OVERVIEW

This course offers a survey of the evolution of Latin languages through the ages, from the earliest epigraphic texts handed down to us, up to the prose texts of the Imperial age.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will learn how to assess the linguistic features of a Latin texts, with an eye to the evolution of the language in texts belongin to different ages and literary genres.

PREREQUISITES

All texts will be read in Latin: it is mandatory a good knowledge of Latin grammar.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be based on readings, translations and analysis of a selection of Latin texts from different epochs and genres.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This course will focus on four specific aspects of Latin language. We will start with epigraphic texts of the archaic age; then we will move to a selection of passages from one of Terence's comedies; we will then study some chapters of Petronius' Satyricon, with special attention to the traces of colloquial language; eventually, a book from Lucretius' De rerum natura will be studied as a sample of Latin poetry preserving features of archaic language, while one of the Major declamations falsely ascribed to Quintilian will offer a sample of the literary Latin language of the post-classic age.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for 9 CFU:

1. Textbook: I. Mazzini, Storia della lingua latina e del suo contesto. Vol. 1: Linguistica e lingua letteraria, Roma: Salerno Editrice 2007 (ISBN: 9788884025982). 

2. Epigraphic texts: all texts will be shared in class by the instructor.

3. Terence: Phormio. Recommended edition: G. Zanetto, Terenzio: Formione, Milano 1991 (ISBN: 9788817168359); any other edition is acceptable.

4.Petronius: Satyricon, chapters 41-48. Recommended edition, with Italian translation: Petronio Arbitro. Satyricon, a cura di A. Aragosti, Milano: BUR 1995  (ISBN: 9788817067041); any other edition is acceptable.

5. Lucretius: De rerum natura, book II. Recommended edition, with Italian translation: Lucrezio. La natura delle cose, Milano: BUR 1994 (9788817169547); any other edition is acceptable.

6. Pseudo-Quintilian: Major Declamation 1 (Paries Palmatus). Recommended edition, with Italian translation and commentary: B.Santorelli – A. Stramaglia, [Quintiliano]. Il muro con le impronte di una mano (Declamazioni maggiori, 1), Cassino: Edizioni Università di Cassino 2017 (ISBN: 9788883171000); any other edition is acceptable.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

BIAGIO SANTORELLI (President)

DILETTA VIGNOLA

GABRIELLA MORETTI (Substitute)

LARA NICOLINI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 17, 2020.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The student will be required to translate, analyse and comment on a selection of passages drawn from the readings listed in this syllabus, one per category (epigraphies; Terence; Petronius; Pompeian inscriptions; Ps.-Quintilian). The ability to translate from Latin is a mandatory requisite to pass the exam; the student will be then required to analise the linguistic peculiarities of the selected texts.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Grading scale:

• 30 cum laude - 28: The student will be able to translate and discuss accurately the texts and outline their linguistic features;

• 27 - 23: The student will show an overall knowledge of the selected texts, with some flaws that will not prejudice their correct interpretation.

• 22 - 18: The student will show a partial understanding of the texts and their language.

• Fail: The student who will misinterpret or not be able to translate the texts will not pass the exam.