The School

The Sydney Latin Summer School was founded by the late Professor Kevin Lee and Dr Trevor Evans in 1994. Until 1998 it was held at the Strathfield Campus of the Catholic University, but since then it has been held on the campus of the University of Sydney.

From its inception it has taken place over five consecutive days in mid-late January and has steadily grown in popularity under a series of directors and co-directors: Professor Lee was Director of the School until his death in 2001, while his co-directors were Trevor Evans (1995-99), Charles Tesoriero, and then Ian McLeod and Sally Greenwood. Ian McLeod became Director of the School in 2001 and retired from this post after the 15th Latin Summer School in 2009; Frances Muecke also became a director in 2001. Ian and Frances worked together with co-directors Lisa Aronson and then Michael Salter. In mid 2009 a new trio of directors was formed consisting of Frances Muecke, Robert Forgács and Paul Roche. Mary Jane Cuyler joined the administrative team as Youth Director in 2011. At the end of the 18th Latin Summer School in January 2012 Paul Roche resigned, and Marguerite Johnson became one of the three co-directors. At the end of the 2013 LSS Frances Muecke resigned as a director after 12 years. The two co-directors for the 2014 LSS were Dr Anne Rogerson and  Dr Robert Forgács. Henceforth, each year one of the directors will vary, with a different member of the Latin Staff of Sydney University assuming the role. For the 2015 School Dr Bob Cowan and Dr Robert Forgács were the co-directors, for the 2016 and 2017 LSS the co-directors are Dr Paul Roche and Dr Robert Forgács.     

The School’s aim has always been to encourage an interest in and love for the Latin language and Latin literature, and has provided for the study of Classical, Medieval and Neo-Latin. Through associated lectures held during each Summer School various aspects of Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Society and Culture, as well as of Ancient History and Archaeology, have been presented by special guest lecturers, in order to provide as broad and meaningful a context as possible for the study of the language. The Latin Summer School has always aimed to be inclusive, ranging from beginners to post-graduate level, and catering for students from the age of 12 upwards.