The main focus of Professor of History Cheryl Golden, Ph.D. during her sabbatical this fall will be to put the final touches on her book, but she actually has a few other goals in mind as well. She has been teaching history at Newman University for 18 years and highly enjoys the interaction with students and colleagues and the inspiration she gets from them. That inspiration has begun yet another literary journey for Golden. But first things first…
Golden has finished her current book The Role of Poisons in Rome and is working on getting the final galleys edited and ready for use. Galleys are advanced reader copies generally used for promotional purposes and obtaining reviews before the final cover is printed and the book is published. Along with the galleys being edited, Golden is going to use her time off to obtain the final images and permissions for her book.
Golden said, “The writing is finished and everything is in its final stages. I find that getting the permissions for photos can be one of the most time-consuming aspects.”
However, she doesn’t plan on stopping there. Golden is planning on proposing a new book idea to Routledge, the same publishers of The Role of Poisons in Rome. This new book titled Bread and Circuses looks at the creation and use of public space and how society’s need for entertainment has shaped cultures. The title comes from a quote by an ancient poet and satirist, Juvenal, who stated, “The people that once bestowed commands, consulships, legions, and all else, now concerns itself no more, and longs eagerly for just two things – bread and circuses!”
Six years ago, Golden developed a course for the Newman Studies Program that deals with the same topic: public space and public entertainment as it pertains to ancient traditions and commonalities found in today’s society. “My students have been inspirational in the questions that they’ve asked and in the examples they bring in,” said Golden. “This book is one of those concepts that is inspired by the Newman Studies Program and the voice of those who I’ve been teaching here.”
Golden will be traveling within the United States to visit and consult with some of her most cherished colleagues. “I will be collecting feedback for both my books while I’m visiting,” said Golden. Bread and Circuses will more than likely be a collection of essays and works by other authors and scholars with an introduction by Golden. “I haven’t decided yet if I will write it by myself, or ask different people to contribute essays on the subject and have it be a compilation of opinions and research,” said Golden.
Another aspiration for her time off will be to study and become more fluent in Italian. “I’m not fluent in speaking any other languages, but I can read Latin, Greek and Spanish. I can follow conversations, but I would like to be able to start a conversation in Italian,” said Golden. “The sisters will be tutoring me on my Italian and I will also work on my Greek. I want to enhance the skill so I can build the study abroad program in Italy and use it professionally.”
Golden will also continue her progress with the International Studies Program, committing a little time each week for discussions and research. While she looks forward to all these accomplishments, she beamed when saying, “Another great thing is extra time with family. I’m really looking forward to spending time with my grandchildren” stating that her grandkids love raiding “the toy closet at Grandma Cheryl’s house.”
