Latin Literature Ma
A.Y. 2026/2027
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
BETWEEN PROPAGANDA AND HAGIOGRAPHY: CLAUDIAN AND THE OTHERS
The recent publication of "Giorgia, la figlia del popolo" by Italo Bocchino (Milan, Solferino, 2026) brings back to the fore the difficult distinction between biography, apology (or, at times, hagiography), and propaganda. This is not, of course, a matter of turning either Bocchino or his biographical subject into "idola daemoniorum". The often blurred line separating these concepts is both ancient and bipartisan; what is happening today around Giorgia Meloni has also occurred in recent years with figures from opposing political factions. Rather, the goal is to investigate if and how the Romans experienced this same issue within the literary sphere—which is our focus here—and how, if at all, they resolved it.
From this perspective, the figure of Claudius Claudianus appears emblematic. He has long been recognized as the propagandist and perhaps official spokesperson for Flavius Stilicho, the general born to a Roman mother and a Vandal father, who, upon the death of Theodosius (395 AD), felt entrusted with the role of protector and guardian of the late emperor's two young sons, Arcadius and Honorius.
Consequently, in Part A of the course (20 hours = 3 ECTS credits), we will study selected texts by this poet concerning Stilicho and his opponents. Part B (20 hours = 3 ECTS credits), conducted as an online forum, will require us to reflect on other texts by different authors that reflect similar intentions directed toward politicians of various eras and generations. Part C (20 hours = 3 ECTS credits) will return to the study of propaganda and hagiography in Latin, starting again from Claudian but extending all the way to the twentieth century and the contemporary era.
Beyond the specific issues raised, the purpose of all lectures is to teach what to look for in a Latin text and how to approach it to achieve full comprehension, translation, and commentary, with a particular focus on preparing for the preliminary test.
The recent publication of "Giorgia, la figlia del popolo" by Italo Bocchino (Milan, Solferino, 2026) brings back to the fore the difficult distinction between biography, apology (or, at times, hagiography), and propaganda. This is not, of course, a matter of turning either Bocchino or his biographical subject into "idola daemoniorum". The often blurred line separating these concepts is both ancient and bipartisan; what is happening today around Giorgia Meloni has also occurred in recent years with figures from opposing political factions. Rather, the goal is to investigate if and how the Romans experienced this same issue within the literary sphere—which is our focus here—and how, if at all, they resolved it.
From this perspective, the figure of Claudius Claudianus appears emblematic. He has long been recognized as the propagandist and perhaps official spokesperson for Flavius Stilicho, the general born to a Roman mother and a Vandal father, who, upon the death of Theodosius (395 AD), felt entrusted with the role of protector and guardian of the late emperor's two young sons, Arcadius and Honorius.
Consequently, in Part A of the course (20 hours = 3 ECTS credits), we will study selected texts by this poet concerning Stilicho and his opponents. Part B (20 hours = 3 ECTS credits), conducted as an online forum, will require us to reflect on other texts by different authors that reflect similar intentions directed toward politicians of various eras and generations. Part C (20 hours = 3 ECTS credits) will return to the study of propaganda and hagiography in Latin, starting again from Claudian but extending all the way to the twentieth century and the contemporary era.
Beyond the specific issues raised, the purpose of all lectures is to teach what to look for in a Latin text and how to approach it to achieve full comprehension, translation, and commentary, with a particular focus on preparing for the preliminary test.
Prerequisites for admission
A good knowledge of Latin is required. To take the oral examination, students must pass a preliminary Master-level written test, which is valid for all Master-level Latin exams. Only students holding the CUSL/USR certificate (at B2 level) are exempt from this test.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods: lectures (alpha). Attendance and active participation in classroom and forum-based classrooms are highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
The course texts and secondary bibliography will be made available on the MyAriel website.
Independent reading:
- For 6 ECTS credits: Seneca, De clementia (Books 1 and 2);
- For 9 ECTS credits: Seneca, De clementia (Books 1 and 2) + Cicero, Pro Marcello.
Independent reading:
- For 6 ECTS credits: Seneca, De clementia (Books 1 and 2);
- For 9 ECTS credits: Seneca, De clementia (Books 1 and 2) + Cicero, Pro Marcello.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination includes a computer-based written test focusing on the translation, comprehension, and guided commentary of a Latin text (see above). This test is valid for all Master-level Latin exams. Grading will assess accurate text interpretation and the ability to identify key conceptual turning points through both open- and closed-ended questions. Past exam papers are available on the MyAriel course website for student self-training.
The oral examination will evaluate:
- the ability to understand and present a selection of texts prepared independently by the student (see under);
- the ability to critically and personally discuss the texts and topics covered in class;
- the ability to understand and discuss short, unseen texts at sight (this final part can be replaced by active participation in the forum activities and classroom exercises during Part B).
The exam may be taken in Italian, English, or Latin. Grading is based on a 30-point scale. Assessment criteria will heavily emphasize the ability to present the reading materials, accuracy in analyzing and critically discussing text content, the appropriate use of critical terminology, and the ability to identify and address critical issues.
The course program for non-attending students does not differ from that for attending students regarding the preliminary written exam and the personal readings. As for the work covered in class, students can refer to the materials uploaded to the course's Ariel website and Teams channel (texts, relevant bibliography, lecture summaries, and lecture recordings).
Incoming international and Erasmus students are encouraged to contact the course instructor well in advance.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) must be coordinated with the instructor, in consultation with the dedicated university office.
The oral examination will evaluate:
- the ability to understand and present a selection of texts prepared independently by the student (see under);
- the ability to critically and personally discuss the texts and topics covered in class;
- the ability to understand and discuss short, unseen texts at sight (this final part can be replaced by active participation in the forum activities and classroom exercises during Part B).
The exam may be taken in Italian, English, or Latin. Grading is based on a 30-point scale. Assessment criteria will heavily emphasize the ability to present the reading materials, accuracy in analyzing and critically discussing text content, the appropriate use of critical terminology, and the ability to identify and address critical issues.
The course program for non-attending students does not differ from that for attending students regarding the preliminary written exam and the personal readings. As for the work covered in class, students can refer to the materials uploaded to the course's Ariel website and Teams channel (texts, relevant bibliography, lecture summaries, and lecture recordings).
Incoming international and Erasmus students are encouraged to contact the course instructor well in advance.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) must be coordinated with the instructor, in consultation with the dedicated university office.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
LATI-01/A - Latin Language and Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Gioseffi Massimo
Part C
LATI-01/A - Latin Language and Literature - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor:
Gioseffi Massimo
Professor(s)