I've been reading Latin for over 30 years and ancient Greek for 16. I have taught university level courses at Franciscan University of Steubenville and the University of Cincinnati. I am "ABD" at the University of Cincinnati, meaning I have completed all but the dissertation. My in-progress dissertation examines four Greek critics of literature (Aristotle, Demetrius the Syrian, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Longinus), the audience they write for, and their view of both that audience and...
I've been reading Latin for over 30 years and ancient Greek for 16. I have taught university level courses at Franciscan University of Steubenville and the University of Cincinnati. I am "ABD" at the University of Cincinnati, meaning I have completed all but the dissertation. My in-progress dissertation examines four Greek critics of literature (Aristotle, Demetrius the Syrian, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, and Longinus), the audience they write for, and their view of both that audience and audiences in general. Audience is important in all communication: even today, when we say anything, we address it to someone, and our view of that person often determines what we say to them.
I also taught Rhetoric, Literature, and Math (Algebra 1 and Geometry) at the high school level for seven years.
Outside of class, I often tutored students who struggled in my classes. I'm patient and I like making things that may seem hard at first (Latin Grammar, Algebraic equations, Euclidean Geometry and its abstract definitions and propositions) easier. I recall taking a summer course in Algebra when I was a kid. I had never studied Algebra and it was supposed to be an "introductory" course. The teacher wrote "x" on the board and started talking about it. "Okay, so we start with 'x,' right?" he began. But he NEVER explained what "x" was, never so much as gave a basic definition of what a variable is. I finally had to ask a friend in the class to help me, basically to tutor me, because I was failing, in part because the teacher had never defined the most basic and important algebraic concept. Fortunately, my friend taught me what "x" was! I did better after that, but I'll never forget the fear and bewilderment of that teacher not explaining "x" on the first day and the trouble it caused me.
I can teach or have taught most "Great Books." I know Plato, Aristotle, Euclid, Shakespeare, and Dostoevsky, well. Grammar and writing at any level are passions. I can help students improve at these arts and subjects and appreciate their value.
