Teaching code

4S012612

Teacher

Fatima El Matouni

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

L-FIL-LET/04 - LATIN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Period

CuCi 2 A, CuCi 2 B

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge on the transmission of Latin texts were transmitted in ancient, medieval and humanistic times up to the invention of printing. The teaching thus plans to analyse, with reference to a series of case studies: (a) the modalities of publishing literary texts in ancient times, with a focus on the material aspects of the ancient book and the dissemination of such texts up to the Late Antique period; (b) the formation of the corpora of classical Latin authors and Late Antique editions; (c) the material and cultural factors of preservation and loss of the Latin classics and the formation of the medieval manuscript traditions in the Carolingian period; (c) the development of the transmission of Latin classics from the Middle Ages to the Humanistic period; the consequences of the invention of printing on the manuscript tradition of Latin texts.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Good knowledge of the Latin language. Basic notions of philology.

Program

The course will be divided into an institutional section and a monographic section. The institutional section will deal with:
- the circulation of ancient texts, focusing on manuscripts and the autonomy of each individual witness;
- methods of editing classical Latin texts and the book trade in late antiquity;
- the formation of medieval traditions during the Carolingian era, through selected case studies;
- the history of the main scriptoria and libraries in the medieval period;
- constants and variables in the dissemination of classical Latin works during the Middle Ages, the Humanism period, and the Renaissance, through specific case studies.
The monographic section will deal with:
- the interest in classical Latin texts at Montecassino between the late 11th century and the early 12th century;
The history of the Montecassino library:
- In-depth study of the manuscript traditions of classical Latin authors copied at Montecassino (Tacitus and Apuleius);
- reading the Latin text and translating passages of Tacitus and Apuleius into Italian;
- the humanistic rediscovery of otherwise unknown works preserved at Montecassino.
The professor will provide materials containing portions of critical editions of Latin texts that will be read and translated

Bibliography

Didactic methods

The course will be delivered through traditional lectures. However, there will also be moments in which the instructor, using examples, will explore certain manuscript traditions with the students, demonstrating the main bibliographic tools (such as library catalogs) and digital resources designed for such purposes

Learning assessment procedures

The exam will consist of an oral test (a discussion with the professor) and will reflect the structure of the course, comprising two parts. In the first part, students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the main phases and mechanisms of the dissemination of classical Latin works during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as recall the case studies discussed during the course. The second part will assess in-depth knowledge of the activities of the Montecassino library during the 11th and 12th centuries.
Students must demonstrate familiarity with the manuscript traditions addressed in class and the ability to read Latin texts and translate excerpts from works studied during the course into Italian. Candidates will need to articulate their responses effectively, showing familiarity with philological terminology and the ability to interpret the apparatus of a critical edition.
The exam does not distinguish between attending and non-attending students, and grades will be assigned on a scale of thirt

Evaluation criteria

The evaluation of the exam will be conducted according to the following criteria:
1) in-depth knowledge of the assigned bibliography;
2) clarity and thoroughness in exposition;
3) accuracy in the Italian translation of the assigned texts;
4) familiarity with philological terminology and the ability to interpret the apparatus of a critical edition

Exam language

Italiano