Teaching code

4S01236

Teacher

Paola Cotticelli

Coordinator

Paola Cotticelli

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS

Period

Sem. 1B dal Nov 19, 2018 al Jan 12, 2019.

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning outcomes

The Historical Linguistics describes the manifestations of human language according to a diachronic perspective that is the evolution of linguistic phenomena over time. The course introduces to the study of ancient Indo-European languages, illustrating their discovery, applied methods of investigation, the concepts of language family and linguistic reconstruction, as well as the phenomena of linguistic change on different levels of analysis, exemplified through the formation of phonetic and morphological systems in some of the Indo-European languages, with specific reference to Latin and Greek, and to their reconstructive dimension in protolanguage. Particular attention is also given to Indo-European culture, writing systems, realia, and their reconstruction based on the text analysis.

Expected results
Adequate knowledge of the history and methods of the traditional studies in Comparative Indo-European linguistics.- - Adequate knowledge of the phonetics laws.- The ability to understand and apply the comparative method on the base of the attested languages. - The skill to use the right concepts and a correct scientific terminology when discussing issues of (proto-)language reconstruction, language change, as well as the skill to apply the rules of phonetics laws and morphological structures.

PREREQUISITES
The basic knowledge provided by the course of Introduction to the study of language or an equivalent course.

Program

MAIN TOPICS
Introduction to the study of Indo-European languages
1) Introduction to the study of Indo-European languages and cultures;
2) Culture of ancient Indo-European populations;
3) Phonological system and reconstruction;
4) Nominal and verbal morphological system and reconstruction.

A linguistic family, the Indo-European one, is described in the essential genealogical features and branches, represents a particular topic of this teaching. The course deals with the issues of linguistic reconstruction, of the origin and formation of Indo-European languages on the basis of their phonology, morphology, and reconstruction of their structure for the protolanguage, while the formation of the Indo-European lexicon is illustrated with reference to the topics of Indo-European "culture".
Texts
Old Greek and Mycenean
Old Latin Inscriptions
Vedic Rituals
Hittite

CLASS STRUCTURE
As regards the attending students:
1. Teaching methods consist of lectures in attendance devoted to the transmission of basic notions, key categories and key application tools.
2. Additionally, the TUTORIALS that will be held by a colleague on Monday for a total of 18 hours, based on a calendar that will be defined during the course of the theoretical lessons. The exercises are useful for the implementation of theoretical knowledge and include performing and correcting the classroom exercises that will be the subject of the final written test.

DIDACTIC METHODS / TEACHING
Thanks to the University's e-learning platform, all the audio-visual materials used in the lesson are available as well as slides or materials with numerous empirical data, which are an integral part of the study material for passing the final exam. The e-learning platform involves the implementation of self-assessment tests that will be delivered during the course.
Throughout the academic year, there is also an individual office hour service handled by the course teachers at times shown on the web pages and constantly updated.

Attending students will receive at the first lesson the entire calendar of teaching activities with the dates and topics covered in the lessons provided by the time, the classroom and the indication of the possible suspension for academic reasons of the teacher.

As regards the non-attending students, the teaching methods consist of a teachers' support to an up-to-date handbook study. Any further updates will be made available to the student in good time even by specially crafted alerts.
The contents of the handbooks as well as lessons and exercises held in the classroom are part of the program.
Further teaching material is available on the e-learning platform of the teaching.

Examination Methods

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROOF
For all students (attending or not attending) the assessment of learning outcomes provides:
• The exposition of an in-depth report on a topic of the class;
• The final oral exam on all subjects, including the reports read by the colleagues.
Students will have lessons and reports on the e-learning platform.

The class is a preparation course for a better understanding to the Master class Comparative Grammar of the Indo-European languages.
• check the status of course learning;
• verify the ability to re-elaborate and deepen.

EXAMS
Oral examination, preceded by the presentation of a paper about a word etymology.