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Senior Meredith Terlecki (Littleton, Col.) is gaining a historical perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of illness this semester by studying the grammatical peculiarities of a 15th century French text. She presented her findings March 13-15 at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Twenty-three Lafayette students shared their research at the conference (see related story).
Terlecki, a double major in behavioral neuroscience and French, is examining a version of The Ship of Fools as an EXCEL Scholar with Olga Anna Duhl, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures. In EXCEL, students work closely with faculty on research while earning a stipend.
Written in 1494 by Sebastian Brant, The Ship of Fools is an allegorical poem that satirizes the follies and vices of medieval times. The work was first written in German and then translated into Latin. Terlecki is examining a Middle French adaptation of the Latin text known as La Nef Des Folles as part of a larger project being undertaken by Duhl that recently was recognized with a grant from the Renaissance Society of America.
“There is much discrepancy about the accuracy of these translations,” says Terlecki. “The goal of my project is to give an accurate Middle French translation that explores the issues brought up in both the Latin and French versions.”
Various words in Middle French are ambiguous and confusing to the modern reader, she notes.
“I am carefully making minor textual modifications to the Middle French so the reader can understand the text without deviating from the language. I am also annotating the text with footnotes and explanations about historical, biblical, and mythological figures that are referenced. These explanations will help the reader thoroughly understand the historical perspective of the text.”
Terlecki is also noting technical errors that may have occurred because of the switch between modern and medieval typeface.
She says this EXCEL project is enhancing her research skills.
“This work builds on my personal research, which addresses the cyclic nature of beliefs governing medical and psychological health,” explains Terlecki, who aspires to become an osteopathic physician. “The primary text we are examining touches upon many issues concerning psychological and medical illness in early modern Europe. This work gives me a historical perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of illness and provides an opportunity to integrate my knowledge of the French language.”
“This EXCEL project gives Meredith a chance to use both of her majors and is a wonderful opportunity for her to combine her science background with her considerable language skills,” says Duhl.
“Meredith is a very talented student,” she adds. “This work allows her to further explore the interdisciplinary relationship between science and literature and the relationship between the body and mind.”
Terlecki calls Duhl a “positive role model” who encourages her to develop ideas beyond the classroom.
“Because of its size, Lafayette is a great place to get involved with your professor’s work on an individual level. The professors encourage self-expression and are willing to help students pursue personal research outside of class. Lafayette is an excellent, challenging academic environment.”
Terlecki has served as a Boys and Girls Club tutor and volunteered at Lehigh Valley Child Care in Easton.