David Parkinson

I am currently a Graduate student of Classics at Tufts University, where my learning is built around the strength of traditional scholarship as well as the power of digital humanities. I use these tools, as well as my passion for classics and education, in both my scholarship and my pedagogy.

Balance is incredibly important to me and as the Delphic maxim suggests Μηδεν αγαν- "nothing in excess". This approach to life leads me to pursue the fusion of new technologies with old arts, the ability to research with the ability to teach effectively, and the harmony of innovative ideas with sound strategies.

In my research, which focuses around Late Antique Epic, and in particular the 5th c. AD work, the "Dionysiaca," demonstrates this approach. While the earlier, better knows epics of Homer and Virgil are well developed fields, interest in late epic is growing. In this field, I rely upon the long tradition of scholarship on epic poetry to meaningfully build on this tradition. At the same time,I also utilize digital tools like tree-banks, and word-usage-statistics to look at texts in new ways, as a result, generate new research.

In my teaching, I balance the use of traditional methods along with new tools as well as balancing my own dynamic in the classroom. While I promote order and structure, I also promote low-power differentials to create an open, inclusive, and respectful environment. I have a strong commitment to pedagogical method to help ensure that it is inclusive of as many learning styles as possible, and to ensure that every students gets the most out of their educational experience.

Because academia is my passion and because I have had the good fortune of having excellent mentors at the institutions I attended, I am dedicated to doing my best as both a scholar and an educator. If you have any questions about my research in Late Epic, my teaching style, or the role of Digital Humanities in the Classics please contact me via any method in my profile.