Latin Literature Ma
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to perfect the technique of reading and commenting on Latin texts, by means of a reflection on the methods and tools, especially digital, available for the purpose. The final objective is to recognise the different types of texts and to grasp the fundamental meaning and the main points of articulation of a series of them (Level C of the Latin Language Certificate).
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge
At the end of the course, students will be able to read and understand any Latin text of a literary nature, highlighting its critical and content issues.
Skills
Through the digital message board and the classroom debates, students are asked to demonstrate the necessary technical skills for the critical elaboration of a short comment (written or oral) to a proposed text, with the attention to the elements today indispensable for any type of profession having to do with a literary environment.
At the end of the course, students will be able to read and understand any Latin text of a literary nature, highlighting its critical and content issues.
Skills
Through the digital message board and the classroom debates, students are asked to demonstrate the necessary technical skills for the critical elaboration of a short comment (written or oral) to a proposed text, with the attention to the elements today indispensable for any type of profession having to do with a literary environment.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Course syllabus
The 'CROZZA' Paradigm: The Fine Line Between Commitment and Disengagement in Latin Literature
In YouTube comments on the monologues of Maurizio Crozza, the well-known TV comedian, it's increasingly common to read that Crozza is seen as the only one capable of seriously addressing politics, the sole individual able to say serious things and expose clear dysfunctions, even within the framework of his comic show.
In Part A of the course (40 hours = 6 CFU), we'll study various texts from different eras and origins (from Plautus to Claudius Claudian, including Augustan and Imperial poetic works, prose texts, imperial biographies, etc.). These texts, categorized as entertainment literature, can—much like Crozza's monologues—conceal a serious, or at least earnest, desire to intervene in the writers' contemporary issues and their worldview and literary conception.
The texts analyzed in Part B (20 hours = 9 CFU), derived from the letters of Pliny the Younger—a work often confined to the label of a product of the author's leisure hours—will help us learn what to look for and how to approach any Latin text. This is geared towards full comprehension, translation, and commentary of the texts, but also with a keen eye on the written exam.
Part C (20 hours = 12 CFU) will similarly address Latin from outside the strictly classical period.
In YouTube comments on the monologues of Maurizio Crozza, the well-known TV comedian, it's increasingly common to read that Crozza is seen as the only one capable of seriously addressing politics, the sole individual able to say serious things and expose clear dysfunctions, even within the framework of his comic show.
In Part A of the course (40 hours = 6 CFU), we'll study various texts from different eras and origins (from Plautus to Claudius Claudian, including Augustan and Imperial poetic works, prose texts, imperial biographies, etc.). These texts, categorized as entertainment literature, can—much like Crozza's monologues—conceal a serious, or at least earnest, desire to intervene in the writers' contemporary issues and their worldview and literary conception.
The texts analyzed in Part B (20 hours = 9 CFU), derived from the letters of Pliny the Younger—a work often confined to the label of a product of the author's leisure hours—will help us learn what to look for and how to approach any Latin text. This is geared towards full comprehension, translation, and commentary of the texts, but also with a keen eye on the written exam.
Part C (20 hours = 12 CFU) will similarly address Latin from outside the strictly classical period.
Prerequisites for admission
A good knowledge of Latin is required (at least 12 ECTS credits acquired in the academic discipline sector). To take the oral exam, it's necessary to pass a preliminary written exam at master's level, which is the same for all Latin exams at master's level.
Teaching methods
Lectures; forum-based exercises on the "MyAriel" digital platform; in-class exercises.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Attendance is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
The texts and secondary bibliography will be made available on the "MyAriel" website.
Home Readings:
For Modern Literature Students
6 CFU: One text of your choice from either Catullus, an Anthology (Carmina 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 26, 28, 29, 32, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 56, 57, 59, 69, 71, 74, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 98, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116), or Ovid, one book of the Amores.
9 CFU: Catullus, Carmina, an Anthology (see above) + Ovid, one book of the Amores.
12 CFU: Catullus, Carmina, an Anthology (see above) + Ovid, one book of the Amores + Seneca, Apocolocyntosis.
For Students of Classics
6 CFU: One text of your choice from either Catullus, An Anthology (Carmina 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 26, 28, 29, 32, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 56, 57, 59, 69, 71, 74, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 98, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116), or Seneca, Apocolocyntosis.
9 CFU: One text of your choice from either Catullus, an Anthology (see above), or Seneca, Apocolocyntosis + the Anthology of texts read in Part C of the course, or, alternatively, Ovid, one book of the Amores.
12 CFU: One text of your choice from either Catullus, an Anthology (see above), or Seneca, Apocolocyntosis + the Anthology of texts read in Part C of the course, or, alternatively, Ovid, one book of the Amores + one text agreed upon with the teacher, relevant to the student's specific interests.
Home Readings:
For Modern Literature Students
6 CFU: One text of your choice from either Catullus, an Anthology (Carmina 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 26, 28, 29, 32, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 56, 57, 59, 69, 71, 74, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 98, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116), or Ovid, one book of the Amores.
9 CFU: Catullus, Carmina, an Anthology (see above) + Ovid, one book of the Amores.
12 CFU: Catullus, Carmina, an Anthology (see above) + Ovid, one book of the Amores + Seneca, Apocolocyntosis.
For Students of Classics
6 CFU: One text of your choice from either Catullus, An Anthology (Carmina 1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18, 26, 28, 29, 32, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42, 47, 49, 50, 52, 53, 56, 57, 59, 69, 71, 74, 78, 79, 80, 83, 84, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 98, 103, 104, 105, 106, 108, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116), or Seneca, Apocolocyntosis.
9 CFU: One text of your choice from either Catullus, an Anthology (see above), or Seneca, Apocolocyntosis + the Anthology of texts read in Part C of the course, or, alternatively, Ovid, one book of the Amores.
12 CFU: One text of your choice from either Catullus, an Anthology (see above), or Seneca, Apocolocyntosis + the Anthology of texts read in Part C of the course, or, alternatively, Ovid, one book of the Amores + one text agreed upon with the teacher, relevant to the student's specific interests.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam includes a written test consisting of a translation, comprehension, and guided commentary of a Latin text. This test is generally conducted on a computer and applies to all Master's level Latin exams. It will assess the accuracy in interpreting the text and the ability to identify key turning points, through answers to open and closed questions. Some past exams from recent years are available on the course's "MyAriel" website.
The oral part of the exam will verify:
- The ability to understand and present a series of texts studied by students at home (see below).
- The ability to critically discuss the texts and issues covered in class.
- The ability to understand and discuss a series of short texts at sight (this part can be replaced by active participation in forum activities and in-class exercises, Part B).
The exam can be taken in Italian, English, or Latin. Grades are recorded out of thirty.
Among the assessment criteria, significant emphasis will be placed on: the ability to present the texts read; the accuracy in critically analyzing and discussing the content of the texts read; the appropriateness of critical vocabulary; and the ability to raise and solve critical problems.
Non-attending students should refer to the materials (bibliography, forum, recordings) provided on the MyAriel website.
International or incoming Erasmus students are advised to contact the teacher promptly.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or learning disorders (DSA) must be agreed upon with the teacher, in accordance with the relevant office.
The oral part of the exam will verify:
- The ability to understand and present a series of texts studied by students at home (see below).
- The ability to critically discuss the texts and issues covered in class.
- The ability to understand and discuss a series of short texts at sight (this part can be replaced by active participation in forum activities and in-class exercises, Part B).
The exam can be taken in Italian, English, or Latin. Grades are recorded out of thirty.
Among the assessment criteria, significant emphasis will be placed on: the ability to present the texts read; the accuracy in critically analyzing and discussing the content of the texts read; the appropriateness of critical vocabulary; and the ability to raise and solve critical problems.
Non-attending students should refer to the materials (bibliography, forum, recordings) provided on the MyAriel website.
International or incoming Erasmus students are advised to contact the teacher promptly.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or learning disorders (DSA) must be agreed upon with the teacher, in accordance with the relevant office.
Part A and B
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Part D
L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)