Information updated until 30/06/2026 CODE 121438 ACADEMIC YEAR 2026/2027 CREDITS 9 cfu anno 1 SCIENZE STORICHE 11915 (LM-84 R) - GENOVA SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR STAN-01/B LANGUAGE Italian TEACHING LOCATION GENOVA SEMESTER 2° Semester OVERVIEW The course aims to provide a critical introduction to selected research topics in Roman History through the collective reading of a major literary source and the exploration of wider theoretical and historiographical issues. Adopting a seminar-based format, the course actively involves students in the discussion of texts and historical problems, and in the development of an independent research project. AIMS AND CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES The course aims to provide a critical introduction to selected research topics in Roman history, through the reading of ancient sources and the exploration of general theoretical and historiographical issues. The seminar-style course focuses on three thematic areas: the history of Roman historiography (Latin and Greek), through the detailed analysis of an ancient text; recent developments in the study of Roman history, with particular attention to comparisons with themes and methodologies drawn from other disciplines; and modern historiography on ancient Rome, through the discussion of debates on major historical issues. AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES The course aims to promote: knowledge of the main lines of development of ancient Roman historiography, both in Latin and Greek contexts, through reflection on the genres and production contexts of historical works, as well as their cultural and political presuppositions; the ability to critically analyze an ancient historiographical text through direct reading of the sources (in translation and, where possible, in the original language), recognizing their narrative strategies, ideological aims, conceptual categories, and limitations as historical documents; awareness of the main theoretical and methodological issues in Roman history, understanding the role of historiography as a construction of the past and developing the ability to critically evaluate the use of sources and interpretative models; knowledge of the most recent developments in research on Roman history, with particular attention to the integration of approaches and tools from other disciplines; familiarity with the main debates in modern historiography on ancient Rome, identifying major historical issues (such as imperialism, identity, power, the crisis of the Republic, continuity and transformations of the Empire) and the different interpretative approaches proposed by scholars; the ability to engage in critical discussion and historical debate through seminar-based exchange, active participation in discussions, and the independent development of reflections based on ancient sources and modern scholarship, refining communication skills and advanced historical analysis. PREREQUISITES The course requires a basic knowledge of Roman history, as outlined in the learning objectives of the Roman History courses in the Bachelor’s degree programme. Students who have not acquired the necessary competencies during their undergraduate studies are invited to contact the lecturer at federico.santangelo@unige.it. Knowledge of Latin is not required. TEACHING METHODS 30 classes of two hours each. The course has a strongly seminar-based structure and involves the active participation of students both in collective discussion sessions and in individual presentations. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. Students who attend classes in person will be considered as attending students. Students unable to attend must contact the lecturer to agree on an alternative syllabus. Classes will not be recorded, given the seminar nature of the course. SYLLABUS/CONTENT The course will be organized around three thematic areas: 1. Reading of Sallust's The War of Catiline (Bellum Catilinae) (40 hours), through the study of the main historical and literary issues raised by the text and the engagement with related aspects of the ancient tradition on the late Roman Republic. A translation of the text will be made available on AulaWeb and discussed in class; however, students are advised to purchase a modern edition of the work. The following editions are especially recommended: Sallustio, La guerra di Catilina, edited by L. Fezzi, with the Latin text facing the translation, Venice, 2025; Sallustio, La congiura di Catilina, edited by G. Brescia, translated by L. Piazzi, Siena, 2006; Sallust. Bellum Catilinae, edited by A. J. Woodman, Cambridge, 2026 (without translation, but with extensive literary and historical commentary). 2. Current developments in the study of Roman history (10 hours): discussion of recent research, with particular attention to the dialogue between Roman History and other disciplines, and to the role of the subject in public discourse. 3. Modern historiography on Ancient Rome (10 hours): discussion of authors and topics of special importance in the historiographical debate on ancient Rome. The bibliography on each topic will be made available on AulaWeb, normally one week before the relevant class discussion. RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY A translation of The War of Catiline will be made available on AulaWeb and discussed in class; however, students are advised to purchase a modern edition of the work. The following are particularly recommended: Sallust, The War of Catiline, edited by L. Fezzi, with facing Latin text, Venice 2025; Sallust, The Conspiracy of Catiline, edited by G. Brescia, trans. L. Piazzi, Siena 2006; Sallust, Bellum Catilinae, ed. A. J. Woodman, Cambridge 2026 (without translation, but with a rich literary and historical commentary). The bibliography for each topic will be made available on AulaWeb, usually one week in advance of the class discussion. TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD FEDERICO SANTANGELO Ricevimento: By appointment. In person or on Teams. LESSONS LESSONS START Monday 22 February 2027. Class schedule The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy EXAMS EXAM DESCRIPTION All students enrolled on the course, whether they are attending classes or not, are invited to register on AulaWeb, which will serve as an essential support platform throughout the module. Students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties (SLD) may consult the guidelines for requesting services, compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures and specific aids at the following link: 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%202024.pdf. ASSESSMENT METHODS ASSESSMENT The written assignment consists of an essay, approximately 25,000 characters in length, on a topic agreed upon with the module convenor and related to the themes discussed in class. Its purpose is to assess the student's development of a sound research methodology and their ability to independently investigate a specific historical or historiographical issue. The oral examination assesses whether the learning objectives of the course have been achieved. Excellent grades (30L–30) will be awarded to students who demonstrate strong critical and analytical skills, a remarkable ability to connect the main themes of the course, and a fully appropriate command of the discipline's specific terminology. Grades between 29 and 27 will be awarded to students with solid critical skills and depth of knowledge, capable of drawing effective connections between the topics covered and of expressing themselves with appropriate disciplinary language. Grades between 26 and 24 will be assigned to students who show sound analytical ability and capacity to connect the content covered, along with correct use of the subject-specific language. Grades between 23 and 21 will correspond to a predominantly mnemonic level of preparation, with only partially developed critical thinking and connective skills, but with generally adequate use of disciplinary language. Grades between 20 and 18 will be awarded to students who possess essential knowledge, albeit with some gaps, and who do not always use language appropriate to the disciplinary context. Grades of 17 and below will reflect difficulty in understanding and organising the subject matter of the examination, significant gaps in preparation, and inappropriate use of subject-specific terminology. FURTHER INFORMATION All students enrolled on the course, whether they are attending classes or not, are invited to register on Aulaweb, which will serve as an essential support platform throughout the module. Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD) may consult the guidelines for requesting services, compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures and specific aids at the following link: 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%202024.pdf.
