Religions of the Classical World
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
This course aims to give both an historical and non-confessional perspective on religious studies (XIX-XXI c.) and an overview of religions of the classical world through specific case-studies in Greek and Roman religion. This course shares the same methodological approach as the course of Anthropology of the classical World and of Classical Mythology, based on historical anthropology, that is focused on the understanding of emic (i.e. native) conceptual categories used by Ancients.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: Students will get knowledge and understanding of the main problems of classical religions (Greece and Rome) in their cultural context and of modern methodological approaches to this field of study, through the reading both of ancient sources (in Italian translation) and of modern scholarship.
Skills: Students will learn to analyze, compare and evaluate ancient sources of different type (literary, epigraphical or iconographical) to draw informed conclusions on religions of classical world, building both on case-studies presented during the course and on the knowledge of modern scholarship. Students will also develop the ability to evaluate critically texts from modern scholarship, in order to understand their methodological approach, their hidden bias, and their purposes.
Skills: Students will learn to analyze, compare and evaluate ancient sources of different type (literary, epigraphical or iconographical) to draw informed conclusions on religions of classical world, building both on case-studies presented during the course and on the knowledge of modern scholarship. Students will also develop the ability to evaluate critically texts from modern scholarship, in order to understand their methodological approach, their hidden bias, and their purposes.
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
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
If social distancing continue to be required in the spring term, the course will be delivered through a blended-learning approach. Some lessons (if possible) will continue face-to-face (but made available online for streaming) and some lessons will be moved online. In the latter case, contents will be delivered via Microsoft Teams platform, where mostly recorded (asynchronous) lectures will be made available.
Online classes links, changes in the course schedule, in the course contents or in the reading list will be promptly published in the course site on Ariel platform.
If social distancing continue to be required in spring term, oral exams will be held online (guidelines will be published in the course site on Ariel platform).
Online classes links, changes in the course schedule, in the course contents or in the reading list will be promptly published in the course site on Ariel platform.
If social distancing continue to be required in spring term, oral exams will be held online (guidelines will be published in the course site on Ariel platform).
Course syllabus
The first part consists in a general overview dedicated to the presentation of the most significant topics of reflection related to the religions of the classical world, through the analysis of examples and reference to the different methodological possibilities offered to those who approach these topics.
Part B:
Keywords in classical religions. Students will be introduced to some of the main keywords in classical religion, such as pure / impure, sacred / profane, religion, superstition, divination, sacrifice, contaminations etc.
Part Unit C: Magic in ancient world. The Unit C will discuss the topic of "magic" in ancient world, both in Greece and Rome. The category of magic will be taken into account both through the reading of ancient sources and in its historiographical dimension.
Part B:
Keywords in classical religions. Students will be introduced to some of the main keywords in classical religion, such as pure / impure, sacred / profane, religion, superstition, divination, sacrifice, contaminations etc.
Part Unit C: Magic in ancient world. The Unit C will discuss the topic of "magic" in ancient world, both in Greece and Rome. The category of magic will be taken into account both through the reading of ancient sources and in its historiographical dimension.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
Teaching methods
The course is offered in a lecture format. It has no formal entry requirements. However, attendance is strongly recommended, given that most students have no previous knowledge of this subject from school.
Teaching Resources
Attending students
Unit A:
Students will be required to read a dossier of texts specifically prepared in order to provide the general framework of the discipline (available on the Ariel and Teams platforms at the beginning of the course).
Reference to the following works is strongly recommended, especially to those who have no familiarity with ancient myths:
1. Giulio Guidorizzi, I miti greci: gli dei, Milano, Mondadori, 2019.
2. Pierre Grimal, Enciclopedia della mitologia, Milano, Garzanti 1999.
Unit B: Students will be required to read Francesca Prescendi, Philippe Borgeaud, (a cura di), Religioni Antiche. Un'introduzione comparata, Carocci, 2011
Unit C: G. Guidorizzi, La trama segreta del mondo. La magia nell'antichità, Il Mulino, Bologna 2015
Non attending students
Unit A: Students will be required to read
· a dossier of texts specifically prepared in order to provide the general framework of the discipline (available on the Ariel and Teams platform at the beginning of the course).
· M. Bettini, Elogio del politeismo, Il Mulino
Reference to the following works is strongly recommended, especially to those who have no familiarity with ancient myths:
1. Giulio Guidorizzi, I miti greci: gli dei, Milano, Mondadori, 2019.
2. Pierre Grimal, Enciclopedia della mitologia, Milano, Garzanti 1999.
Unit B: Students will be required to read
· a dossier of texts specifically prepared (available on the Ariel and Teams platform at the beginning of the course)
· Francesca Prescendi, Philippe Borgeaud, (a cura di), Religioni Antiche. Un'introduzione comparata, Carocci, 2011.
Unit C: Students will be required to read
· G. Guidorizzi, La trama segreta del mondo. La magia nell'antichità, Il Mulino, Bologna 2015
· C. Ginzburg, Storia notturna. Una decifrazione del Sabba, Adelphi, 2017 (precedenti versioni edite da Einaudi).
Unit A:
Students will be required to read a dossier of texts specifically prepared in order to provide the general framework of the discipline (available on the Ariel and Teams platforms at the beginning of the course).
Reference to the following works is strongly recommended, especially to those who have no familiarity with ancient myths:
1. Giulio Guidorizzi, I miti greci: gli dei, Milano, Mondadori, 2019.
2. Pierre Grimal, Enciclopedia della mitologia, Milano, Garzanti 1999.
Unit B: Students will be required to read Francesca Prescendi, Philippe Borgeaud, (a cura di), Religioni Antiche. Un'introduzione comparata, Carocci, 2011
Unit C: G. Guidorizzi, La trama segreta del mondo. La magia nell'antichità, Il Mulino, Bologna 2015
Non attending students
Unit A: Students will be required to read
· a dossier of texts specifically prepared in order to provide the general framework of the discipline (available on the Ariel and Teams platform at the beginning of the course).
· M. Bettini, Elogio del politeismo, Il Mulino
Reference to the following works is strongly recommended, especially to those who have no familiarity with ancient myths:
1. Giulio Guidorizzi, I miti greci: gli dei, Milano, Mondadori, 2019.
2. Pierre Grimal, Enciclopedia della mitologia, Milano, Garzanti 1999.
Unit B: Students will be required to read
· a dossier of texts specifically prepared (available on the Ariel and Teams platform at the beginning of the course)
· Francesca Prescendi, Philippe Borgeaud, (a cura di), Religioni Antiche. Un'introduzione comparata, Carocci, 2011.
Unit C: Students will be required to read
· G. Guidorizzi, La trama segreta del mondo. La magia nell'antichità, Il Mulino, Bologna 2015
· C. Ginzburg, Storia notturna. Una decifrazione del Sabba, Adelphi, 2017 (precedenti versioni edite da Einaudi).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is exclusively oral, and the grading system is based on a 30 points scale (18 is the minimum passing grade). The oral assessment will test the knowledge both of the general topics presented in the first teaching unit and of the specific topics related to the other two units. The exam also aims at testing the ability both to discuss critically the topics studied and to use the appropriate discipline-specific vocabulary. Performance descriptors are: knowledge accuracy, ability to present critically a topic, speech organization, fluency and appropriate vocabulary.
National and international students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and/or with learning disabilities must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent office.
National and international students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and/or with learning disabilities must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent office.
Modules or teaching units
Unita' didattica A
M-STO/06 - HISTORY OF RELIGIONS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Romani Silvia
Unita' didattica B
M-STO/06 - HISTORY OF RELIGIONS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Romani Silvia
Unita' didattica C
M-STO/06 - HISTORY OF RELIGIONS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Fabiano Doralice
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 10.30 (in person), scheduled only
in person, cortile della legnaia, first floor (geography's section, first door on the left); on line via teams (scheduled only)