Learning outcomes

The course proposes an approach to Latin language and literature through the reading of a sample of original texts, selected in order to support a reflection on literary genres, as well as on cultural features of Roman antiquity; a linguistic, historical and literary analysis of the chosen passages will be integrated by the examination of their cultural context.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of the Latin language.
Students who need to acquire or improve the basic knowledge of phonetics, morphology and Latin syntax required as a prerequisite are requested to attend the “Laboratorio di Latino”.

Expected learning outcomes: at the end of the course students will be able to
-know phonetics, morphology and basic syntax of the Latin language;
-know the essential features of Latin literature, with special regard to literary genres;
-translate and analyze the texts chosen for the course;
-develop autonomous comprehension and interpretation skills, with regard to the cultural and historical-literary context of the chosen passages;
-improve the following communication skills by translating the texts: to practice a metalinguistic reflection; to improve and expand the specialized lexicon of the historical-literary language, as well as the basic Latin vocabulary;
-develop autonomous ability to reflect on the interaction between tradition and innovation in literary genres, as well as in linguistic and cultural heritage.

Program

-Reading and discussion of the following texts: Plautus, Aulularia 713-747; Accius, Brutus, 17-38 W; Lucretius, De rerum natura 1.1-43; Vergil, Aeneis, 1.520-575.
-Introduction to the study of Latin literature: cultural conditions and literary genres (such as palliata and praetexta; epic poem and didactic poem; elegiac poetry).
-Lexical issues (key-words in Latin culture).
-Introduction to Sallustius, Bellum Iugurthinum.
Optional learning activities concerning translation exercises (20 + 20 hours) will support students who need to acquire or improve their ability to translate and analyze the texts chosen for the course.

Texts:
1. A. Cavarzere-A. De Vivo-P. Mastandrea, Letteratura latina. Una sintesi storica, Roma, Carocci, 2003.

2. A. Traina-G. Bernardi Perini, Propedeutica al latino universitario, Bologna, Pàtron, 1998: chapters I-III.

3. Sallustio, La guerra contro Giugurta, traduzione e note di L.Piazzi, introduzione di G.Brescia, Siena 2006 (or G. Crispo Sallustio, La guerra di Giugurta; prefazione, traduzione e note di L.Storoni Mazzolani, Milano 1976): §§ 1-45 e 84-86. Sallustio, Bellum Iugurthinum, a cura di E. Malcovati, Torino, Paravia, 1971.

4. G.Cipriani, Sallustio e l'immaginario. Per una biografia eroica di Giugurta, Bari 1988.

Teaching methods:
Lectures and exercises.

N.B. Non-attending students are requested to contact the teacher in due advance so as to define a specific program.

Examination Methods

The exam consists of an oral test aiming to verify the level of achievement of the learning objectives previously indicated; namely, the acquisition of autonomous skills to read, understand and translate the previously specified Latin texts with special regard to
-the basic knowledge of Latin phonetics, morpho-syntactic and lexical structures;
-the knowledge of the essential features of Latin literature;
-the ability to understand the cultural, historical - literary context of the chosen passages;
-argument skills; wealth and appropriateness of vocabulary.