Ancient, medieval, and early modern orators relied extensively on the progymnasmata, step-by-step exercises that led many of them to rhetorical excellence. These exercises resembled sparring exercises: through their practice, students in ancient Greece, imperial Rome, and beyond prepared themselves to compose and deliver full-length declamations. On Monday, September 18, join Professor Erik Ellis (Hillsdale College) for a talk on the progymnasmatical poems of Thomas More, exploring how More's techniques of translation and elaboration can help today's students overcome writer's block and get their points across.