus. The fee does not cover the costs of books or travel, or of dinners, which are typically eaten in the various restaurants in Carlisle. Please keep in mind that the participation fee, once it has been received by the seminar’s organizers, is not refundable. This is an administrative necessity.

Lodging: accommodations will be in a student residence hall near the site of the sessions. The building features suite-style configurations of two double rooms sharing a private bathroom, or one double and one single room sharing a private bathroom.

Daily Routine

The first event for those attending in person is an introductory dinner at 6:00 p.m., July 9. Starting July 10, sessions will meet from 1:00p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, with mornings left free for preparation. The final session ends at 4:30 p.m. on July 14.

To Register

Please email Mrs. Stephanie Dyson, Classical Studies Academic Department Coordinator (dysonst@dickinson.edu). Include your email, physical address, phone number, and the name of the workshop you plan to attend. A non-refundable fee is due by June 1, 2024 in the form of a check made out to Dickinson College, mailed to Stephanie Dyson, Department of Classical Studies, Dickinson College, Carlisle PA 17013.

For more information, please contact Prof. Chris Francese (francese@dickinson.edu)

[1] Sofia Frade, “Hic sita Sigea est: satis hoc: Luisa Sigea and the Role of D. Maria, Infanta of Portugal, in Female Scholarship,” in Women Classical Scholars: Unsealing the Fountain from the Renaissance to Jacqueline de Romilly ed. Rosie Wyles and Edith Hall (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016), p. 48. (preview from OUP)

2 thoughts on “Dickinson Summer Latin Workshop 2024: Luisa Sigaea

  1. I look forward to working with Ashley this year as moderator, rather than Chris . I trust he is fine? I hope the text provided will be in paper form…

    • Thanks, Kitty! All is well. There was a “no male moderators allowed” policy for this one, I’m afraid. –Chris

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