Who lives in a pineapple under the (Mediterranean) sea? Cola Pesce!
Okay, there may not actually be a Pineapple, but since the 12th century Latin versions of the legend of the merman Cola Pesce i.e., "Nick Fish" are attested in a variety of medieval sources, including Gualterius Mappus (Walter Map). The legend continues to be told to Italian children to this day, and even inspired the imagination of the famous 20th century Italian journalist and novelist, Italo Calvino's work.
In this course, we'll learn about the historical context(s) of the folk tale, then start by reading various Latin versions of the legend as it develops through the ages, from the 12th to 18th century and, where appropriate, read and compare them with (translated in English or Latin) versions of Italian folk sources. Then, the final two weeks of the course will be spent creating our Latin version(s) of the legend, for whatever use we might want to put it, or simply for the creative pleasure!
The course will be conducted in Latin at an intermediate level.
Type: Speaking and Reading | Level: Intermediate
Language of instruction: Latin
Class size cap: 6 | Platform: Zoom
Dates: January 14, 2026 - March 4, 2026
Meets (EST*): Wednesdays, 6:00 PM | 8 sessions (1 each)
Materials: The instructor will provide any required materials.
Zoom
Decent internet connection
Earphones
Microphone
Webcam (preferred but optional)
A quiet space for classes
*The course will observe US time and thus will change according to daylight saving time.
Major US federal holidays are observed. If a participant misses a session due to their observance of a religious holiday, they can arrange a separate session with the instructor.
Education should be accessible. Choose the tier that fits your situation — no proof required, no shame included.
Supported — USD 200 total ($25/hour)
for students, caretakers, or anyone stretched right now.
Standard — USD 280 total ($35/hour)
full-value rate; covers the cost of small-group instruction.
Sustainer — USD 350 total (Standard Tier total + 25%)
full-value rate & your contribution to our LAC scholarship fund. Thank you!
Who lives in a pineapple under the (Mediterranean) sea? Cola Pesce!
Okay, there may not actually be a Pineapple, but since the 12th century Latin versions of the legend of the merman Cola Pesce i.e., "Nick Fish" are attested in a variety of medieval sources, including Gualterius Mappus (Walter Map). The legend continues to be told to Italian children to this day, and even inspired the imagination of the famous 20th century Italian journalist and novelist, Italo Calvino's work.
In this course, we'll learn about the historical context(s) of the folk tale, then start by reading various Latin versions of the legend as it develops through the ages, from the 12th to 18th century and, where appropriate, read and compare them with (translated in English or Latin) versions of Italian folk sources. Then, the final two weeks of the course will be spent creating our Latin version(s) of the legend, for whatever use we might want to put it, or simply for the creative pleasure!
The course will be conducted in Latin at an intermediate level.
Type: Speaking and Reading | Level: Intermediate
Language of instruction: Latin
Class size cap: 6 | Platform: Zoom
Dates: January 14, 2026 - March 4, 2026
Meets (EST*): Wednesdays, 6:00 PM | 8 sessions (1 each)
Materials: The instructor will provide any required materials.
Zoom
Decent internet connection
Earphones
Microphone
Webcam (preferred but optional)
A quiet space for classes
*The course will observe US time and thus will change according to daylight saving time.
Major US federal holidays are observed. If a participant misses a session due to their observance of a religious holiday, they can arrange a separate session with the instructor.
Education should be accessible. Choose the tier that fits your situation — no proof required, no shame included.
Supported — USD 200 total ($25/hour)
for students, caretakers, or anyone stretched right now.
Standard — USD 280 total ($35/hour)
full-value rate; covers the cost of small-group instruction.
Sustainer — USD 350 total (Standard Tier total + 25%)
full-value rate & your contribution to our LAC scholarship fund. Thank you!
NOTA BENE: Classes require a minimum number of participants to run although they may run with fewer participants, at the instructor’s discretion.
More than a week before the start of the course: 100% refund or credit
Less than a week before the first class up until the second class: credit
