Learning outcomes

the aim of the course is to give an overview of the fundamental problems regarding the literary genres and the canon of Latin literature. In particular, some relevant poetic and prose works will be surveyed during the course. Through the scrutiny of these writings, the basic elements of linguistic, historical and literary analysis will be provided.

Program

Prerequisites: basic knowledge of the Latin language. Satisfactory knowledge of Latin morphology and of Latin grammar and comprehension of basic lexicon will be considered as prerequisites for the course and will be tested during the final exam. It is strongly recommended to attend the Latin tutorials and/or to take the related exam (it provides 3 credits of sector f) before attending this course.

Content: periodization and history of the literary genres; reading, translation and linguistic, historical and literary commentary of M. Fabius Quintilianus, Institutio oratoria, X 1, and of Cicero’s Brutus.

Reference works: A. Cavarzere-A. De Vivo-P. Mastandrea, Letteratura latina. Una sintesi storica, Roma, Carocci, new edition 2015; Marco Fabio Quintiliano, La formazione dell’oratore. Volume III, a cura di C.M. Calcante, Milano, Rizzoli (BUR), 1997; Cicerone, Brutus. Introduzione, traduzione e note di E. Narducci, Milano, Rizzoli (BUR), 1995 or, alternatively, Cicerone, Bruto, a cura di R.R. Marchese, Roma, Carocci, 2011; A. Traina-G. Bernardi Perini, Propedeutica al latino universitario, Bologna, Pàtron, 19986 (or subsequent editions): chapters I-III.

Didactic methods: lectures.

Examination Methods