OVERVIEW

The study of Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature concerns works written in the Latin language between the 6th and the 16th centuries. The course will highlight both the continuity and the transformation of the classical tradition within the European cultural context through an in-depth examination of the principal literary genres, authors, and cultural movements of the Latin Middle Ages and Humanism. Through the reading and commentary of texts in their original language, students will acquire methodological and critical tools to understand the evolution of Latin as a language of culture, science, and intellectual communication. The course will also address topics such as the transmission of texts, the rise of universities, monastic literary production, the rediscovery of ancient authors, and the role of humanists in shaping modern culture.

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 an in-depth analysis of the distinctive features of Medieval and Humanistic Latin literature, with particular attention to the cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts that shaped its development. Through a selection of targeted readings, the course is designed to guide students in identifying and studying significant authors, texts, and literary genres, with specific focus on historiographical production, which represents a crucial field for understanding the transmission and construction of historical memory during the period.

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the history of Latin literature from the 6th to the 15th century and of the evolution of historiographical forms in the transition from classical antiquity to the Middle Ages and Humanism; establish connections between authors, works, and literary genres; discuss the topics covered using the specific terminology of the discipline accurately and appropriately; develop stronger interpersonal skills through a collaborative attitude and constructive communication; demonstrate coordination and negotiation skills; achieve greater autonomy in their work; and effectively manage primary literature and source materials.

PREREQUISITES

To engage successfully with the course program, students intending to enroll are expected to have a knowledge of medieval history and at least a basic familiarity with the Latin language and literature. Naturally, the same prerequisites are required for non-attending students as well.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching activities will take place in person through lectures in which the topics included in the syllabus will be explained and readings of Medieval and Humanistic Latin texts will be carried out, accompanied by Italian translation and commentary. During the course, external specialists may be invited to deliver lectures on specific topics. Students will also be asked to give short presentations in class, either individually or in groups, on subjects agreed upon with the lecturer. Regular attendance, active participation in class, and independent study will enable students to achieve the intended learning objectives. The lecturer does not provide distance-learning tools beyond those established by the University in the event of emergency measures.

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

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Program for Students Taking the Course for 6 CFU

During the course, several fundamental themes of Medieval Latin literature from the 6th to the 14th century will be examined, together with its principal genres, authors, and works. The course will therefore include selected readings, analyses, and commentaries on historiographical and theatrical texts from the Middle Ages and Humanism. Particular attention will be devoted to the historiographical genre through a series of readings of texts accompanied by Italian translation and continuous commentary.

Program for Students Taking the Course for 9 CFU

During the course, several fundamental themes of Medieval Latin literature from the 6th to the 14th century will be examined, together with its principal genres, authors, and works. The course will therefore include selected readings, analyses, and commentaries on historiographical and theatrical texts from the Middle Ages and Humanism. Particular attention will be devoted to the historiographical genre through a series of readings of texts accompanied by Italian translation and continuous commentary. In addition, students will undertake further in-depth study of an author, a work, or a critical reading related to the course program.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for Students Taking the Course for 6 CFU

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

E. D’angelo, Letteratura latina medievale. Una storia per generi, Roma, Viella 2009 (la docente fornirà un elenco di autori)

G. Cappelli, L’Umanesimo italiano da Petrarca a Valla, Roma, Carocci 2010 (la docente fornirà un elenco di autori)

B. Smalley, Storici nel Medioevo, Napoli, Liguori 2012.

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milano, Mondadori 2007 (rist.) [testo obbligatorio solo per non frequentanti]

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.

B. Smalley, Storici nel Medioevo, Napoli, Liguori 2012.

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milano, Mondadori 2007 (rist.) [testo obbligatorio solo per non frequentanti]

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

Bibliography for Students Taking the Course for 9 CFU

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

E. D’angelo, Letteratura latina medievale. Una storia per generi, Roma, Viella 2009 (la docente fornirà un elenco di autori).

G. Cappelli, L’Umanesimo italiano da Petrarca a Valla, Roma, Carocci 2010 (la docente fornirà un elenco di autori).

B. Smalley, Storici nel Medioevo, Napoli, Liguori 2012.

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milano, Mondadori 2007 (rist.) [testo obbligatorio solo per non frequentanti]

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.

B. Smalley, Storici nel Medioevo, Napoli, Liguori 2012.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will begin during the week of 15 September 2026.

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 the knowledge and skills by students will be assessed, both on the basis of independent study and through engagement with the topics covered in class. The evaluation of learning aims to verify knowledge and competencies in the specific field of study.The oral 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, with particular reference to the forms of performance and theatre in their historical and cultural evolution (up to 15/30); the ability to rework the course content and establish connections between the topics covered (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).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Non-attending students are invited to contact the lecturer