Learning objectives

The lessons provide an introductory survey of the history of the Greek ancient world, from the Mycenaean age to the Roman conquest, with particular care of geographical and institutional aspects. The lessons light up the role and the development of Greek civilization in the Mediterranean territories. After the course the students should be able to: -have a general overview of the main themes of Greek history; -understand and discuss institutional and political evolution of the Greek people.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Good comprehension and production skills in Italian.

Program

The program includes the study of the history of the Greek world from the flourishing of the Mycenaean civilization to the definitive conquest of the Hellenistic kingdoms by Rome (marked by the Battle of Actium in 31 BC). After an adequate introduction to the sources and methods for the study of Greek history, the following broad topics will be covered: the Mycenaean civilization in the Aegean context of the second millennium; the Dark Ages; the Archaic Age and the formation of the polis; the federal state as an alternative to the polis; the fifth century and the Sparta-Athens rivalry; the fourth century and the crisis of the polis; Philip II and Alexander the Great; the flourishing and decline of the Hellenistic kingdoms. In-depth studies will also be conducted on aspects of Greek social and cultural life, with particular attention to the situation of Sparta and Athens. Textbook currently in use: M. Bettalli - A.-L. D'Agata - A. Magnetto, Storia greca, Carocci, Rome 2013 (or new edition 2021).

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Lectures, supported by multimedia tools (PowerPoint presentations, videos, etc.), will be complemented by opportunities for reflection and discussion with students.
The use of artificial intelligence tools is not envisaged.

Learning assessment procedures

At the end of the course, students will be given a written exam, with both closed-ended and open-ended questions. The questions will cover all topics in the textbook and additional materials (excerpts from ancient authors and short articles/essays by contemporary authors) on aspects of social and cultural life uploaded by the instructor to the Moodle platform at the beginning of the course. The exam will be identical for both attending and non-attending students. Grades will be expressed out of 30.

Evaluation criteria

The written exam will assess the candidate's knowledge of the political, social, and cultural history of the Greek world, as well as their ability to critically analyze and present various topics.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade will be determined by the outcome of the written test and expressed in thirtieths.

Exam language

Italiano. In alternativa, inglese o spagnolo per studenti Erasmus. Italian. Alternatively, English or Spanish for Erasmus students.