Dorit Funke

Dr. Dorit Funke is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies at Universität Bielefeld, specializing in Literary Studies, Romance Studies and Latin. Her academic focus centers on Classical Philology, Greco-Roman Antiquity, and Literature, Culture and Media.

Her educational background includes:

• First state examination in English and Latin (Secondary Education) from Universität Bielefeld
• Master's degree in Latin from Bryn Mawr College, PA (USA)
• PhD from Universität Bielefeld on "The self-perception of the poet and the image of the ruler in Virgil's Eclogues and Georgics"

Dr. Funke's research interests encompass aspects of narratology in Latin poetry and prose, the reception and transformation of myth and Latin literature from the Renaissance to contemporary periods, cultural identity in Roman literature, and Neo-Latin in Italian fascism. Her scholarly work demonstrates a consistent focus on how classical texts engage with power structures, narrative techniques, and cultural identity formation.

Her recent publications reveal trends toward examining the intersection of classical literature with contemporary educational challenges and cultural reception. She has shown particular interest in how Ovid constructs literary enjoyment, the use of personal pronouns in Roman poetry, and the portrayal of indigenous populations through classical lenses in colonial discourse.

Dr. Funke serves as the Latin Student Advisory Service contact and as Program Director for Literature, Romance Studies, and Latin (Latin specialization). Additionally, she holds roles in the Quality Improvement Commission and as a contact point for recognition of Bachelor and Master Latin degrees.

She is actively involved in the Department of Cultural Studies and the Department of Subject Didactics and Cultural Education, contributing to module development and curriculum design for Latin studies at Universität Bielefeld.