OVERVIEW

This course aims to introduce the basic morpho-syntactic elements of the Latin language, using Italian as a starting point and constant reference. It provides an overview of Latin morphology and syntax, as well as essential vocabulary knowledge, also in relation to the evolution of the language and its continuity and discontinuity with Italian. The goal is to enable each student to independently understand a simple Latin text through analysis of its basic grammatical structures and thoughtful reflection on the meaning of frequently used terms and expressions in literary texts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students, who have never studied Latin or who have gaps in this subject, with the tools to face class of Latin Literature scheduled for the second year of the degree program. The course follows a gradual approach, starting with basic notions of Latin as an inflected language and fundamental morphological elements, progressing to the analysis of linguistic structures in a simple text. By the end, students will be able to read Latin texts correctly, effectively use a dictionary, and follow guided translation and analysis of moderately complex texts with ease. Additionally, they will have acquired a basic Latin vocabulary and the foundations of translation methodology.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• recognize the main morpho-syntactic structures and core vocabulary;
• identify the processes of interaction between decoding and re-encoding between the source and target languages;
• understand and translate a simple literary Latin text into Italian using a dictionary;
• independently apply grammatical and exegetical tools in preparation for Latin exams in their further studies.

PREREQUISITES

A good knowledge of the Italian language (written and oral). Basic understanding of Italian grammar.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures; practical workshops, including the use of multimedia tools; exercises on the content covered in class; training in using the dictionary to recognize morpho-syntactic structures and translate correctly.
Exam simulations will be used to help students autonomously apply grammatical and translation rules.

In-person lessons will include regular exercises to immediately review and reinforce new content. Individual work will also be assigned, with possible support from dedicated tutors. Specific operational procedures will be explained at the start of the course.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) will find information on how to request services, compensatory tools, dispensatory measures, and specific support in the document available at the following link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/modulistica

Please note

1. Given the workshop-based nature of the course – relying on in-class exercises to support a gradual and continuous learning process – attendance is strongly recommended and essential. Working students or those with unavoidable commitments preventing in-person attendance must contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to enable remote participation. Class recordings will be made available via Teams.
2. Students enrolled in later years of the Literature program, or students from other degree programs, may attend in-person classes upon written request via email at the beginning of the course. Access will be granted based on classroom capacity. If not possible, students will need to follow via streaming or recordings, under the same active attendance requirements described above.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• A complete overview of the Latin inflectional and morphological system.
• Study of essential Latin syntax elements, crucial for translation activities.
• Basic vocabulary, with attention to significant roots, semantic and lexical fields, including their evolution from Latin to Italian.
• Informed use of core learning tools (textbooks and dictionaries).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ilaria Domenici, Viva vox, Corso di lingua e cultura latina, Pearson

Francesco Lubian – Luigi Salvioni, Latino Zero. Guida all’apprendimento della lingua, Il Mulino, Bologna 2025

Further materials will be made available as a PDF on Aulaweb:

Lara Nicolini – Maria Vincelli, Per gradus. Grammatica, Cedam

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The written exam consists of four parts: A, B, C, and D.

Part A: Italian translation of a short Latin text by a classical author, using a dictionary. Evaluation criteria:

• General comprehension;
• Morpho-syntactic competence;
• Lexical competence and formal accuracy in the Italian rendering.

Part B: Contextualized questions aimed at testing morphological, syntactic, and lexical understanding of key aspects of the proposed passage.

Parts C and D: Sets of decontextualized questions on morphology, syntax, and potentially vocabulary.

Part C: Focused on the first half of the course content; Part D: Focused on the second half.

Part C may be tested mid-course in a dedicated exam on covered topics. The result will count proportionally toward the final grade.

Students taking Part C mid-course may choose between two options for the final exam:

• Complete only Parts A, B, and D — the previously obtained grade for Part C will be included.
• Retake Part C along with the rest — the higher score between the two Part C attempts will be counted.

During the course, sample questions will be regularly provided to familiarize students with the final exam format and assessment criteria.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Part A evaluates the student’s ability to independently apply grammatical and exegetical tools and identify decoding/re-encoding processes between languages. This also partially reflects the specific learning objectives of the course.

Parts B, C, and D consist of structured questions assessing recognition of core morpho-syntactic structures and vocabulary.