Professor Sharon Marshall

I first arrived in Exeter many years ago as an undergraduate student in French and Latin. In 2011, I completed a PhD in the Department of Classics and Ancient History under the supervision of Professor Rebecca Langlands. My doctoral thesis, entitled ‘The Aeneid and the Illusory Authoress: Truth, fiction and feminism in Hélisenne de Crenne’s Eneydes’, examined a female-authored translation of the Aeneid into French from 1542, bringing together my interests in Latin literature (especially Roman epic) and its reception in Early Modern France, translation studies, gender studies, and the history of the book.

I am now an Associate Professor in Classics and Ancient History, teaching predominantly language and literature courses. I aim to combine in my teaching a broad understanding of the literature of the ancient world, and what it tells us about culture and society more generally, with close textual examination and critical analysis. I teach a range of language courses and literature in translation, including Roman Love Elegy, Roman Laughter and Writing Women in Ancient Literature. Over the years, my research has increasingly shifted towards Classics education in both historical and contemporary contexts and my interests in innovative pedagogy and assessment underpin my teaching practice, especially in my Creative Interpretative Project and Applied Classics modules.

I have a particular interest in inclusive education and in 2023 I co-led a reserach project called 'Modern perspectives on ancient languages: Reimagining Latin teaching through dyslexic thinking skills' along with my colleague Dr Giacomo Fedeli, funded by the University of Exeter's Education Incubator.

I am passionate about sharing my love of Classics more broadly and supporting the development of Classics education in schools. From 2020-2024 I was Chair of the Classical Association Teaching Board, having previously served for three years as Outreach Officer, amd remain a staunch supporter of the work of the CA. 

I am originally from Lincolnshire, but now call Exeter home. I love the landscape of the Southwest and, when I’m not in my office, you are most likely to find me walking on the moors or swimming in the sea.