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 course will be conducted in person through traditional lectures, during which the topics included in the syllabus will be explained. Readings of Medieval and Humanistic Latin texts will also be carried out, accompanied by Italian translations and commentary. During the course, external experts may be invited to deliver lectures on specific topics. Students will also be required to give short presentations—either individually or in groups—on subjects agreed upon with the instructor. Regular attendance, active participation in class activities, and consistent individual study will enable students to achieve the intended learning objectives. Students who are unable to attend classes are kindly requested to contact the instructor in order to arrange an alternative study plan.

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

Exam Evaluation

During the exam, the student’s actual acquisition of knowledge will be assessed based both on individual study and on the content presented during lectures. The final grade, expressed out of 30, will be communicated immediately after the exam.

The assessment aims to evaluate the student’s knowledge and skills in the specific field of study. The exam will therefore assess:

• Knowledge of the history of medieval and humanistic Latin literature and its historical-cultural development from the 6th to the 15th century (up to 15/30);
• Ability to elaborate on the course content, make connections between the topics covered, and use appropriate Italian (up to 10/30);
• Competence in applying the methodologies acquired (historical-philological; textual criticism) and in using the discipline’s specific terminology effectively and consciously (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.

For students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD): Students with disabilities or SLDs are reminded that, in order to request exam accommodations, they must first upload their certification on the University website at servizionline.unige.it in the “Studenti” section. The documentation will be verified by the University’s Office for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and SLD (link to office).

After this step, and at least 10 days before the exam date, students must email the instructor responsible for the exam, copying both the School Inclusion Representative (Prof. Elisabetta Colagrossi: elisabetta.colagrossi@unige.it) and the aforementioned Inclusion Office.

The email must include:

• the course title
• the exam date
• the student’s surname, first name, and student ID number
• the compensatory tools and dispensatory measures considered useful and being requested

The Inclusion Representative will confirm to the instructor whether the student is entitled to accommodations and that such accommodations must be arranged with the instructor. The instructor will then respond, confirming whether the requested accommodations can be granted.

Important: Requests must be sent at least 10 days before the exam date to allow the instructor enough time to assess them. In particular, if students intend to use concept maps during the exam (which must be significantly more concise than those used for study purposes), late submissions may not leave sufficient time for necessary revisions. For more information on requesting services and accommodations, consult the following document: Guidelines for requesting services, compensatory tools, and dispensatory measures – May 2024 (PDF)