Classical Philology
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a basic counsciousness about the foundations of the philological method and its historical development; a choice of texts and authors from Greek and Latin literature is connected to this purpose.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: Knowledge of the texts treated in class providing a translation and a text-critical commentary, and placing them, at least in general terms, in their historical-literary context.
Skills: Methodological awareness of the principles of philological study (text criticism and history of the manuscript tradition); skill in using the main methods of bibliographical referencing and bibliographical searches, especially with regard to the editions used or mentioned.
Skills: Methodological awareness of the principles of philological study (text criticism and history of the manuscript tradition); skill in using the main methods of bibliographical referencing and bibliographical searches, especially with regard to the editions used or mentioned.
Lesson period: Second 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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): The epigrammatic experience of Crinagoras of Mytilene.
In the first part of the course, a selection of Crinagoras' epigrams will be read and philologically commented, as an example of Greek epigrammatic production between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD.
Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): The fourth book of the "Annals" of Tacitus.
In the second part of the course the theme will be the fourth book of the "Annals" of Tacitus, with the events of the principate of Tiberius in the years 23-28.
Part C (20 hours; 3 credits): Objectives and methods of classical philology
In continuity with the texts and problems considered in the first two units, the third will provide the opportunity to reflect on the institutional contents and the historical development of classical philology studies.
In the first part of the course, a selection of Crinagoras' epigrams will be read and philologically commented, as an example of Greek epigrammatic production between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD.
Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): The fourth book of the "Annals" of Tacitus.
In the second part of the course the theme will be the fourth book of the "Annals" of Tacitus, with the events of the principate of Tiberius in the years 23-28.
Part C (20 hours; 3 credits): Objectives and methods of classical philology
In continuity with the texts and problems considered in the first two units, the third will provide the opportunity to reflect on the institutional contents and the historical development of classical philology studies.
Prerequisites for admission
Secondary school knowledge of Latin and Greek and of the history of Greek and Latin literatures in their general outlines.
Teaching methods
· formal lectures
· attendance is strongly recommended
· attendance is strongly recommended
Teaching Resources
Part A: reference text will be The Greek Anthology. The Garland of Philip, ed. by A.S.F. Gow and D.L. Page, Cambridge University Press.
Part B: reference text Cornelius Tacitus Annales I-VI, ed. St. Borzsàk, Stutgardiae et Lipsiae 1991.
Part C: L.D. Reynolds-N.G. Wilson, Copisti e filologi, tr. it. Antenore, Padova 2016, chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6.
Teaching material provided in class and through the Ariel platform.
Part B: reference text Cornelius Tacitus Annales I-VI, ed. St. Borzsàk, Stutgardiae et Lipsiae 1991.
Part C: L.D. Reynolds-N.G. Wilson, Copisti e filologi, tr. it. Antenore, Padova 2016, chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 6.
Teaching material provided in class and through the Ariel platform.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral examination:
· discussion based on the indicated chapters of Reynolds-Wilson (teaching part C)
· translation and appropriate contextualization of Greek and Latin texts addressed in the units A and B
Assessment criteria:
· ability to translate the texts treated during the course
· knowledge of the context of the aforementioned texts
· understanding of the philological method and the historical development of classical philological studies
· critical knowledge of the philological issues proper of the studied texts
Marks are out of 30.
· discussion based on the indicated chapters of Reynolds-Wilson (teaching part C)
· translation and appropriate contextualization of Greek and Latin texts addressed in the units A and B
Assessment criteria:
· ability to translate the texts treated during the course
· knowledge of the context of the aforementioned texts
· understanding of the philological method and the historical development of classical philological studies
· critical knowledge of the philological issues proper of the studied texts
Marks are out of 30.
L-FIL-LET/05 - CLASSICAL PHILOLOGY - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Benedetto Giovanni Antonio
Professor(s)