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

Teaching activities will be carried out through lectures during which the topics included in the syllabus will be explained and readings of Medieval and Humanistic Latin texts will be conducted, with Italian translation and commentary. During the course, external experts may be invited to give lectures on specific topics. Students will also be asked to give short presentations in class individually on topics agreed upon with the lecturer. This type of activity will enable students to acquire the following skills: greater ability to manage social interactions with a collaborative attitude; development of constructive communication; ability to coordinate and negotiate with the lecturer; and achievement of autonomy in their work. Regular attendance, active participation in class, and independent study will enable students to achieve the intended learning outcomes. Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD/DSA) can find information on how to request services, compensatory tools or dispensatory measures, and specific aids in the document available at the following link: University of Genoa – Disability and DSA Services

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

Bibliography for Students Who Have Never Taken an Examination in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature

Students who, in their study path, have never taken an examination in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature must study:

• E. D’angelo, Letteratura latina medievale. Una storia per generi, Roma 2009 (the lecturer will provide a list of authors).
• G. Cappelli, L’Umanesimo italiano da Petrarca a Valla, Roma 2010(the lecturer will provide a list of authors).
• E. R. Curtius, Letteratura europea e MedioEvo latino, Firenze 2002 (rist.). [mandatory only for non-attending students].

Bibliography for Students Who Have Already Taken an Examination in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature

Students who have already taken an examination in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature must instead study:

• Letteratura latina medievale (secoli VI-XV). Un manuale, a cura di C. Leonardi, Firenze, SISMEL-Edizioni del Galluzzo, 2002.
• E. R. Curtius, Letteratura europea e MedioEvo latino, Firenze 2002 (rist.). [mandatory only for non-attending students].

In addition, students are required to read one text of their choice from the following list:

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

  A. Stäuble, La commedia umanistica del Quattrocento, Firenze 1968. 

  J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milano 2007 (rist.)

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

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

Specific indications regarding the reference bibliography will be provided by the lecturer at the beginning of the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will begin during the week of 15 February 2027.

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

The examination is conducted orally

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the examination, the actual acquisition of knowledge and skills by students will be assessed, both on the basis of independent study and through engagement with the topics covered in lectures, with the grade expressed in thirtieths and communicated immediately.

The assessment aims to verify knowledge and competencies in the specific field of study. The exam therefore evaluates:

• knowledge of the history of Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature and its historical-cultural development from the 6th to the 15th century (up to 10/30);
• the ability to rework course content and establish connections between the topics covered, as well as the ability to use appropriate Italian language (up to 10/30);
• competence in applying the acquired methodologies (historical-philological and textual-critical) and in using the specific terminology of the discipline in an informed and appropriate manner (up to 5/30);
• the acquisition of skills related to the in-class individual presentation (ability to manage social interactions with a collaborative attitude; develop constructive communication; demonstrate coordination and negotiation skills with the lecturer; achieve autonomy in work) (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.