ccb 11.4

Canadian Classical Bulletin/Bulletin canadien des études anciennes (ISSN 1198-9149)
Volume 11.4 (2004 12 16)
Editors/Redacteurs: J. W. Geyssen (University of New Brunswick) & J. R. Porter (University of Saskatchewan) <bulletin@unb.ca>

Association Announcements

Reminder/Rappel
Annual Conference, Banff, 12-14 May 2005
Congrès annuel, Banff, 12-14 Mai 2005

Proposals for the CAC Conference should be submitted by 14 JANUARY at the latest. For information see:

Les propositions de communication doivent être soumises avant le 14 JANVIER au plus tard. Pour les renseignements voir:

CAC 2005 Sight Competitions

The deadline for submissions for the 2005 National Sight Translation Competitions has now passed. Submissions have been received from the following institutions:

Acadia University, University of Alberta, Brock University, Carleton University, Concordia University, Dalhousie University, McGill University, McMaster University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Queen's University, Université de Montréal (Centre d'études classiques), Université Laval, University of British Columbia, University of New Brunswick, University of Victoria, University of Waterloo, University of Western Ontario, University of Winnipeg, Wilfrid Laurier University, York University

If your institution has not yet sent in its submission, please do so as soon as possible.

Respectfully,
John Porter
University of Saskatchewan

Undergraduate Essay Contests

Following are the results from the two undergraduate essay contests. As always, the essays submitted were all of excellent quality, and it is a pleasure to see the variety of areas that our undergraduate students are working in across the country.

Senior Contest Results:

As a result (I assume) of the contest's advertisement on the CAC website (thanks to John Porter), there were a record number of entries (28) this year, many of which were truly superb. While the decision was very difficult, the best papers exhibited an excellent command of both ancient and modern scholarship, and offered new insights on their chosen topic.

First Prize: Lydia Pelletier Michaud (Laval University) for "Le vocabulaire des couleurs rouge et blanc chez les poètes antiques: les lyriques grecs et les élégiaques latins." In this meticulously researched and elegantly argued essay, the author examines the symbolic value of the association of the colours red and white in Greek lyric and Latin elegiac poetry.

Second Prize: Matthew Keith Mallott (University of Windsor) for "Nomine Caesaris: An Examination of the Propagandistic Function of the Aqueducts of Rome During the Early Empire." The author offers some interesting observations on the use by the Julio-Claudians of aqueducts as propaganda, aimed at the poor rather than the elite.

Third Prize: Jared Secord (University of Calgary) for "The Gothic Conversions of 376 and 589: Historiography and History." In this carefully researched essay, the author provides a thorough and appropriately sceptical re-examination of the source material for the Gothic conversions of 376 and 589.

Honourable Mentions (in no particular order):

Andrew Snelgrove (Memorial University of Newfoundland) for "Homosexuality and the Etruscans: Greek Love in Archaic Italy."

Crystal Forrest (University of Western Ontario) for "Transgression and Reproduction: Rape and Marriage in the New Comedy of Menander."

Both of these essays successfully challenge prevailing views in modern scholarship.

Sean Lehane (University of Toronto) for "The Psychoanalyst and the Historian: an Introductory Note." In this highly original essay, the author uses psychoanalysis to explain Herodotus' narrative of the Persian Wars and Athens' political development.

Dunny Medina (University of Western Ontario) for "The Purpose of the Aqua Virgo: Water and Recreation in the Campus Martius." After a thorough study of the purpose of a specific aqueduct, the author makes an important cultural point about the transition from Republic to Empire.

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Junior Contest Results:

Eight papers were submitted, all of excellent quality. The best entries had something original and insightful to say about the ancient material (not necessarily with reference to modern scholarship), using it as a reference point for new ways of looking at our own society.

First Prize: Brent R. MacFarlane (University of Saskatchewan) for "The Romans Wore Bowling Shoes: Plautine and Terentian Devices and Resulting Reflections of Society in John Hughes' Uncle Buck." The author demonstrates convincingly that the satirical devices used by Plautus and Terence work equally well when applied to the neo-conservative movement of the 1980s.

Second Prize: Jenice Batiforra (University of Winnipeg) for "The Struggle for Power." In a first-person account, based on the ancient sources, from the perspective of his mother, Eurydice, the author suggests what might have happened if Philip II had been assassinated by Pelopidas and the Thebans before his accession to the throne. In this entertaining and well written account of the intrigues taking place in northern Greece and at the Macedonian court, the author takes account of the wider historical implications of this "what-if" scenario not only for ancient Greece but also for the modern world.

Third Prize: James Phelan (Concordia University) for "To Lesbia With Love and Rancor: Lucretius' On the Nature of Things as a Touchstone to a Different View of Catullus." By way of comparison with Lucretius, the author reveals Catullus' essential optimism, which is often overshadowed by his scatology and invective.

Honorable Mention: Sharlee Reimer (University of Winnipeg) for "Chez Zeus," an imaginative portrayal of a restaurant run by the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology, including a menu, the physical environment, who performs what job and why, and the interactions between the staff and the restaurant customers, who include Ovid, Thetis and Achilles, and Tantalus.

University of Winnipeg
12-month Sessional Position

The Department of Classics at The University of Winnipeg invites applications from qualified women and men for a 12-month sessional in Classics at the rank of Assistant Professor, to commence July 1, 2005. Duties will include teaching undergraduate courses in Classical Civilization, Greek or Roman Literature in translation, and Greek or Latin. Qualifications include a complete or nearly completed Ph.D. and a demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching, research and scholarship. Interested applicants should send their curriculum vitae, and arrange to have three letters of reference sent to:

Dr. Craig Cooper
Chair, Department of Classics
University of Winnipeg
515 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2E9

c.cooper@uwinnipeg.ca
Fax: (204) 774-4134

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The deadline for applications is March 30, 2005.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to employment equity, welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of visible minorities, Aboriginal persons and persons with disabilities. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, this advertisement is initially directed to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

University of British Columbia
Head of Classical, Near Eastern and Religious Studies

The Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia invites applications for the position of Full Professor and Head within the Department of Classical, Near Eastern and Religious Studies. The successful candidate will have an outstanding record of scholarly activities in any one of the department's following fields: Greek and Roman History, Islam, Latin Literature, Patristics, Roman Archaeology. Applicants should be committed to sustaining and enhancing the research profile of the Department. The appointment will begin no later than July 1, 2006 (either January 1, 2006 or July 1, 2006). The appointment is subject to budgetary approval. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applications, curriculum vitae, and names of referees (plus full contact information including e-mail addresses) should be sent to Dr. Nancy Gallini, Dean and Chair of the Search Committee, Office of the Dean, Faculty of Arts, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6T 1Z1 for receipt no later than February 15, 2005. Applications and enquiries may also be forwarded via email to the Dean's Assistant, Margaret Tom-Wing, at mtw@mail.arts.ubc.ca. Interested applicants may visit the following websites http://www.cnrs.ubc.ca and http://www.arts.ubc.ca.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

University of Manitoba
Tenure-track Position

Department of Classics
University of Manitoba
Position Number ALJ 182

The Department of Classics, Faculty of Arts, at the University of Manitoba invites applications for a full-time tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor. The appointment will begin on July 1, 2005, or soon thereafter. The successful candidate will be a specialist in ancient history, able to teach a wide range of courses in classical civilization and in Greek and Latin at all undergraduate levels. Responsibilities will include participation in the Department's MA program and service-related activities. The starting salary will reflect the qualifications and experience of the chosen candidate, but this is an entry-level position. Applicants are expected to have demonstrated excellence in research and success in teaching. Candidates must have a PhD by the time of appointment.

The University of Manitoba encourages applications from qualified women and men, including members of visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications for this position must include: a letter of application, curriculum vitae, the names and contact information of three referees, and a sample of scholarly writing. Candidates should also include evidence of effective teaching, such as teaching evaluations and sample course outlines.

Applications should be sent to:

Dr. Mark Joyal
Head, Department of Classics
University College
220 Dysart Road
University of Manitoba,
Winnipeg, MB,
Canada R3T 2M8

The deadline for receipt of applications is 31 JANUARY 2005. Further information concerning the Department and the University may be obtained from http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/Classics or by e-mail from m_joyal@umanitoba.ca.

Application materials will be handled in accordance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba).

Departmental Announcements

University College Cork, Ireland
One Year Diploma in Latin or Greek

The Department of Classics is offering, in conjunction with its intensive 8-week Summer School in Latin and Greek, the chance for students to acquire Ancient Greek or Latin from scratch to the level of a Bachelor's degree in just one year.

The course is aimed primarily at postgraduate students in diverse disciplines who need to acquire knowledge of either of the languages for further study and research, and at teachers whose schools would like to reintroduce Latin and Greek into their curriculum.

The course starts on July 4th 2005 and consists of two parts. Part A requires completion of the Summer School programme (25 ECTS credits). Part B consists of a total of 9 second and third year courses worth a total of 50ECTS credits which would be completed over the Autumn and Winter semesters here in Cork. The courses cover a variety of authors as well as a more detailed examination of grammar. One course running over both semesters is devoted to reading tailored to each student's need.

Further information on the Summer School can be found on our website:

with details about the Diploma programme forthcoming.

Further enquiries about the Diploma programme should be directed to:

Dr. Noreen Humble
Department of Classics
University College Cork
Ireland

Tel. +353-21-4902564
Fax +353-21-4903277
E-mail: n.humble@ucc.ie

Scholarships and Fellowships

Desmond Coacher Scholarship
Bourse de la Fondation Desmond Coacher

Classical Association of Canada
The Desmond Coacher Scholarship
Call for applications

This scholarship is offered in memory of Desmond Coacher, formerly Professor of Classics at Trinity College, Toronto, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and Honorary President of the Classical Association of Canada. The scholarship has been endowed through donations from his family, friends, colleagues, and universities with which he was associated. Its purpose is to assist and encourage a young scholar entering graduate studies in classics. The scholarship is administered by the Classical Association of Canada through its Awards Committee. One award of $2,500 is offered each year.

Eligibility and criteria. Applicants must be Canadian students (citizens or permanent residents) intending to enter the first year of graduate studies in a classics or similar programme at a Canadian university. Specializations within the general area of classics such as ancient history, ancient philosophy, and classical archaeology are eligible. Applicants must be less than 28 years of age on January 1st of the year of application. The main criteria are academic achievement, professional promise, and an appropriate undergraduate preparation.

Application procedure. The following items should be sent, to arrive by MARCH 31st, to Professor James Murray, CAC Awards Committee Chair, Department of Classics & Ancient History, University of New Brunswick, Box 4400, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3:

A personal statement describing the applicant's previous academic career, employment experience, and academic and career objectives;

A list of graduate programs to which the applicant has applied for admission;

Transcripts recording the applicant's undergraduate degree work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable if certified by the applicant's department);

A list of any academic awards and honours received at the postsecondary level;

Two letters of recommendation from teachers familiar with the applicant's work (sent separately by the writers or included with the application in envelopes sealed and countersigned by them).

Selection and award procedure. The Committee meets during the Association's annual general meeting in May. Applicants will be informed of the results as soon as possible following the AGM. The award will be paid in September subject to confirmation that the winner has registered in an appropriate graduate program. (The committee may choose to reduce the amount of the award or make an honorary award if the total amount of this and other awards offered to the winner for the first twelve months of graduate study — including scholarships, fee remissions, teaching and research assistantships and the like —exceeds $18,000. In such cases an award may be made to a runner-up.)

Further information. Questions should be addressed to the Awards Committee Chair, Professor James Murray (University of New Brunswick) <jsm@unb.ca>. Other committee members in 2004-05 are Professors Beaudoin Caron (Université de Montréal) <iyv@sympatico.ca>, Annabel Robinson (University of Regina) <annabel.robinson@uregina.ca>, Catherine Rubincam (University of Toronto) <rubincam@utm.utoronto.ca>, and Aara Suksi (University of Waterloo) <asuksi@uwo.ca>.

* * * * *

Société canadienne d'études classiques
Bourse de la Fondation Desmond Coacher

Note : La forme masculine a été employée pour alléger le texte.

Cette bourse est offerte en mémoire de Desmond Conacher, ancien Professeur d'études classiques à Trinity College, Toronto, Membre de la Société royale du Canada et Président honoraire de la Société canadienne d'études classiques. La Fondation a été constituée grâce aux généreux dons de la famille, des amis et des collègues de D. Conacher, ainsi que des universités auxquelles il était affilié. Ses objectifs sont d'encourager et de soutenir financièrement un jeune étudiant débutant des études supérieures en études classiques au Canada. La Fondation est administrée par la Société canadienne d'études classiques et son Comité de sélection. Une bourse de 2500 $ est attribuée chaque année.

Critères d'admissibilité: Les candidats doivent être des étudiants canadiens (citoyens ou résidents reçus) sur le point de commencer la première année d'un programme de deuxième cycle en études classiques (ou l'équivalent) dans une université canadienne. Les divers domaines de spécialisation propres aux études classiques et anciennes, tels que l'histoire ancienne, la philosophie ancienne et l'archéologie, sont admissibles. Les candidats doivent être âgés de moins de 28 ans au 1er janvier de l'année de la demande. Les principaux critères de sélection sont les réalisations académiques, les objectifs de carrière et les perspectives de succès, et le fait de posséder une formation de premier cycle pertinente.

Modalités de présentation: Les pièces suivantes devraient être acheminées au plus tard le 31 mars (à destination) à: Professeur Martin Murray, Président du Comité de sélection de la SCEC, Department of Classics & Ancient History, University of New Brunswick, Box 4400, Fredericton, N-B E3B 5A3:

Une lettre personnelle faisant état des études antérieures, des expériences de travail et des objectifs universitaires et de carrière;

Une liste des programmes d'études supérieures dans lesquels le candidat a posé sa candidature;

Originaux ou copies certifiées conformes (par le département) des résultats obtenus au cours des études de premier cycle;

Une liste des prix, honneurs et bourses reçus aux niveaux collégial et universitaire;

Deux lettres de recommandation écrites par des professeurs d'université connaissant bien les travaux du candidat (envoyées séparément par les professeurs ou par le candidat, sous pli cacheté, et contresigné par le professeur).

Procédure de sélection et annonce des résultats: Le comité de sélection se réunit à l'occasion du Congrès annuel qui se tient en mai. Les candidats seront informés des résultats peu de temps après. La bourse sera versée en septembre, après confirmation que le récipiendaire a bien complété son inscription dans un programme d'études supérieures d'une université canadienne. (Le Comité de sélection peut réduire le montant de la bourse ou peut décider d'un prix honorifique de remplacement si la somme de la bourse et des autres bourses cumulées par le récipiendaire —incluant tout type de bourse, exemption de frais de scolarité, contrats d'assistanat d'enseignement ou de recherche, ou toute forme de revenu de cet ordre — excède le montant de 18,000 $. Dans ce cas, une bourse pourra être accordée au second en lice.)

Informations: Les demandes d'informations supplémentaires devront être adressées par écrit au Président du Comité de sélection, M. James Murray (University of New Brunswick) <jsm@unb.ca>. Les autres membres du Comité de sélection pour l'année 2004-2005 sont: M. Beaudoin Caron (Université de Montréal) <iyv@sympatico.ca>, Mme. Annabel Robinson (University of Regina) <annabel.robinson@uregina.ca>, Mme. Catherine Rubincam (University of Toronto) <rubincam@utm.utoronto.ca>, and Mme. Aara Suksi (University of Waterloo) <asuksi@uwo.ca>.

It is with sadness we announce the unexpected death of University of Guelph Classics Professor Victor Matthews. He suffered a fatal heart attack on 28 November, as he was preparing for his last week of teaching prior to retirement. He leaves his wife, Irene, a son, Thomas, of Edmonton, and two sisters in the U.K. A fuller obituary will appear in a future issue.