Papyrology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims at introducing beginners to study of the Greek papyri and to Papyrology, the science that treat them.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: The students will be introduced to papyri and will learn the methods and tools for reading and interpreting the texts preserved on them. As a result, they will understand the importance of those texts in enriching the knowledge of ancient World. At the same time, they will increase their knowledge about literature, history, culture and daily life of the Greek, Roman and Byzantine World.
Skills: By training on images of original papyri, students will be able to read and interpret ancient texts.
Skills: By training on images of original papyri, students will be able to read and interpret ancient texts.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
Second semester
If at the beginning of the second semester the sanitary conditions don't allow a complete recommencement of lessons in front of the students, the lessons will be given on line: 4 hours per week in asynchronous way with audio and images on the web site Ariel of Papyrology; 2 hours per week in synchronous way via Microsoft Teams following the timetable. The students will find information about the access to lessons (link etc.) on the web site Ariel of Papyrology.
If the examination cannot be in presence of students and teacher, it will be made on line via Microsoft Teams, in the way the Syllabus describes.
If the examination cannot be in presence of students and teacher, it will be made on line via Microsoft Teams, in the way the Syllabus describes.
Course syllabus
The course is organized in three units, which allow students to learn gradually how to read and understand texts preserved by papyri.
In the opening unit, at first, the teacher explains the methods and the tools (printed and digital) used to read the papyri. This is followed by the study of 7-8 papyri written between the 4th cent. BC and the 3rd cent. AD with literary texts in bookhands that can be read quite easily by beginners.
The second unit provides a treatment of 7-8 papyri dated back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods (4th cent. BC - 3rd cent. AD) that preserve texts written in documentary hands, more difficult to read than the bookhands.
In the third unit are analysed 6 papyri dated from Byzantine period (4th - 6th cent. AD) with literary, liturgical and documentary texts, written both in bookhands and in documentary hands, by this time well enough known by the students.
Because of the features of the subject, totally new to the students, and the teaching methods based on the study of papyri images, attendance in the lectures is strongly recommended. Students who cannot attend must promptly contact the teacher.
In the opening unit, at first, the teacher explains the methods and the tools (printed and digital) used to read the papyri. This is followed by the study of 7-8 papyri written between the 4th cent. BC and the 3rd cent. AD with literary texts in bookhands that can be read quite easily by beginners.
The second unit provides a treatment of 7-8 papyri dated back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods (4th cent. BC - 3rd cent. AD) that preserve texts written in documentary hands, more difficult to read than the bookhands.
In the third unit are analysed 6 papyri dated from Byzantine period (4th - 6th cent. AD) with literary, liturgical and documentary texts, written both in bookhands and in documentary hands, by this time well enough known by the students.
Because of the features of the subject, totally new to the students, and the teaching methods based on the study of papyri images, attendance in the lectures is strongly recommended. Students who cannot attend must promptly contact the teacher.
Prerequisites for admission
As Greek texts are read and analysed, it is necessary to have a good knowledge of the Greek language.
Teaching methods
After the opening lectures devoted to the methods and the tools used by papyrologists to read the texts, the teacher supplies the students with the images of literary and documentary papyri. For every piece he describes the content, analyses the writing and makes the transcription of a part of the text directly on the image. In the end, he comments in detail on the transcribed lines.
Teaching Resources
Tavole per il corso di Papirologia dell'a.a. 2020-2021. The teacher will distribute these during the lectures.
E.G. Turner, Papiri greci, a cura di M. Manfredi, Carocci, Roma 2002
E.G. Turner, Papiri greci, a cura di M. Manfredi, Carocci, Roma 2002
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination that aims at verifying the student skill in reading the writing and in understanding the texts on the papyri. The images of 2 or 3 papyri treated in the lectures are submitted to the candidate and for every piece he must: 1) make clear characteristics, provenance and content; 2) read on the image and translate the lines transcribed during the lectures; 3) comment on the read part of text; 4) analyse the writing. Then he must answer 1 or 2 questions on the subjects treated in the volume E.G. Turner, Papiri greci, a cura di M. Manfredi, Roma 2002, containing general information on papyri and Papyrology.
The assessment is declared in 30/30 and is grounded on the following criteria: 1) acquired skill, i.e. capacity in reading and understanding texts written on papyri; 2) knowledge acquired studying the papyri treated in the course and reading the volume E.G. Turner, Papiri greci, a cura di M. Manfredi, Roma 2002; 3) propriety of speaking, mostly of employing technical vocabulary specific to Papyrology and Paleography.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
The assessment is declared in 30/30 and is grounded on the following criteria: 1) acquired skill, i.e. capacity in reading and understanding texts written on papyri; 2) knowledge acquired studying the papyri treated in the course and reading the volume E.G. Turner, Papiri greci, a cura di M. Manfredi, Roma 2002; 3) propriety of speaking, mostly of employing technical vocabulary specific to Papyrology and Paleography.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
Modules or teaching units
Unita' didattica A
L-ANT/05 - PAPYROLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
L-ANT/05 - PAPYROLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
L-ANT/05 - PAPYROLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours