Latin Literature
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course aims at: a) improving language skills of students concerning phonetics, vocabulary, morphology and syntax of the Latin language, in agreement with level B2 of the Linguistic Certification of Latin (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf); b) leading students to the comprehension of Latin literary texts read in the original language, through the analysis of significant passages of prose and verse; c) transmitting tools and methods for a deep exegesis of Latin literary texts; d) providing an exhaustive picture of the history of Latin literature from its origins to the Late Antiquity; e) highlighting challenging correspondences with modern languages and literatures, mainly the European ones.
In accordance with the educational outlines of the degree program and the expected employment opportunities, the stated purposes aim to provide undergraduate students a solid methodological, historical and linguistic training in the scholarly study of Latin ancient literature, both in relation to Greek culture (his model in many respects), and to the modern and contemporary Italian studies (literature, filology and linguistics).
In accordance with the educational outlines of the degree program and the expected employment opportunities, the stated purposes aim to provide undergraduate students a solid methodological, historical and linguistic training in the scholarly study of Latin ancient literature, both in relation to Greek culture (his model in many respects), and to the modern and contemporary Italian studies (literature, filology and linguistics).
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: at the end of the course the student will have achieved: a) a proper knowledge of phonetics, morphology and syntax of the Latin language, and of the fundamentals of prosody and metrics; b) the full understanding of the passages read in class (vocabulary, morphology, syntax), in agreement with level B2 of the linguistic certification of Latin (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf); c) the knowledge of contents and relation with the literary tradition and historical-social context; d) the knowledge of the main features of Latin literary history from its origins to the Late Antiquity, with peculiar attention to literary genres; e) the awareness of the development of Latin language and literature with respect to the Italian language and vocabulary and to the permanence of Latin classics in modernity.
Skills: the student will be able to analyze prosaic and poetic texts, examined in class, from the linguistic, lexical, content and stylistic point of view, recognizing the main expressive codes; he will be able also to get the main trends of the history of Latin literature in a diachronic and synchronic perspective, identifying traits of permanence and continuity within literary genres; will be able to develop clearly a well-articulated argument aimed at the exegesis of the texts, by means of specific vocabulary of the discipline.
Pursuing the study autonomously, the student will be able to face the original Latin texts and will also be able to apply the acquired skills to improve his competence in Italian and evaluate the importance of the permanence of the Latin classics in the modern literature and in a wider cultural context.
Skills: the student will be able to analyze prosaic and poetic texts, examined in class, from the linguistic, lexical, content and stylistic point of view, recognizing the main expressive codes; he will be able also to get the main trends of the history of Latin literature in a diachronic and synchronic perspective, identifying traits of permanence and continuity within literary genres; will be able to develop clearly a well-articulated argument aimed at the exegesis of the texts, by means of specific vocabulary of the discipline.
Pursuing the study autonomously, the student will be able to face the original Latin texts and will also be able to apply the acquired skills to improve his competence in Italian and evaluate the importance of the permanence of the Latin classics in the modern literature and in a wider cultural context.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
(con istituzioni di lingua - A-H)
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Responsible lecturer: Amedeo A. Raschieri
Period: First semester
The course, entitled "Lights and shadows in power between history and biography", consists of four parts. The first part (A, 3 ECTS) is dedicated to a excursus on historiography and biography in Rome through the most important authors and works with particular attention to the literary aspects. The second part (B, 3 ECTS) will focus on the biography of Emperor Caligula written by Suetonius (The Twelve Caesars, book 4). Through the reading and analysis of the Latin text, we will not only discover how the ancient biographer builds a chiaroscuro portrait of the princeps, but we will also be able to immerse ourselves in the climate of one of the most controversial moments in Roman history.
The other two parts of the course (C-D, 3 ECTS for each part) are designed to reinforce students' linguistic and metalinguistic skills through text analysis exercises, conducted respectively on pieces in poetry (Virgil, Eneid, book 4: analysis of the main characteristics of Latin poetic language; basic notions of metrics, hexameter) and in prose (Caesar, Gallic War, book 7: linguistic analysis of a selection of chapters).
The knowledge of the genres and the main authors of the history of Latin literature (from the origins to the late antiquity) is acquired through the individual study of the textbook and the references explained by the teachers during the lessons.
Period: First semester
The course, entitled "Lights and shadows in power between history and biography", consists of four parts. The first part (A, 3 ECTS) is dedicated to a excursus on historiography and biography in Rome through the most important authors and works with particular attention to the literary aspects. The second part (B, 3 ECTS) will focus on the biography of Emperor Caligula written by Suetonius (The Twelve Caesars, book 4). Through the reading and analysis of the Latin text, we will not only discover how the ancient biographer builds a chiaroscuro portrait of the princeps, but we will also be able to immerse ourselves in the climate of one of the most controversial moments in Roman history.
The other two parts of the course (C-D, 3 ECTS for each part) are designed to reinforce students' linguistic and metalinguistic skills through text analysis exercises, conducted respectively on pieces in poetry (Virgil, Eneid, book 4: analysis of the main characteristics of Latin poetic language; basic notions of metrics, hexameter) and in prose (Caesar, Gallic War, book 7: linguistic analysis of a selection of chapters).
The knowledge of the genres and the main authors of the history of Latin literature (from the origins to the late antiquity) is acquired through the individual study of the textbook and the references explained by the teachers during the lessons.
Prerequisites for admission
A lexical and grammatical knowledge of Latin equal to level B1 of the Latin Language Certificate (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf) is a prerequisite.
The course is aimed at students who have not taken any exams in L-Fil-Let/04 (Latin Language and Literature) or students who have acquired a maximum of 6 ECTS in the field.
N.B. students in the L-10 classical curriculum must take the course 'without language institutions' (see Manifesto degli Studi).
The course is aimed at students who have not taken any exams in L-Fil-Let/04 (Latin Language and Literature) or students who have acquired a maximum of 6 ECTS in the field.
N.B. students in the L-10 classical curriculum must take the course 'without language institutions' (see Manifesto degli Studi).
Teaching methods
The focuses of the teaching method are: 1) on the part of the teachers, the presentation of the texts: reading aloud, the proposal of a working translation, linguistic analysis; 2) on the part of the students, an active collaboration, which is constantly stimulated through the translation of the texts and the description of their characteristics (phonological, morphological, syntactic), so that, adequately guided, they can analyse, from a linguistic, lexical, stylistic and content point of view, the literary texts, in prose and poetry, proposed during the lessons.
To reinforce the students' linguistic skills, about phonetics, vocabulary, morphology and syntax of the Latin language, equal to level B2 of the Latin language certificate (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf), the following optional activities are planned: 20 hours of language workshop in preparation for the preliminary language assessment test; 40 hours of tutoring for students with language gaps in Latin. The material used in the workshops is published on Ariel. Attendance of optional courses is strongly recommended.
To reinforce the students' linguistic skills, about phonetics, vocabulary, morphology and syntax of the Latin language, equal to level B2 of the Latin language certificate (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf), the following optional activities are planned: 20 hours of language workshop in preparation for the preliminary language assessment test; 40 hours of tutoring for students with language gaps in Latin. The material used in the workshops is published on Ariel. Attendance of optional courses is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Parts A-B: the Latin text of the life of Caligula (Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, book 4) will be published on the course's Ariel website (by the lecturer). Recommended editions: G. Brizzi - F. Orpianesi (a cura di), Svetonio. Le vite dei Cesari, Santarcangelo di Romagna, Rusconi, 2023; S. Lanciotti - F. Dessì (ed.), Svetonio, Vite dei Cesari, Milano, Rizzoli, 1982; G. Guastella (ed.), Svetonio, La vita di Caligola, Roma, Nuova Italia Scientifica, 1992. Specific commentaries and background materials will be provided on the Ariel course website.
Part C: Virgil, Eneid, book 4. The latin text will be published on the course's Ariel website. Recommended edition: M. Rossi (ed.), Virgilio, Eneide, libro IV, Milano, Carlo Signorelli, 1998. However, other works can be chosen by students in order to prepare this part of the exam, as follows: Virgil, Bucolica (with commentary by M. Gioseffi, free available from (https://sites.unimi.it/latinoamilano/testi/) or (https://unimi.academia.edu/massimogioseffi)), and Virgil, Eneid, book 6. Knowledge of the basic rules of Latin prosody and metrical reading of the hexameter are compulsory for all students. Recommended texts: S. Timpanaro, Nozioni elementari di prosodia e metrica latina, in A. La Penna, Romanae res et litterae, Loescher, Torino, pp. 415-436, or S. Boldrini, Fondamenti di prosodia e metrica latina, Carocci, Roma, or M. Lenchantin de Gubernatis, Manuale di prosodia e metrica latina, Principato 1988.
Part D: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 7. Recommended edition: G. Cipriani (ed.), Cesare, La disfatta della Gallia (De bello Gallico, VII), Venezia, Marsilio, 1994. As an alternative to De bello Gallico, for the analysis of the prose text, the student can choose between Cicero's Laelius or Pro Caelio. Recommended editions: E. Narducci - C. Saggio (eds.), Cicerone, L'amicizia, Milano, Rizzoli, 1985; A. Cavarzere (ed.), Cicerone, Pro Caelio, Venezia, Marsilio, 1996, or E. Narducci (ed.), Cicerone, Difesa di Marco Celio, Milano, Rizzoli, 1989.
The knowledge of the history of Latin literature will be acquired by the students through the study of these topics: 1) the introductory parts to the different periods; 2) a list of 40 authors indicated on the Ariel website of the course. For the introductory parts (1) we request the use of M. Citroni - M. Labate - E. Narducci, Disegno storico della letteratura latina, Rome - Bari, Laterza, 1997 (relevant pages available on Ariel). For the 40 authors (2), the same manual can be used; alternatively, G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della letteratura latina. Dalle origini alla tarda età imperiale, Firenze, Le Monnier Università, 2004, now reprinted as G.B. Conte, Letteratura latina. Dall'età repubblicana all'età di Augusto e Letteratura latina. L'età imperiale, Firenze, Le Monnier Università, 2019 (2 volumes); students may also use other textbooks, subject to the teacher's approval.
Non-attending students must follow the instructions given for attending students. For parts A-B, knowledge of these studies (available on Ariel) is also required: P. Fedeli, L'occhio indiscreto del biografo (prima parte), "Argos" 36 (2013), 83-112; G. Guastella (ed.), Svetonio, La vita di Caligola, Roma, Nuova Italia Scientifica, 1992 (Introduzione). For Part C, it is recommended to prepare Book IV of the Aeneid with the help of M. Rossi (ed.), Virgilio, Eneide, libro IV, Milano, Carlo Signorelli, 1998. For Part D, as an alternative to the texts indicated above, it is possible to study the volume: M. Mortarino, M. Reali, G. Turazza, Loci scriptorum: Cesare, Torino, Loescher, 2009.
Erasmus students and/or students with specific learning needs are invited to contact the lecturer by email at the beginning of the course in order to agree on personalized courses.
Part C: Virgil, Eneid, book 4. The latin text will be published on the course's Ariel website. Recommended edition: M. Rossi (ed.), Virgilio, Eneide, libro IV, Milano, Carlo Signorelli, 1998. However, other works can be chosen by students in order to prepare this part of the exam, as follows: Virgil, Bucolica (with commentary by M. Gioseffi, free available from (https://sites.unimi.it/latinoamilano/testi/) or (https://unimi.academia.edu/massimogioseffi)), and Virgil, Eneid, book 6. Knowledge of the basic rules of Latin prosody and metrical reading of the hexameter are compulsory for all students. Recommended texts: S. Timpanaro, Nozioni elementari di prosodia e metrica latina, in A. La Penna, Romanae res et litterae, Loescher, Torino, pp. 415-436, or S. Boldrini, Fondamenti di prosodia e metrica latina, Carocci, Roma, or M. Lenchantin de Gubernatis, Manuale di prosodia e metrica latina, Principato 1988.
Part D: Caesar, Gallic War, Book 7. Recommended edition: G. Cipriani (ed.), Cesare, La disfatta della Gallia (De bello Gallico, VII), Venezia, Marsilio, 1994. As an alternative to De bello Gallico, for the analysis of the prose text, the student can choose between Cicero's Laelius or Pro Caelio. Recommended editions: E. Narducci - C. Saggio (eds.), Cicerone, L'amicizia, Milano, Rizzoli, 1985; A. Cavarzere (ed.), Cicerone, Pro Caelio, Venezia, Marsilio, 1996, or E. Narducci (ed.), Cicerone, Difesa di Marco Celio, Milano, Rizzoli, 1989.
The knowledge of the history of Latin literature will be acquired by the students through the study of these topics: 1) the introductory parts to the different periods; 2) a list of 40 authors indicated on the Ariel website of the course. For the introductory parts (1) we request the use of M. Citroni - M. Labate - E. Narducci, Disegno storico della letteratura latina, Rome - Bari, Laterza, 1997 (relevant pages available on Ariel). For the 40 authors (2), the same manual can be used; alternatively, G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della letteratura latina. Dalle origini alla tarda età imperiale, Firenze, Le Monnier Università, 2004, now reprinted as G.B. Conte, Letteratura latina. Dall'età repubblicana all'età di Augusto e Letteratura latina. L'età imperiale, Firenze, Le Monnier Università, 2019 (2 volumes); students may also use other textbooks, subject to the teacher's approval.
Non-attending students must follow the instructions given for attending students. For parts A-B, knowledge of these studies (available on Ariel) is also required: P. Fedeli, L'occhio indiscreto del biografo (prima parte), "Argos" 36 (2013), 83-112; G. Guastella (ed.), Svetonio, La vita di Caligola, Roma, Nuova Italia Scientifica, 1992 (Introduzione). For Part C, it is recommended to prepare Book IV of the Aeneid with the help of M. Rossi (ed.), Virgilio, Eneide, libro IV, Milano, Carlo Signorelli, 1998. For Part D, as an alternative to the texts indicated above, it is possible to study the volume: M. Mortarino, M. Reali, G. Turazza, Loci scriptorum: Cesare, Torino, Loescher, 2009.
Erasmus students and/or students with specific learning needs are invited to contact the lecturer by email at the beginning of the course in order to agree on personalized courses.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam includes a compulsory, preliminary language test (sessions in January, May and September): the test is usually computer-based and consists of 30 closed or open questions on grammar, vocabulary or comprehension, based on a passage of Latin prose by an ancient author. Marks are out of 30 (correct answer = 1; wrong or missing answer = 0). The use of the dictionary is not permitted. Test simulations, with the possibility of self-assessment, are available on the course's Ariel website. The grade, obtained in this test, does not count towards the exam. The results are announced promptly on the Ariel website and the test result (if passed) is valid for three years. NB: Students who have obtained a Latin level B2 language certificate in high school are exempt from this test.
The oral exam consists of four questions (one question on each part of the course—see the programme—and a question on the history of literature). Students must demonstrate their ability to present the authors and fundamental issues of Latin literature and analyse texts proposed in class or prepared independently. Students are assessed for accuracy in reading and translation, linguistic and grammatical skills, ownership of language and quality of exposition, ability to organize the knowledge acquired, ability to propose links between different parts of the programme or with related disciplines. Marks are out of 30 (minimum passing grade 18/30).
The oral exam consists of four questions (one question on each part of the course—see the programme—and a question on the history of literature). Students must demonstrate their ability to present the authors and fundamental issues of Latin literature and analyse texts proposed in class or prepared independently. Students are assessed for accuracy in reading and translation, linguistic and grammatical skills, ownership of language and quality of exposition, ability to organize the knowledge acquired, ability to propose links between different parts of the programme or with related disciplines. Marks are out of 30 (minimum passing grade 18/30).
Unita' didattica A
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Raschieri Amedeo Alessandro
Unita' didattica B
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Raschieri Amedeo Alessandro
Unita' didattica C
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Formenti Chiara
Unita' didattica D
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Moretti Paola Francesca
(con istituzioni di lingua - I-Z)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is composed of four didactic parts.
Teaching parts A-B will propose an antological reading (translation and commentary) about roman Elegy.
Teaching parts C and D are targeted to reinforce language skills of the students by close reading and practical criticisms of literary poetry (Vergil, Aeneid IV: the focus will be on the features of Latin poetic language, fondamenti di metrica, hexameter) and prose (Caesar, De Bello Gallico Book IV in unity D).
Knowledge of History of the Latin Literature (main genres and authors from the origins to Late Antiquity) is also required through individual study of Latine Literature Companion as well as several references explained by teacher during the lessons.
Non-attending students have an alternative program for A-B (see 'Materiale di Riferimento') ; for C-D the have the the same program plus a series of readings and materials published on the Ariel course website.
Teaching parts A-B will propose an antological reading (translation and commentary) about roman Elegy.
Teaching parts C and D are targeted to reinforce language skills of the students by close reading and practical criticisms of literary poetry (Vergil, Aeneid IV: the focus will be on the features of Latin poetic language, fondamenti di metrica, hexameter) and prose (Caesar, De Bello Gallico Book IV in unity D).
Knowledge of History of the Latin Literature (main genres and authors from the origins to Late Antiquity) is also required through individual study of Latine Literature Companion as well as several references explained by teacher during the lessons.
Non-attending students have an alternative program for A-B (see 'Materiale di Riferimento') ; for C-D the have the the same program plus a series of readings and materials published on the Ariel course website.
Prerequisites for admission
A level of language proficiency (grammar and lexicon) corresponding to Level B1 of Latin Language Certificates http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress
/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf) is required.
/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf) is required.
Teaching methods
The focal points of the teaching method are: 1) on the part of the teacher, texts' presentation (through reading, translation, linguistic analysis, practical criticism); 2) on the part of the students, an active cooperation which is constantly stimulated, so as to make them capable of analysing the prosaic and poetic texts examined in class from a linguistic, lexical, content and stylistic point of view, recognising the main expressive codes.
In order to enhance the language skills of students in phonetics, morphology and syntax (corresponding to Level B2 of Latin Language Certificates (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf), these training activities will be available (optional courses): Latin Language Workshop (20 h); Tutoring (20 h) for students with significant gaps in Latin language. These workshops provide for the active participation of students in small groups. All texts and tools will be available on the Ariel website. Attendance at the workshops, even if optional, is strongly recommended.
In order to enhance the language skills of students in phonetics, morphology and syntax (corresponding to Level B2 of Latin Language Certificates (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf), these training activities will be available (optional courses): Latin Language Workshop (20 h); Tutoring (20 h) for students with significant gaps in Latin language. These workshops provide for the active participation of students in small groups. All texts and tools will be available on the Ariel website. Attendance at the workshops, even if optional, is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Parts A-B: an Anthology of roman Elegy (Propertius, Tibullus, Ovidius), published on the Ariel course website.
Part C: this Unit will concern Virgil, Eneid book IV; the text will be available on the Ariel website (see the translations of the Eneid by L. Canali, Milano, Mondadori; R. Scarcia, Milano, BUR; R. Calzecchi Onesti, Torino, Einaudi; the commented editions by E. Paratore, Milano, Fondazione Lorenzo Valla/Mondadori, vol. II; by A. Fo and F. Giannotti, Torino, Einaudi; Virgilio, Eneide libro IV, by Massimo Rossi, Milano 1998, Carlo Signorelli Editore). However, other works can be chosen by students in order to prepare module C, as follows: Virgil, Bucolica and Virgil, Eneid, book VI. Knowledge of prosody and rules of versification and proficiency in metrical reading are also required from the students. More materials about prosody and versification are published on the Ariel course website.
Part D: Ceesar, De bello Gallico IV. Text and further material will be available on the Ariel website. However, other works can be chosen by students in order to prepare part D, as follows: Cicero, Pro Caelio or Laelius de amicitia (see the editions by A. Cavarzere, Marsilio, Venezia, or by E. Narducci, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano); Cicero, Laelius (see: Cicerone, L'amicizia, a cura di E. Narducci - C. Saggio, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano). Beginner students who attended at the beginners course can use the following text as an alternative to those listed above: Loci scriptorum: Cesare, a cura di M. Mortarino, M. Reali, G. Turazza, Loescher, 2009.
As for the history of Latin Literature, students are required to demonstrate knowledge on: 1) an overview of ages and genres of Latin Literature 2) a list of 40 authors as indicated on the Ariel website. For the overview (1) see: M. Citroni, M. Labate, E. Narducci, Disegno storico della letteratura latina, Laterza, Bari 1997 (on Ariel website); for the authors (2) see: M. Citroni, M. Labate, E. Narducci, Disegno storico della letteratura latina, Laterza, Bari 1997, or G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della letteratura latina. Dalle origini alla tarda età imperiale, Le Monnier Università, Firenze 2004 (now available as G.B. Conte, Letteratura latina. Dall'età repubblicana all'età di Augusto e Letteratura latina. L'età imperiale, Le Monnier Università, Firenze 2019, 2 voll.). However, students can use also other Latin literature handbooks if approved by the teacher.
Not-attending students. A-B: Massimo Cori, Novae Voces: Ovidio e gli elegiaci, Edizioni scolastiche Bruno Mondadori 2007 (see course website for the pages to be prepared), P. Pinotti, L'elegia latina. Storia di una forma poetica, Roma (Carocci) 2002 - reprinted 2011; C-D: the same program plus a series of readings and materials published on the Ariel course website.
Part C: this Unit will concern Virgil, Eneid book IV; the text will be available on the Ariel website (see the translations of the Eneid by L. Canali, Milano, Mondadori; R. Scarcia, Milano, BUR; R. Calzecchi Onesti, Torino, Einaudi; the commented editions by E. Paratore, Milano, Fondazione Lorenzo Valla/Mondadori, vol. II; by A. Fo and F. Giannotti, Torino, Einaudi; Virgilio, Eneide libro IV, by Massimo Rossi, Milano 1998, Carlo Signorelli Editore). However, other works can be chosen by students in order to prepare module C, as follows: Virgil, Bucolica and Virgil, Eneid, book VI. Knowledge of prosody and rules of versification and proficiency in metrical reading are also required from the students. More materials about prosody and versification are published on the Ariel course website.
Part D: Ceesar, De bello Gallico IV. Text and further material will be available on the Ariel website. However, other works can be chosen by students in order to prepare part D, as follows: Cicero, Pro Caelio or Laelius de amicitia (see the editions by A. Cavarzere, Marsilio, Venezia, or by E. Narducci, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano); Cicero, Laelius (see: Cicerone, L'amicizia, a cura di E. Narducci - C. Saggio, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano). Beginner students who attended at the beginners course can use the following text as an alternative to those listed above: Loci scriptorum: Cesare, a cura di M. Mortarino, M. Reali, G. Turazza, Loescher, 2009.
As for the history of Latin Literature, students are required to demonstrate knowledge on: 1) an overview of ages and genres of Latin Literature 2) a list of 40 authors as indicated on the Ariel website. For the overview (1) see: M. Citroni, M. Labate, E. Narducci, Disegno storico della letteratura latina, Laterza, Bari 1997 (on Ariel website); for the authors (2) see: M. Citroni, M. Labate, E. Narducci, Disegno storico della letteratura latina, Laterza, Bari 1997, or G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della letteratura latina. Dalle origini alla tarda età imperiale, Le Monnier Università, Firenze 2004 (now available as G.B. Conte, Letteratura latina. Dall'età repubblicana all'età di Augusto e Letteratura latina. L'età imperiale, Le Monnier Università, Firenze 2019, 2 voll.). However, students can use also other Latin literature handbooks if approved by the teacher.
Not-attending students. A-B: Massimo Cori, Novae Voces: Ovidio e gli elegiaci, Edizioni scolastiche Bruno Mondadori 2007 (see course website for the pages to be prepared), P. Pinotti, L'elegia latina. Storia di una forma poetica, Roma (Carocci) 2002 - reprinted 2011; C-D: the same program plus a series of readings and materials published on the Ariel course website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
A summative assessment is done at the end of the course, consisting of: (1) a preliminary and mandatory test to evaluate the level of language skills and (2) an oral interview to assess the knowledge in Latin literature and skills in reading and interpreting Latin texts of poetry and prose.
1) The online test focuses on a prose Latin text of 10-15 lines and is articulated in 30 multiple-choice questions (time allowed: 1h; number of questions: 30; each question has four options A, B, C or D, or True/False choice or, in few cases, is an open-ended question: students have to decide which is the correct answer or write the correct answer). Marks are out of 30 (correct answer = 1; uncorrected or missing answer = 0). Use of the dictionary is forbidden. See sample tests for self-assessment on the Ariel website. The results of the preliminary test are available within few days on Ariel website.
Please note that students who have already attained Level B2 of Latin Language Certificates are exonerated from the mandatory and preliminary test.
2) The oral interview consists of five questions (one about each of the four parts and and one about history of Literature). Students are required to analyse prosaic and poetic texts from a linguistic, lexical, content and stylistic point of view; to recognise the main expressive codes; to be acquainted with the main trends of the history of Latin literature in a diachronic and synchronic perspective; to identify traits of permanence and continuity within literary genres; to develop clearly, in relation to the topics dealt with in the course, a well-articulated argumentation, aimed at the exegesis of the texts, by means of specific vocabulary of the discipline. The level of accuracy in reading and translation, of linguistic and grammatical skills as well as command of language and clearness of argumentation, the ability to express acquired knowledge in discourse, the ability to propose connections between different parts of the programme or with related disciplines will be assessed. Marks are out of 30. Please note that the avarage final mark will result from the oral exam only, not from the written test.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office
1) The online test focuses on a prose Latin text of 10-15 lines and is articulated in 30 multiple-choice questions (time allowed: 1h; number of questions: 30; each question has four options A, B, C or D, or True/False choice or, in few cases, is an open-ended question: students have to decide which is the correct answer or write the correct answer). Marks are out of 30 (correct answer = 1; uncorrected or missing answer = 0). Use of the dictionary is forbidden. See sample tests for self-assessment on the Ariel website. The results of the preliminary test are available within few days on Ariel website.
Please note that students who have already attained Level B2 of Latin Language Certificates are exonerated from the mandatory and preliminary test.
2) The oral interview consists of five questions (one about each of the four parts and and one about history of Literature). Students are required to analyse prosaic and poetic texts from a linguistic, lexical, content and stylistic point of view; to recognise the main expressive codes; to be acquainted with the main trends of the history of Latin literature in a diachronic and synchronic perspective; to identify traits of permanence and continuity within literary genres; to develop clearly, in relation to the topics dealt with in the course, a well-articulated argumentation, aimed at the exegesis of the texts, by means of specific vocabulary of the discipline. The level of accuracy in reading and translation, of linguistic and grammatical skills as well as command of language and clearness of argumentation, the ability to express acquired knowledge in discourse, the ability to propose connections between different parts of the programme or with related disciplines will be assessed. Marks are out of 30. Please note that the avarage final mark will result from the oral exam only, not from the written test.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office
Unita' didattica A
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Merli Elena
Unita' didattica B
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Merli Elena
Unita' didattica C
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Merli Elena
Unita' didattica D
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Ranzani Giacomo Amilcare Mario
(senza istituzioni di lingua)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Course syllabus
The course consists of four teaching units.
Teaching units A, B (N. Pace) will be aimed at illustrating the literary and linguistic features of a selection of Horace' Epistles.
The teaching unit C (N. Pace) will be dedicated to a selection of Cicero's Letters.
In teaching unit D Prof. P.F. Moretti will examine a selection of Seneca's Letters.
Knowledge of the history of Latin literature (from the origins to Late Antiquity) is also required: this part of the programme is to be prepared through the study of the below mentioned bibliography
Besides, students are asked to read (metrically Virgil), translate and briefly expound the following works:
1) Vergil, Eclogues, or Aeneid, Book VI, as chosen by the student;
2) Cicerone, Pro Caelio, or Pro Murena, or Laelius, De amicitia, as chosen by the student.
The course consists of four teaching units.
Teaching units A, B (N. Pace) will be aimed at illustrating the literary and linguistic features of a selection of Horace' Epistles.
The teaching unit C (N. Pace) will be dedicated to a selection of Cicero's Letters.
In teaching unit D Prof. P.F. Moretti will examine a selection of Seneca's Letters.
Knowledge of the history of Latin literature (from the origins to Late Antiquity) is also required: this part of the programme is to be prepared through the study of the below mentioned bibliography
Besides, students are asked to read (metrically Virgil), translate and briefly expound the following works:
1) Vergil, Eclogues, or Aeneid, Book VI, as chosen by the student;
2) Cicerone, Pro Caelio, or Pro Murena, or Laelius, De amicitia, as chosen by the student.
Prerequisites for admission
A level of language proficiency (grammar and lexicon) corresponding to Level B1 of Latin Language Certificates http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf) is the basic requirement.
The course is aimed at all students of Letters, Curriculum "Sciences of Antiquity", and those students of Letters, Curriculum "Modern Letters", and other degree courses who have carried out their high school studies in the "Liceo Classico".
The course is aimed at all students of Letters, Curriculum "Sciences of Antiquity", and those students of Letters, Curriculum "Modern Letters", and other degree courses who have carried out their high school studies in the "Liceo Classico".
Teaching methods
Main points of the teaching method are: 1) as far as the teacher is concerned, texts' presentation (through loud reading, translation, linguistic analysis, literary interpretation); 2) as far as the students are concerned, an active cooperation that is constantly stimulated, so that they will be able to analyze prosaic and poetic texts, previously examined in class, from the linguistic, lexical, content and stylistic point of view, recognizing the main expressive codes.
In order to strengthen the language skills of students in phonetics, morphology and syntax (corresponding to Level B2 of Latin Language Certificates (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf), training activities are available (optional courses): Latin Language Workshop (20 h), Training with Tutors (20 h). These workshops provide for the active participation of students in small groups. All texts and tools will be available on the Ariel website. Attendance at the workshops, even if optional, is strongly recommended.
In order to strengthen the language skills of students in phonetics, morphology and syntax (corresponding to Level B2 of Latin Language Certificates (http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf), training activities are available (optional courses): Latin Language Workshop (20 h), Training with Tutors (20 h). These workshops provide for the active participation of students in small groups. All texts and tools will be available on the Ariel website. Attendance at the workshops, even if optional, is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
1) As for the history of Latin literature, the use of one of the following textbooks is recommended:
G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della letteratura latina. Dalle origini alla tarda età imperiale, Le Monnier Università, Firenze 2004;
or: M. Citroni, M. Labate, E. Narducci, Disegno storico della letteratura latina, Laterza, Bari 1997;
or: A. Cavarzere, A. De Vivo, P. Mastandrea, Letteratura latina. Una sintesi storica, Carocci, Roma 2004.
However, students can use other Latin literature textbooks if approved by the professors.
2) As for the study of Vergil (Eclogues, or Aeneid, Book VI):
Recommended editions and commentaries: a) as for the Eclogues, the commentary for undergraduates by M. Gioseffi, Cuem, Milano; b) as for Aeneid, Book VI, the commentaries for high school students by R. Sabbadini and C. Marchesi, Loescher, Torino, or by A. Rostagni, Mondadori, Milano, or by F. Varieschi, Signorelli, Milano, or for undergraduates by R. G. Austin, P. Vergilii Maronis Aeneidos Liber Sextus, The Clarendon press, Oxford.
3) As for the study of Cicero (Pro Caelio, oppure Pro Murena, oppure Laelius, De amicitia):
Recommended editions and commentaries: a) as for Pro Caelio, the translations and short notes by A. Cavarzere, Marsilio, Venezia; or by E. Narducci, Difesa di Marco Celio, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano; or the commentaries for undergraduates by R.G. Austin, Pro M. Caelio oratio, The Clarendon Press, Oxford 19522; or by A. R. Dyck, Pro Marco Caelio, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2013); b) as for Pro Murena, the translations and short notes by C. Giussani - S. Rizzo, Due scandali politici, introduzione di G. Ferrara, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano; or the commentary for undergraduates by E. Fantham, Cicero's Pro L. Murena Oratio, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2013; c) as for Laelius, De amicitia, the translation and short notes by E. Narducci - C. Saggio, L'amicizia, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano.
Monographic Part
Teaching Unities A-B
- Quinto Orazio Flacco, Le Lettere, introd., trad. e note di Enzo Mandruzzato, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano;
- Q. Orazio Flacco, Le Opere, II, tomo terzo: le Epistole, l'Arte Poetica, testo critico di Paolo Fedeli, trad. di Carlo Carena; tomo quarto: le Epistole, l'Arte Poetica, commento di Paolo Fedeli, Istituto poligrafico e Zecca dello stato: Libreria dello stato, Roma 1997;
- Horace, Epistles. Book 1, edited by Roland Mayer, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1994;
- Horace, Epistles book 2 and Epistle to the Pisones (Ars poetica), edited by Niall Rudd, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1989.
Teaching Unity C
- M. Tulli Ciceronis Epistulae ad familiares, libri I-XVI, ed. D.R. Shackleton Bailey, Teubner, Lipsiae 2012;
- M. Tulli Ciceronis Epistulae ad Quintum fratrem; epistulae ad M. Brutum; commentariolum petitionis, fragmenta epistularum, ed. D.R. Shackleton Bailey, Teubner, Lipsiae 1988;
- The correspondence of M. Tullius Cicero, arranged according to its chronological order , with a revision of the text, a commentary, and introductory essays by Robert Yelverton Tyrrel and Louis Claude Purser, 7 voll., Georg Olms Verlag, Hildesheim 1969.
Teaching Unity D
- Lucio Anneo Seneca, Lettere a Lucilio, libro primo, epp. 1-12; testo, introd., versione e commento di Giuseppe Scarpat, Paideia, Brescia 1975:
- Lucio Anneo Seneca, Lettere a Lucilio; introd., nuova trad. e note di Rosanna Marino, Rusconi Libri, Santarcangelo di Romagna 2016
Other texts related to the course, secondary literature, didactic information, and the final version of the programme, containing the list of texts to be studied for the exam, will be uploaded on the «Ariel» website (section of "contents"), the portal dedicated to e-learning University (http://ariel.unimi.it) in December 2023, after the end of the course.
Knowledge of prosody and rules of versification and proficiency in metrical reading (dactilic hexameters and elegiacs) are also required from the students. See: S. Timpanaro, Nozioni elementari di prosodia e metrica latina, in A. La Penna, Romanae res et litterae, Loescher, Torino, pp. 415-436.
Please note that this syllabus for attending students applies also to non-attending ones. However, non-attending students are required to study also some additional critical essays, as will be shown on the Ariel website.
G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della letteratura latina. Dalle origini alla tarda età imperiale, Le Monnier Università, Firenze 2004;
or: M. Citroni, M. Labate, E. Narducci, Disegno storico della letteratura latina, Laterza, Bari 1997;
or: A. Cavarzere, A. De Vivo, P. Mastandrea, Letteratura latina. Una sintesi storica, Carocci, Roma 2004.
However, students can use other Latin literature textbooks if approved by the professors.
2) As for the study of Vergil (Eclogues, or Aeneid, Book VI):
Recommended editions and commentaries: a) as for the Eclogues, the commentary for undergraduates by M. Gioseffi, Cuem, Milano; b) as for Aeneid, Book VI, the commentaries for high school students by R. Sabbadini and C. Marchesi, Loescher, Torino, or by A. Rostagni, Mondadori, Milano, or by F. Varieschi, Signorelli, Milano, or for undergraduates by R. G. Austin, P. Vergilii Maronis Aeneidos Liber Sextus, The Clarendon press, Oxford.
3) As for the study of Cicero (Pro Caelio, oppure Pro Murena, oppure Laelius, De amicitia):
Recommended editions and commentaries: a) as for Pro Caelio, the translations and short notes by A. Cavarzere, Marsilio, Venezia; or by E. Narducci, Difesa di Marco Celio, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano; or the commentaries for undergraduates by R.G. Austin, Pro M. Caelio oratio, The Clarendon Press, Oxford 19522; or by A. R. Dyck, Pro Marco Caelio, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2013); b) as for Pro Murena, the translations and short notes by C. Giussani - S. Rizzo, Due scandali politici, introduzione di G. Ferrara, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano; or the commentary for undergraduates by E. Fantham, Cicero's Pro L. Murena Oratio, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2013; c) as for Laelius, De amicitia, the translation and short notes by E. Narducci - C. Saggio, L'amicizia, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano.
Monographic Part
Teaching Unities A-B
- Quinto Orazio Flacco, Le Lettere, introd., trad. e note di Enzo Mandruzzato, Rizzoli (BUR), Milano;
- Q. Orazio Flacco, Le Opere, II, tomo terzo: le Epistole, l'Arte Poetica, testo critico di Paolo Fedeli, trad. di Carlo Carena; tomo quarto: le Epistole, l'Arte Poetica, commento di Paolo Fedeli, Istituto poligrafico e Zecca dello stato: Libreria dello stato, Roma 1997;
- Horace, Epistles. Book 1, edited by Roland Mayer, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1994;
- Horace, Epistles book 2 and Epistle to the Pisones (Ars poetica), edited by Niall Rudd, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 1989.
Teaching Unity C
- M. Tulli Ciceronis Epistulae ad familiares, libri I-XVI, ed. D.R. Shackleton Bailey, Teubner, Lipsiae 2012;
- M. Tulli Ciceronis Epistulae ad Quintum fratrem; epistulae ad M. Brutum; commentariolum petitionis, fragmenta epistularum, ed. D.R. Shackleton Bailey, Teubner, Lipsiae 1988;
- The correspondence of M. Tullius Cicero, arranged according to its chronological order , with a revision of the text, a commentary, and introductory essays by Robert Yelverton Tyrrel and Louis Claude Purser, 7 voll., Georg Olms Verlag, Hildesheim 1969.
Teaching Unity D
- Lucio Anneo Seneca, Lettere a Lucilio, libro primo, epp. 1-12; testo, introd., versione e commento di Giuseppe Scarpat, Paideia, Brescia 1975:
- Lucio Anneo Seneca, Lettere a Lucilio; introd., nuova trad. e note di Rosanna Marino, Rusconi Libri, Santarcangelo di Romagna 2016
Other texts related to the course, secondary literature, didactic information, and the final version of the programme, containing the list of texts to be studied for the exam, will be uploaded on the «Ariel» website (section of "contents"), the portal dedicated to e-learning University (http://ariel.unimi.it) in December 2023, after the end of the course.
Knowledge of prosody and rules of versification and proficiency in metrical reading (dactilic hexameters and elegiacs) are also required from the students. See: S. Timpanaro, Nozioni elementari di prosodia e metrica latina, in A. La Penna, Romanae res et litterae, Loescher, Torino, pp. 415-436.
Please note that this syllabus for attending students applies also to non-attending ones. However, non-attending students are required to study also some additional critical essays, as will be shown on the Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
A summative assessment is done at the end of the course, consisting of: (1) a preliminary and mandatory test to evaluate the level of language skills and (2) an oral interview to assess the knowledge of Latin literature and skills in reading and interpreting Latin texts of poetry and prose.
1) The test mainly concerns a prose Latin text of 10-15 lines and is articulated in 30 questions (time allowed: 90 minutes; number of questions: 30. Test results will be marked by an assessment (failing, passable, fair, good, excellent). Students are not allowed to use the dictionary. See previous tests on Ariel website. The results of the preliminary test are made available within few days on the Ariel website.
Please note that the students, who are already provided with Level B2 of Latin Language Certificates, are exempted from the mandatory and preliminary test.
2) The oral interview consists of six questions (concerning three of the four teaching units, the history of literature, Cicero and Vergil). Students are required to analyse prosaic and poetic texts from a linguistic, lexical, content and stylistic point of view; to recognise the main expressive codes; to know the main trends of the history of Latin literature in a diachronic and synchronic perspective; to identify traits of permanence and continuity within literary genres; to develop clearly, in relation to the topics dealt with in the course, a well-articulated argumentation, aimed at the exegesis of the texts, by means of specific vocabulary of the discipline. The level of accuracy in reading and translating, of linguistic and grammatical skills, as well as command of language and clearness of argumentation, the ability to express acquired knowledge, the ability to propose connections between different parts of the programme or with related disciplines will be assessed. Please note that the final mark will result from the oral exam only, not from the written test (which is a pass-fail test).
1) The test mainly concerns a prose Latin text of 10-15 lines and is articulated in 30 questions (time allowed: 90 minutes; number of questions: 30. Test results will be marked by an assessment (failing, passable, fair, good, excellent). Students are not allowed to use the dictionary. See previous tests on Ariel website. The results of the preliminary test are made available within few days on the Ariel website.
Please note that the students, who are already provided with Level B2 of Latin Language Certificates, are exempted from the mandatory and preliminary test.
2) The oral interview consists of six questions (concerning three of the four teaching units, the history of literature, Cicero and Vergil). Students are required to analyse prosaic and poetic texts from a linguistic, lexical, content and stylistic point of view; to recognise the main expressive codes; to know the main trends of the history of Latin literature in a diachronic and synchronic perspective; to identify traits of permanence and continuity within literary genres; to develop clearly, in relation to the topics dealt with in the course, a well-articulated argumentation, aimed at the exegesis of the texts, by means of specific vocabulary of the discipline. The level of accuracy in reading and translating, of linguistic and grammatical skills, as well as command of language and clearness of argumentation, the ability to express acquired knowledge, the ability to propose connections between different parts of the programme or with related disciplines will be assessed. Please note that the final mark will result from the oral exam only, not from the written test (which is a pass-fail test).
Unita' didattica A
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Pace Nicola
Unita' didattica B
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Pace Nicola
Unita' didattica C
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Pace Nicola
Unita' didattica D
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Moretti Paola Francesca
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday 15-18.
Microsoft team: "Prof. Merli RICEVIMENTO". Code: aacfc3v
Reception:
Students' reception hours: On Thurdays, in the morning. Students should email prof. Moretti in advance, to make an appointment.
via Festa del Perdono, at the Sezione di Filologia classica of the Dipartimento di Studi letterari ('cortile legnaia').