OVERVIEW

The purpose of this course is to expose students to a selection of myth of the Greco-Roman world, focusing on their presence in the Latin literary sources and their reception in modern figurative arts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing students with an overall knowledge of Roman literature and culture. At the end of this course, students will be able to recognise the recurring motifs of Greco-Roman mythology and their reception in the European culture as well as in modern figurative arts.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• interpret literary Latin texts;

• assess the peculiar features of the main themes of Roman literature;

• read the prduction of the major Roman authors against the cultural background of their time;

• identify the reception of themes of Latin literature in the modern European culture.

PREREQUISITES

A good knowledge of Italian language, allowing to read and interpret poetic texts, is required

TEACHING METHODS

The lectures will focus on the discussion and critical analysis of the reading list; attention will be devoted to the reception of ancient myths in modern arts.

If allowed by the COVID-related situation, class will be held in person and online via Microsoft Teams simultaneously; the access code will be published here in due time.

Participation in class is highly recommended; students are encouraged to sign up to the AulaWeb webpage of the course, where all material and information will be shared throughout the term.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1: History of Latin literature: students will be prepared on the history of Latin literature, from the archaic epoch through the 5th century C.E. The oral exam will consist in questions on the biographies of the major Roman authors, on the evolution of literary genres, and on the major works of the literary history of ancient Rome.

2: Virgil, Aeneid: students will read and analise Virgil's Aeneid in its entirety.

3: Dido: students will read a selection of texts focused on the character of Dido. The specific texts will be chosen based on the students' curriculum: please reach out to the instructor about this part of the syllabus.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1: History of Latin literature: Recommended textbook: G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della Letteratura Latina, Mondadori Education.

2: Virgil's Aeneid: any published translation of the Aeneid is acceptable.

3: Dido: all texts will be uploaded on Aulaweb during the semester.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

BIAGIO SANTORELLI (President)

DILETTA VIGNOLA

ALICE BONANDINI (President Substitute)

GABRIELLA MORETTI (Substitute)

LARA NICOLINI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Tuesday, September 28, 2021, 9:00 AM.

Class schedule

MYTHOLOGICAL THEMES IN LATIN LITERATURE

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will be oral. Students will be required, first of all, to answer questions on the history of Latin literature, discussing the life and works of some of the major Latin authors. Additionally, students will be required to discuss and interpret a selection of passages from the course reading list.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Grading scale:

• 30 cum laude - 28: The student will be able to answer questions on history of Latin literature and discuss accurately the suggested texts;

• 27 - 23: The student will show an overall knowledge of the history of the Latin literature and 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 literary context.

• Fail: The student who will misinterpret the texts, o will not be able to answer questions of history of literature, will not pass the exam.

Exam schedule