Textual Transmission of Greek Literature
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course is articulated in two parts. The first one aims to give the students the technical tools, which allow them to study Greek manuscripts. The second one focuses upon a case study, thanks to which the students will understand the dynamics of textual transmission of Greek texts from the Antiquity to the Renaissance.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: at the end of the course the student must have a complete knowledge of the main steps of the textual history of Greek texts from the Antiquity to the Renaissance.
Skills: at the end of the course the student shall be able to analyze a greek manuscript in all its material aspects, as well as to read, date and locate the writing; further, he/she shall be able to use and understand the apparatuses of modern critical editions of Greek texts.
Skills: at the end of the course the student shall be able to analyze a greek manuscript in all its material aspects, as well as to read, date and locate the writing; further, he/she shall be able to use and understand the apparatuses of modern critical editions of Greek texts.
Lesson period: Second 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
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:
A) Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): elements of Greek paleography.
B) Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): The textual transmission of Isocrates' Corpus.
A) Part A (20 hours, 3 credits): elements of Greek paleography.
B) Part B (20 hours, 3 credits): The textual transmission of Isocrates' Corpus.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of Latin and ancient Greek.
Teaching methods
Knowledge of the main stages of the textual history of Greek texts from Antiquity to the Renaissance will be pursued by means of lectures.
In order to develop the skills, which will allow students to analyse and study Greek manuscripts, the main on-line resources concerning the dissemination of digital images of Greek manuscripts will be used. In addition, a number of lectures and seminars will be held in some libraries in which Greek manuscripts are preserved.
Students are warmly recommended to attend the lectures.
PLEASE NOTE
International students and incoming Erasmus students are advised to contact the course lecturer as soon as possible. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties must be agreed with the lecturer, in consultation with the relevant office.
In order to develop the skills, which will allow students to analyse and study Greek manuscripts, the main on-line resources concerning the dissemination of digital images of Greek manuscripts will be used. In addition, a number of lectures and seminars will be held in some libraries in which Greek manuscripts are preserved.
Students are warmly recommended to attend the lectures.
PLEASE NOTE
International students and incoming Erasmus students are advised to contact the course lecturer as soon as possible. Examination arrangements for students with disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties must be agreed with the lecturer, in consultation with the relevant office.
Teaching Resources
PART A: Students are required to:
(1) Read and study one of the following two textbooks, of their choice:
- D. BIANCONI - E. CRISCI - P. DEGNI, Paleografia greca, Rome, Carocci, 2021.
- L. PERRIA, Graphis. Per una storia della scrittura greca libraria (secoli IV a.C. - XVI d.C.), Rome
Vatican City, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" - Vatican Apostolic Library, 2011.
2) Reading and study of the following text:
- N.G. WILSON, Filologi Bizantini, Italian translation by Giulia Gigante, Naples, Morano editore 1990
(original edition Scholars of Byzantium, London, Duckworth, 1983; a second English edition
with addenda was published in 1996)
(3) Reading and study of the following text:
- N.G. WILSON, Da Bisanzio all'Italia. Gli studi greci nell'umanesimo italiano, revised and updated Italian edition, Alessandria, Edizioni dell'Orso 2000 (original edition, London, Duckworth 1992, second revised edition, London - Oxford - New York - New Delhi - Sydney, Bloomsbury, 2017).
PART B
Bibliographical references will be provided during the course along with additional supplementary materials.
PLEASE NOTE: The syllabus for non-attending students is identical to that for attending students for Part A; for Part B, students are required to read the following essays:
- Studi sulla tradizione del testo di Isocrate, Firenze, Olschki, 2003.
- M. Fassino, La tradizione manoscritta dell'Encomio di Elena e del Plataico di Isocrate.
- M. Vallozza (a cura di), Isocrate. Per una nuova edizione critica, Firenze, Olschki, 2017.
(1) Read and study one of the following two textbooks, of their choice:
- D. BIANCONI - E. CRISCI - P. DEGNI, Paleografia greca, Rome, Carocci, 2021.
- L. PERRIA, Graphis. Per una storia della scrittura greca libraria (secoli IV a.C. - XVI d.C.), Rome
Vatican City, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" - Vatican Apostolic Library, 2011.
2) Reading and study of the following text:
- N.G. WILSON, Filologi Bizantini, Italian translation by Giulia Gigante, Naples, Morano editore 1990
(original edition Scholars of Byzantium, London, Duckworth, 1983; a second English edition
with addenda was published in 1996)
(3) Reading and study of the following text:
- N.G. WILSON, Da Bisanzio all'Italia. Gli studi greci nell'umanesimo italiano, revised and updated Italian edition, Alessandria, Edizioni dell'Orso 2000 (original edition, London, Duckworth 1992, second revised edition, London - Oxford - New York - New Delhi - Sydney, Bloomsbury, 2017).
PART B
Bibliographical references will be provided during the course along with additional supplementary materials.
PLEASE NOTE: The syllabus for non-attending students is identical to that for attending students for Part A; for Part B, students are required to read the following essays:
- Studi sulla tradizione del testo di Isocrate, Firenze, Olschki, 2003.
- M. Fassino, La tradizione manoscritta dell'Encomio di Elena e del Plataico di Isocrate.
- M. Vallozza (a cura di), Isocrate. Per una nuova edizione critica, Firenze, Olschki, 2017.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment will consist of an oral examination. The oral examination aims to evaluate the knowledge about the specific topics discussed in section B of the programme, as well as, in general, about the dynamics of the textual transmission of Greek texts. The skills related to the study of Greek manuscripts, their origin and date, will be assessed by first-sight reading of a reproduction of a page of a Greek minuscule manuscript. The knowledge and skills achieved will be evaluated, together with the appropriated use of technical language.
Grades are awarded on a scale of 30, and the minimum mark required to pass the exam is 18.
Grades are awarded on a scale of 30, and the minimum mark required to pass the exam is 18.
HELL-01/B - Greek Language and Literature - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Martinelli Tempesta Stefano
Professor(s)