Latin Basics
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The classes aim:
a) to enhance the students' linguistic skills (= level A2 of certificate of Latin: http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf);
b) to improve their ability to approach and understand original Latin texts, through guided readings of meaningful passages of prose and poetry;
c) to enable the students to appreciate the cultural complexity of Latin ancient and modern texts, to be used also as sources within the historical discourse.
a) to enhance the students' linguistic skills (= level A2 of certificate of Latin: http://www.cusl.eu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sillabo-.pdf);
b) to improve their ability to approach and understand original Latin texts, through guided readings of meaningful passages of prose and poetry;
c) to enable the students to appreciate the cultural complexity of Latin ancient and modern texts, to be used also as sources within the historical discourse.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the classes, students:
a) will have a good knowledge of Latin grammar (both morphology and syntax);
b) will translate and comment on the texts - both those read during the classes and those assigned as homework -, linking them to their socio-cultural context;
c) will be able to approach original Latin texts, grasping their general meaning without relying on a dictionary. Furthermore, students will enrich their knowledge of the Italian language, especially of its lexicon.
a) will have a good knowledge of Latin grammar (both morphology and syntax);
b) will translate and comment on the texts - both those read during the classes and those assigned as homework -, linking them to their socio-cultural context;
c) will be able to approach original Latin texts, grasping their general meaning without relying on a dictionary. Furthermore, students will enrich their knowledge of the Italian language, especially of its lexicon.
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
Surname A-L
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is divided into two parts: Part A (20 hours, Prof. Gioseffi) and Part B (20 hours, Prof. Ranzani). In both parts, students will read, discuss, and analyze Latin texts selected from ancient historiographical sources and other works of historical interest within their historical context. These texts will serve as the foundation for inductive learning. The primary objective is to consolidate cultural and linguistic knowledge of the Roman world, with a specific focus on how Latin vocabulary has been transmitted to the modern world.
Prerequisites for admission
The course assumes a solid command of written and spoken Italian. Prior knowledge of Latin or Ancient History is not required, though a general familiarity with both is helpful.
Please note that students enrolled in degree programs other than History are not eligible to acquire ECTS credits for this exam, even if taken as a single course.
Please note that students enrolled in degree programs other than History are not eligible to acquire ECTS credits for this exam, even if taken as a single course.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods: Lectures (alpha), classroom discussions, online discussion threads.
Teaching Resources
01) L. Graverini, M. Fucecchi, "La lingua latina. Fondamenti di morfologia e sintassi", Le Monnier Università, 2016.
02) P. Cesaretti, E. Minguzzi, "Il dizionarietto di latino", Scholè, 2019; or, for students who have already studied Latin in high school: N. Gardini, "Le dieci parole latine che raccontano il nostro mondo", Garzanti, 2019.
03) T. Momigliano, "Il latino con gioia", LED, 2009.
The texts read in class will be made available online.
02) P. Cesaretti, E. Minguzzi, "Il dizionarietto di latino", Scholè, 2019; or, for students who have already studied Latin in high school: N. Gardini, "Le dieci parole latine che raccontano il nostro mondo", Garzanti, 2019.
03) T. Momigliano, "Il latino con gioia", LED, 2009.
The texts read in class will be made available online.
Assessment methods and Criteria
A preliminary computer-based language test (consisting of closed- and/or open-ended questions) is designed to assess the ability to understand elementary Latin texts (A2 level). This test is mandatory and must be passed in order to take the oral examination. A selection of past exam papers is available online.
The oral examination will cover the texts read and discussed in class, a list of key vocabulary, and a short anthology of Latin texts (T. Momigliano, "Il latino con gioia", LED, Milan 2009).
Grading is based on a 30-point scale, with a minimum passing grade of 18/30. Students who already hold the CUSL/USR certificate (at A2, B1, or B2 level) or who have passed the SLAM end-of-course test are exempt from the preliminary test.
The course program for non-attending students does not differ from that for attending students regarding the preliminary test, the word list, and Tiziana Momigliano's book. As for the lecture materials, students should refer to the resources made available on the Ariel website and the course's Teams channel (texts, reference bibliography, lecture summaries, and lecture recordings).
Incoming international and Erasmus students are encouraged to contact the course instructors.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) should be coordinated with the instructors, in consultation with the dedicated university office.
The oral examination will cover the texts read and discussed in class, a list of key vocabulary, and a short anthology of Latin texts (T. Momigliano, "Il latino con gioia", LED, Milan 2009).
Grading is based on a 30-point scale, with a minimum passing grade of 18/30. Students who already hold the CUSL/USR certificate (at A2, B1, or B2 level) or who have passed the SLAM end-of-course test are exempt from the preliminary test.
The course program for non-attending students does not differ from that for attending students regarding the preliminary test, the word list, and Tiziana Momigliano's book. As for the lecture materials, students should refer to the resources made available on the Ariel website and the course's Teams channel (texts, reference bibliography, lecture summaries, and lecture recordings).
Incoming international and Erasmus students are encouraged to contact the course instructors.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) should be coordinated with the instructors, in consultation with the dedicated university office.
LATI-01/A - Latin Language and Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Gioseffi Massimo, Ranzani Giacomo Amilcare Mario
Surname M-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
In the two parts of the course (A, 20 hours, prof. Ginelli + B, 20 hours, TBA) texts derived from ancient historiographical sources and other texts of historical interest, written in Latin, will be read, discussed and culturally framed. They will form the basis on which to work inductively. The aim is to consolidate cultural and linguistic knowledge about the Roman world and the Latin lexicon transmitted to the Modern Age.
Prerequisites for admission
The course assumes a solid command of written and spoken Italian; it does not assume a solid knowledge of Latin or ancient history, but only a general knowledge of both.
Please note that students enrolled in Courses of Study other than History may not complete the teaching CFU by taking this examination, even as a single course.
Please note that students enrolled in Courses of Study other than History may not complete the teaching CFU by taking this examination, even as a single course.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods: Lectures (alpha), classroom discussions, online discussion threads.
Teaching Resources
1) L. Graverini, M. Fucecchi, La lingua latina. Fondamenti di morfologia e sintassi, Le Monnier Università 2016.
2) P. Cesaretti, E. Minguzzi, Il dizionarietto di latino, Scholè 2019, oppure, per chi ha già studiato il latino al liceo, N. Gardini, Le dieci parole latine che raccontano il nostro mondo, Garzanti 2019.
3) T. Momigliano, Il latino con gioia, LED 2009.
The texts read in class will be made available online.
2) P. Cesaretti, E. Minguzzi, Il dizionarietto di latino, Scholè 2019, oppure, per chi ha già studiato il latino al liceo, N. Gardini, Le dieci parole latine che raccontano il nostro mondo, Garzanti 2019.
3) T. Momigliano, Il latino con gioia, LED 2009.
The texts read in class will be made available online.
Assessment methods and Criteria
A preliminary computer-based language test (consisting of closed- and/or open-ended questions) is designed to assess the ability to understand elementary Latin texts (A2 level). This test is mandatory and must be passed in order to take the oral examination. A selection of past exam papers is available online.
The oral examination will cover the texts read and discussed in class, a list of key vocabulary, and a short anthology of Latin texts (T. Momigliano, "Il latino con gioia", LED, Milan 2009).
Grading is based on a 30-point scale, with a minimum passing grade of 18/30. Students who already hold the CUSL/USR certificate (at A2, B1, or B2 level) or who have passed the SLAM end-of-course test are exempt from the preliminary test.
The course program for non-attending students does not differ from that for attending students regarding the preliminary test, the word list, and Tiziana Momigliano's book. As for the lecture materials, students should refer to the resources made available on the Ariel website and the course's Teams channel (texts, reference bibliography, lecture summaries, and lecture recordings).
Incoming international and Erasmus students are encouraged to contact the course instructors.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) should be coordinated with the instructors, in consultation with the dedicated university office.
The oral examination will cover the texts read and discussed in class, a list of key vocabulary, and a short anthology of Latin texts (T. Momigliano, "Il latino con gioia", LED, Milan 2009).
Grading is based on a 30-point scale, with a minimum passing grade of 18/30. Students who already hold the CUSL/USR certificate (at A2, B1, or B2 level) or who have passed the SLAM end-of-course test are exempt from the preliminary test.
The course program for non-attending students does not differ from that for attending students regarding the preliminary test, the word list, and Tiziana Momigliano's book. As for the lecture materials, students should refer to the resources made available on the Ariel website and the course's Teams channel (texts, reference bibliography, lecture summaries, and lecture recordings).
Incoming international and Erasmus students are encouraged to contact the course instructors.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) should be coordinated with the instructors, in consultation with the dedicated university office.
LATI-01/A - Latin Language and Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Ginelli Francesco
Professor(s)
Reception:
To be agreed via email.
Online.