Teaching Latin Language and Literature
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course enables students to acquire the necessary preparation and credits to enter the profession of Latin teachers in upper secondary schools, in accordance with the concept of "Latin culture" in the legislation currently in force. Students will be particularly enabled to acquire and experiment with the new teaching methods based on the certification of competences.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: students will know the aims of teaching Latin in the 21st century, with reference to its historical and cultural dimension, to the development of semiotic and expressive skills, to the enhancement of linguistic competence (including neo-Latin languages). They will also know the teaching techniques, in view of a school practice that considers an active, participatory practice, made of laboratory teaching, with media, able to include alternative teaching methods.
Skills: at the end, students will be able to deepen the problems and methods of teaching Latin, having acquired the necessary skills to design effective courses in the classroom, according to a right interdisciplinary approach and to the modern teaching techniques. They will also be able to evaluate critically teaching materials used in schools; they will gain the necessary competence in the art of testing and evaluating their pupils.
Skills: at the end, students will be able to deepen the problems and methods of teaching Latin, having acquired the necessary skills to design effective courses in the classroom, according to a right interdisciplinary approach and to the modern teaching techniques. They will also be able to evaluate critically teaching materials used in schools; they will gain the necessary competence in the art of testing and evaluating their pupils.
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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Unit A (Gioseffi)
Lessons will focus on how to present Latin and its texts to a high school class, with particular attention to linguistic difficulties.
Unit B (Mori)
Everyday school life.
Lessons will focus on how to present Latin and its texts to a high school class, with particular attention to linguistic difficulties.
Unit B (Mori)
Everyday school life.
Prerequisites for admission
A good knowledge of Latin is required. To take the oral exam, it is necessary to have passed a preliminary written exam at master's level, which is the same for all Latin exams at master's level.
Teaching methods
Teaching Methods: Lectures (alpha). Attendance is highly recommended to in-class and Forum discussions and activities on the myAriel digital platform.
Teaching Resources
Teaching manuals and other secondary bibliography will be made available on the myAriel website.
For Rutilius Namatianus' "De reditu suo", see the Italian edition by A. Fo (Einaudi, Turin 1992) and the English edition by Martha Malamud, under the title "Going Home" (Routledge, London-New York 2016).
For Rutilius Namatianus' "De reditu suo", see the Italian edition by A. Fo (Einaudi, Turin 1992) and the English edition by Martha Malamud, under the title "Going Home" (Routledge, London-New York 2016).
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam involves a written test of comprehension, commentary, and translation of a Latin text. This test usually takes place on a computer and is valid for all Master's level Latin exams (having passed it is a permanent prerequisite that grants access to all Master's exams, including this one; once passed, it remains valid indefinitely). The test isn't graded, but it qualifies you to participate in the oral exams. You'll be assessed on your accuracy in interpreting a text and your ability to grasp its key points through both open and closed questions. Practice tests and exams from recent years are available online.
Oral Exam Details
During the oral examination, we will assess:
- the ability to critically discuss the bibliography presented during lectures by creating a lesson plan of the student's own choice;
- the ability to present to a high school class a passage from Rutilius Namatianus' "De reditu suo", chosen by the Examination Commitee at the time of the examination.
- the ability to understand and present to a high school class a short text, chosen by the Examination Committee at the time of the exam from the works of authors commonly studied in schools.
Among the evaluation criteria, emphasis will be placed on the ability to present Latin texts to an imaginary high school class; the capacity to motivate to study Latin; accuracy in analyzing and discussing the content of topics discussed in class; the appropriateness of critical vocabulary; and the ability to raise and solve didactic problems, even complex ones, from the perspective of teaching a high school class.
The exam can be taken in Italian, English, or Latin. Grades are recorded out of thirty; the minimum passing grade is 18/30.
Important Information for Students:
The exam syllabus for non-attending students does not differ from that for attending students. The reference bibliography and discussion materials will be made available on the course's myAriel website.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to promptly contact the course instructors.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) must be agreed upon with the course instructors, in accordance with the relevant office.
Oral Exam Details
During the oral examination, we will assess:
- the ability to critically discuss the bibliography presented during lectures by creating a lesson plan of the student's own choice;
- the ability to present to a high school class a passage from Rutilius Namatianus' "De reditu suo", chosen by the Examination Commitee at the time of the examination.
- the ability to understand and present to a high school class a short text, chosen by the Examination Committee at the time of the exam from the works of authors commonly studied in schools.
Among the evaluation criteria, emphasis will be placed on the ability to present Latin texts to an imaginary high school class; the capacity to motivate to study Latin; accuracy in analyzing and discussing the content of topics discussed in class; the appropriateness of critical vocabulary; and the ability to raise and solve didactic problems, even complex ones, from the perspective of teaching a high school class.
The exam can be taken in Italian, English, or Latin. Grades are recorded out of thirty; the minimum passing grade is 18/30.
Important Information for Students:
The exam syllabus for non-attending students does not differ from that for attending students. The reference bibliography and discussion materials will be made available on the course's myAriel website.
International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to promptly contact the course instructors.
Exam arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning disorders (SLD) must be agreed upon with the course instructors, in accordance with the relevant office.
LATI-01/A - Latin Language and Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Gioseffi Massimo, Mori Roberto
Professor(s)