Peter O’Brien

Peter O’Brien is an Assistant Professor of Classics in the King’s-Dalhousie Joint Faculty, with formal affiliations at both Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College. Holding degrees from the University of Windsor (BA Hons), Dalhousie (MA), and Boston University (MA, PhD), he has been a faculty member since 2001 after teaching at a Boston private school.

• Roles: Graduate Coordinator, King’s-Dalhousie Carnegie Professor, Public Orator (2011-present), Vice-President (2017-2021)
• Editorial: Co-Editor of Mouseion: Journal of the Classical Association of Canada
• Teaching: Specializes in Virgil, Ovid, Catullus, and late Roman history

Research Focus: Literary analysis of Ammianus Marcellinus’ historiography, Virgilian allusions in late antiquity, and Neo-Latin literature with Canadian themes. His work spans classical formation, emotional rhetoric in Jesuit texts, and classical tradition in Atlantic Canada.

Publications Trends: 15 recent works (2006-2019) demonstrate expertise in Latin historiography, Virgilian intertextuality, and Neo-Latin studies. Key themes include rhetorical analysis of imperial speeches, classical reception in colonial contexts, and sacred/secular dynamics in historical narratives.

Scientific Awards: Recognized for teaching excellence and graduate advising (2006, 2007, 2010). Holds leadership roles in the Classical Association of Canada (Vice-President 2022-2024).

Advising & Outreach: Served as graduate coordinator, contributed to Halifax Humanities 101 and Halifax Thinks community programs, and coordinated the Foundation Year Programme at King’s College.