Grand Valley hosts "most important" national conference for classical language educators

Grand Valley recently hosted the 70th Annual Institute of the American Classical League, which brought more than 250 educators from across the U.S. and Canada to both the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids campuses. 

The institute, which took place June 29-July 1, consisted of workshops and development sessions aimed at elementary, secondary and post-secondary teaching of classical languages.

“This is the single most important national conference for Latin and Greek language educators,” said Peter Anderson, Classics Department chair. “Because many classical language teachers are quite isolated in their schools, this is a profoundly important opportunity for educators to connect and share ideas.”

During the institute, many Grand Valley classics faculty gave presentations, including Anderson who presented alongside colleagues from Haverford College and Dickinson College on an online development tool for studying texts.

Diane Rayor, professor of classics, presented on her translation of Euripides’ ancient play, “Helen,” and how she involved Grand Valley students from various disciplines in her process.

Additionally, Charles Ham, assistant professor of classics, presented on facilitating discussions about “difficult topics” in the classroom, such as sexuality, violence and race.

Multiple Grand Valley student volunteers were also on-hand to facilitate a “Homeric Scavenger Hunt.” During this activity, participants were given clues to help them find tiles around campus, each depicting a Greek letter. The clues utilized verses from Homer’s “Iliad,” but some of the text was altered to incorporate Grand Valley landmarks.

Author Ann Patty also presented on her book, Living with a Dead Language: My Romance with Latin. The book is Patty’s memoir about her journey learning Latin as an adult and the passion she developed for the ideas and literature of the Roman world. Welcome remarks prior to Patty’s presentation were given by Fred Antczak, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Annie Bélanger, dean of University Libraries.