Latin Literature
A.Y. 2025/2026
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
(with concepts of language) A-H
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Modules or teaching units
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:
Raschieri Amedeo Alessandro
Unita' didattica D
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Mori Roberto
(with concepts of language) I-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course is composed of four units: units A and B propose a monographic path on Ovidian elegy, relating in particular to Ovid's Letters of Heroines (A) and elegies of exile (B). The texts are presented in the original version and analyzed from the point of view of style, elegiac elements, literary tradition, relationship with other versions of the myth. Particular attention will be paid to the reception of the heroines' adventures and the theme of exile in modern and contemporary literature. 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 part 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 MyAriel course website.
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 MyAriel course website.
Prerequisites for admission
A level of language proficiency (grammar and lexicon) corresponding at least to Level A2 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 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 B1 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 MyAriel. 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 B1 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 MyAriel. Attendance of optional courses is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Parts A-B: an Ovidian Anthology published on the MyAriel course website. The reference editions for the individual works are: G. Rosati, Ovidio, Letters of Heroines, Milan (BUR); F. Lechi, Ovidio, Tristezze, Milan (BUR); L. Galasso, Ovidio, Letters from Pontus, Milan (Oscar Mondadori), all reprinted several times.
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 MyAriel 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 MyAriel 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 (pp. 10-25; 34-47; 49-50; 64-78; 103-112), P. Pinotti, L'elegia latina. Storia di una forma poetica, Roma (Carocci) 2002 - reprinted 2011.
662 / 5.000
The program of modules C and D remains unchanged and students, both attending and non-attending, will be able to use the materials published on the MyAriel website and the recommended editions with facing translation. For the Aeneid, they can also use Virgil, Aeneid, book IV edited by Massimo Rossi, Carlo Signorelli Editore, reprinted several times or the anthology Virgil, from the Novae Voces series, edited by Massimo Cori, which comments on about half of book IV. As an introduction to linguistic and stylistic phenomena, non-attending students will use A. Cucchiarelli, F. Ursini, Studiare latino all'università, Rome (Carocci) 2024, pp. 17-87.
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 MyAriel 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 MyAriel 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 (pp. 10-25; 34-47; 49-50; 64-78; 103-112), P. Pinotti, L'elegia latina. Storia di una forma poetica, Roma (Carocci) 2002 - reprinted 2011.
662 / 5.000
The program of modules C and D remains unchanged and students, both attending and non-attending, will be able to use the materials published on the MyAriel website and the recommended editions with facing translation. For the Aeneid, they can also use Virgil, Aeneid, book IV edited by Massimo Rossi, Carlo Signorelli Editore, reprinted several times or the anthology Virgil, from the Novae Voces series, edited by Massimo Cori, which comments on about half of book IV. As an introduction to linguistic and stylistic phenomena, non-attending students will use A. Cucchiarelli, F. Ursini, Studiare latino all'università, Rome (Carocci) 2024, pp. 17-87.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam includes a compulsory, preliminary language test (sessions in January, May and September): the test lasts 1 hour, is 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), minimum passing grade is 18/30. The use of the dictionary is not permitted. Test simulations, with the possibility of self-assessment, are available on the course's MyAriel website. The grade, obtained in this test, does not count towards the exam. The results are announced promptly on the website and the test result (if passed) is valid for three years. NB: Students who have obtained a Latin level B1 or B2 language certificate by the CUSL 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).
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.
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).
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.
Modules or teaching units
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:
Floris Cecilia
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday 15-18.
Microsoft team: "Prof. Merli RICEVIMENTO". Code: aacfc3v
Reception:
Remote office hours are held on Mondays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Teams, using the Team code 9ea4tym, by appointment scheduled via email. In-person office hours take place on lecture days, also by appointment arranged via email.