PROFile: Fundamental to Medieval Studies

Jason Brown, instructor, Department of Classics, U of W

Although his speciality is medieval history, Jason Brown, instructor in the Department of Classics at the University of Winnipeg (U of W), has studied Latin extensively.

“Latin is really fundamental to medieval studies,” Brown says.

Brown first obtained his BA in history at the University of Manitoba, then his MA and PhD in Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto.

Brown started in the Department of Classics at the U of W by teaching a Latin course. He has taught a few Classics courses, as well as a number of history classes at both the U of W and the U of M.

Currently, Brown is teaching a course called The Medieval World and another called Introduction to the History of Western Civilization.

“I really like teaching, and so I generally enjoy all of my courses,”

Brown says. Brown says the second-year course on medieval history is his favourite to teach, but admits it might be a tie for first place with Intermediate Latin Texts, a second-year Latin course.

“Essentially, all we did was just read classical Latin literature, and it’s just great,” Brown says.

What is the best thing about your work?

“Engaging with students about history is really fun and rewarding ... just the way that the students engage with the history and kind of bring their own thoughts to it and the things they find important and react to and comment on.”

What’s something you have learned from your students?

“Always leave time for follow-up questions.”

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“The power to locate any missing object.”

Published in Volume 76, Number 13 of The Uniter (January 13, 2022)

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