OVERVIEW

The course examines the reception of classical (Latin and Greek) culture and texts in the modern and contemporary periods. In particular, during the 2020-21 course the focus will be on the Fortuna – in humanistic age and in the Renaissance (XV and XVI century) - of the greatest Greek dramatists:Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes.

Students are required to have a good general background and a knowledge of Latin suitable to the needs of the course. A knowledge of Greek is not required (but it is a benefit). 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

In the framework of the theme of tradition and permanence of classical texts and authors during the centuries - from the middle ages to the contemporary period - the course proposes identifying the lines of continuity with the Classical period present in diverse cultural contexts, and highlighting the essential elements and moments of the “Classical heyday”, among which the mechanisms of selection of Greek and Latin texts, the rebirth of Greek culture in the Humanist period, the vitality of mythology in literature and the visual arts, reworking of classical culture in theatre, musicals and cinema as well as its revival in contemporary pop music. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course proposes illustrating the essential phases of the transmission of classical texts from the middle ages to the contemporary period. There will also be analyses of more circumscribed periods (this year the rebirth of Greek culture in the Humanist period will be examined).

Attainment of objectives will be assessed regularly during lectures by asking students questions aimed at getting them to periodically expound and recapitulate the themes tackled.

At the end of the course students will be able to consciously interpret the many-sided reception of classical culture that has developed during the centuries, in particular in the modern and contemporary periods, in the most diverse cultural contexts - literature, theatre, music, figurative arts and the religious dimension - in Italy and in Europe.

TEACHING METHODS

1. Lectures (mainly) with reading, translation and commenting of texts.

2. Seminars organised by students with the coordination of teaching staff.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. La rediscovery of the Greek theatre in the XV and XVI century: analysis of the most relevant features in the reception of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes throughout the literary, philological and didactic works composed by the major humanists.

2. Seminar part: presence of Greek and Latin culture in contemplare popular music.

Note on part 2. The seminar has two phases. In the first phase of (individual) research all students - on the basis of their knowledge - must collect instances of reuse and presence of classical culture (myth, history, literature etc) in contemporary popular music production. In the second (collective) phase, with teaching staff students will examine all the material gathered which will be analysed and ordered by type and archived as a basis for future research or dissertations.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Basic bibliography

- L.D. Reynolds - N.G. Wilson, Copisti e filologi. La tradizione dei classici dall'antichità ai tempi moderni, Padova, Editrice Antenore, 3a ediz., 1987 (only chapters III and IV).

- Further bibliography will be indicated during the course of lessons.

- Texts will be supplied through Aulaweb or xerocopies.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CLAUDIO BEVEGNI (President)

CLARA FOSSATI

VALTER LAPINI (Substitute)

MARGHERITA RUBINO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First term: tuesday, september 22nd 2020 - h. 13-15

Class schedule

TRADITION OF CLASSICAL TEXTS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. Assessment of knowledge gained during the course.
2. Reading and commenting of texts prepared individually.

Exam schedule