AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide an in-depth examination of specific themes in medieval and humanistic Latin literature, as well as anthological readings of texts (with Italian translations opposite) and related commentary. In accordance with the educational objectives of the Degree Course in which the teaching is integrated, special attention will be paid to the evolution of the formal and content characteristics of some Middle Latin and humanistic literary genres of particular interest to students.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Objectives

The course aims to provide students with a solid foundational knowledge of Medieval and Humanistic Latin literature, along with the historical and methodological tools essential for the study of textual transmission. Special emphasis will be placed on the philological approach, regarded as a fundamental element for the analysis of the methods and purposes of the critical reconstruction of Latin texts produced during the Middle Ages and the Humanist period. The course also seeks to highlight the connections between Medieval and Humanistic Latin literature and Classical Latin literature, with the goal of identifying thematic, stylistic, and cultural elements of continuity and discontinuity.

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate knowledge of the literary genres of Medieval and Humanistic Latin literature; understand the forms and methods of textual transmission; place texts within their proper historical and cultural context; critically analyze and interpret Latin literary texts from the Middle Ages and the Humanist period; use the concepts and terminology of philological discourse in a precise and informed manner; develop greater competence in managing social interactions with a collaborative attitude and constructive communication; demonstrate abilities in coordination and negotiation; achieve autonomy in their work and effectively manage primary literature and source materials.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching activities will be conducted through in-person lectures during which the topics of the course will be explained. These will include readings of Medieval Latin and Humanist texts, accompanied by Italian translations and commentary. During the course, external experts may be invited to give lectures on specific topics. Students will also be asked to individually present short reports in class on topics agreed upon with the instructor.

This type of activity will enable students to acquire the following skills: enhanced ability to manage social interactions with a collaborative attitude; the development of constructive communication; the ability to coordinate and negotiate with the instructor; and the achievement of independent work skills.

Regular attendance, active participation in lectures, and individual study will allow students to achieve the course objectives. Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Non-attending students are invited to contact the instructor to agree on an alternative study program.

For Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or with SLDs are reminded that, in order to request accommodations for exams, they must first upload the relevant certification on the university's website at servizionline.unige.it under the "Studenti" section. The documentation will be verified by the University’s Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLDs (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111).

Subsequently, at least 10 days prior to the exam date, students must send an email to the instructor with whom they will take the exam. The email must include the School Inclusion Representative for students with disabilities and SLDs (Prof. Elisabetta Colagrossi: elisabetta.colagrossi@unige.it) and the aforementioned University Office in cc.

The email must specify:

• The course title

• The exam date

• The student’s full name and student ID number

• The requested compensatory tools and dispensatory measures deemed necessary.

The School Inclusion Representative will confirm to the instructor that the student is entitled to request accommodations and that these must be agreed upon with the instructor. The instructor will then reply indicating whether the requested accommodations can be applied.

Requests must be submitted at least 10 days before the exam date to allow the instructor time to review them. In particular, if the student intends to use concept maps during the exam (which must be significantly more concise than those used for study purposes), failure to submit them on time may prevent technical adjustments from being made.

For further information on requesting services and accommodations, please refer to the guidelines document:
https://unige.it/sites/unige.it/files/2024-05/Linee%20guida%20per%20la%20richiesta%20di%20servizi%2C%20di%20strumenti%20compensativi%20e_o%20di%20misure%20dispensative%20e%20di%20ausili%20specifici%20Maggio%2020

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Presentation of the history of Latin literature from the Middle Ages and the Humanist period (6th–15th century); analysis of the main literary genres; characteristics, principles, and methods of philology and textual criticism as applied to Latin works from the medieval and humanist eras; the reception of classical authors in the Middle Ages and the Humanist period; techniques and purposes of medieval commentaries on classical texts; literature from the Pre-Humanist period to Humanism; Humanists and the rediscovery of comic theatre in the 15th century.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students who have not previously taken an exam in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature must study:

• E. D’Angelo, Letteratura latina medievale. Una storia per generi, Rome, Viella, 2009 (a list of authors will be provided by the lecturer)
• G. Cappelli, L’Umanesimo italiano da Petrarca a Valla, Rome, Carocci, 2010 (a list of authors will be provided by the lecturer)
• P. Chiesa, Venticinque lezioni di filologia mediolatina, Florence, SISMEL–Edizioni del Galluzzo, 2016
• J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milan, Mondadori, 2007 (reprint) [mandatory only for non-attending students]

Students who have previously taken an exam in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature must study:

• Letteratura latina medievale (secoli VI–XV). Un manuale, edited by C. Leonardi, Florence, SISMEL–Edizioni del Galluzzo, 2002
• P. Chiesa, Venticinque lezioni di filologia mediolatina, Florence, SISMEL–Edizioni del Galluzzo, 2016
• J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milan, Mondadori, 2007 (reprint) [mandatory only for non-attending students]

The reading of one text, to be chosen from the following, is required:

Peter Dronke, Medieval Latin and the rise of European love-lyric, vol. I, Oxford, Clarendon Press 1965

A. Stäuble, La commedia umanistica del Quattrocento, Firenze, Istituto nazionale di studi sul Rinascimento 1968. 

G. Pasquali, Storia della tradizione e critica del testo, Firenze, Le Lettere 1988 (rist.), limitatamente ai primi cinque capitoli.

E. R. Curtius, Letteratura europea e MedioEvo latino, Firenze, La Nuova Italia 2002 (rist.).

R.G. Witt, Sulle tracce degli antichi. Padova, Firenze e le origini dell’Umanesimo, Roma, Donzelli 2005.

E. Auerbach, Lingua letteraria e pubblico nella tarda antichità e nel Medioevo, Milano, Feltrinelli 2007 (rist.).

Specific indications on references bibliogaphy will be provided by the professor at the biginning of the lectures.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will begin in the week of February 9, 2026.

Class schedule

The schedule for this course can be found at: Portale EasyAcademy

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Attending Students: Presentation in class (individually or in small groups) and an oral exam: a discussion on the topics covered in the syllabus and in class. The format and timing of the presentation will be arranged during the lessons.

Non-Attending Students:The exam consists of an oral test: a discussion on the topics covered in the syllabus.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the exam, the student’s actual acquisition of knowledge will be assessed based both on individual study and on participation in lectures. The grade, expressed in thirtieths (/30), will be communicated immediately. The evaluation is aimed at verifying the student's knowledge and skills in relation to the specific field of study. The exam will therefore assess the following:

• Knowledge of the history of Medieval and Humanistic Latin literature and its historical and cultural development from the 6th to the 15th century (up to 10/30);

• The ability to process and elaborate on the course content, to make connections between the topics covered, and to use appropriate Italian language (up to 10/30);

• Competence in applying the methodologies acquired (historical-philological and textual-critical), as well as the ability to use the specific disciplinary vocabulary with awareness (up to 5/30);

• The acquisition of soft skills through the individual class presentation, including the ability to manage social interactions with a collaborative attitude, to develop constructive communication, to demonstrate coordination and negotiation skills with the instructor, and to achieve independent work skills (up to 5/30).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Those who are unable to attend classes are required to contact the instructor. Furthermore, for any information regarding the syllabus or exam preparation methods, students are asked to contact only the instructor.