Information updated until 30/06/2026 CODE 118208 ACADEMIC YEAR 2026/2027 CREDITS 6 cfu anno 2 FILOLOGIA E SCIENZE DELL'ANTICHITÀ 11966 (LM-15) - GENOVA SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR L-FIL-LET/08 LANGUAGE Italian TEACHING LOCATION GENOVA SEMESTER 2° Semester OVERVIEW Medieval and Humanistic Philology studies Latin texts and authors that are not usually covered in school curricula. Its field of research spans a period from the 6th century to the first half of the 16th century. Like all philological disciplines, it employs a variety of methods and techniques with the aim of restoring a text to its original form—or forms—and examining the changes it has undergone over time. The discipline therefore places the text at the center of its investigation, focusing on its manuscript tradition, as well as issues related to its authenticity and transmission. AIMS AND CONTENT LEARNING OUTCOMES The course aims to provide students with the tools that allow them to refine their knowledge of history and textual criticism, with specific reference to medieval and humanistic Latin texts, through the explanation and analysis of concrete cases related to particular texts and kinds of text. The aims of the course, more specifically, are the following: develop the ability to analyze and evaluate the tradition of the texts and to relate it to the different historical and cultural contexts in which it has been formed; put the student in contact with criticism, with the methodologies of medieval and humanistic philology, with scientific literature and with the tools of literary and philological research. AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Attendance, active participation in the proposed learning activities, and individual study will enable students to: acquire knowledge of the fundamental principles of philology and, more specifically, of medieval and humanistic Latin philology; learn how to read and analyze the critical apparatus of any scholarly edition; place the texts examined within their proper historical and cultural context; become familiar with the main bibliographical tools that support the preparation of a critical edition; develop an adequate command of philological terminology. Expected Learning Outcomes By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid understanding of the principal theoretical and methodological foundations of medieval and humanistic philology. They will be able to identify issues related to textual reliability and the history of textual transmission, will be familiar with the specialized vocabulary of textual criticism, and will be capable of consulting and interpreting a critical edition, including its critical apparatus. PREREQUISITES Knowledge of Classical and Medieval Latin language and literature; a good knowledge of Italian literature of the Middle Ages and the Humanist period. TEACHING METHODS The course is delivered exclusively in person and consists of lectures given by the instructors, as well as practical exercises involving student participation. Although attendance is not compulsory, it is strongly recommended. Seminar-style sessions led by subject specialists may also be organized. Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD/DSA) can find information on requesting support services, compensatory tools, accommodations, and specific aids in the document available at: University of Genoa – Disability and DSA Services For students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLD), information regarding the request for support services, compensatory measures, accommodations, and specialized aids is available through the link above. SYLLABUS/CONTENT During the course, the following topics will be addressed: the form and development of the codex and the printed book; Latin in the Middle Ages and the Humanist period, and its relationship with the vernacular; and the preparation of critical editions of medieval and humanistic texts. The course will be divided into two sections: (a) taught by C. Fossati (20 hours); and (b) taught by D. Losappio (20 hours). a) An overview of the history of medieval and humanistic philology; presentation of the principal philological methods applied to the analysis and study of medieval and humanistic Latin works, through the examination of case studies and focused monographic investigations. b) The critical edition of medieval and humanistic commentaries. General methodological issues will be presented, followed by discussion of specific cases, including the commentaries on the Poetria nova by Geoffrey of Vinsauf, the Brevis introductio ad dictamen by Giovanni di Bonandrea, and the Rhetorica ad Herennium. Particular attention will be devoted to the textual tradition of these works and to the resolution of especially significant textual problems. RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY a) Prof. Fossati’s Section G. Pasquali, Storia della tradizione e critica del testo, Firenze 1988 (rist). P. Chiesa, Venticinque lezioni di filologia mediolatina, Firenze 2016 Additional materials will be distributed during class. Students who do not attend classes are required to contact the instructor. b) Prof. Losappio’s Section Guizzardo da Bologna, Recollecte super Poetria magistri Gualfredi, Fiorini, Verona 2013; D. Losappio, Un nuovo testimone (frammentario) del commento di Guizzardo da Bologna alla Poetria nova, «Spolia», n.s., 6/1 (2020), pp. 110-128; D. Losappio, Il commento di Bartolomeo da San Concordio alla Poetria nova: alcuni appunti, in Le poetriae del medioevo latino: modelli, fortuna, commenti, a cura di G.C. Alessio – D. Losappio, Edizioni Ca' Foscari, Venezia 2018, pp. 129-163; D. Losappio, Sul commento alla Rhetorica ad Herennium del Codice Sforza, «Rhetorica», 34 (2016), pp. 55-77; D. Losappio – C. Zennaro, L’esegesi della Brevis introductio ad dictamen di Giovanni di Bonandrea e l’insegnamento della retorica a Bologna, «Medioevo e Rinascimento», 36 (2022), pp. 17-33; Slides and additional bibliographical materials provided during the course. Students who do not attend classes are required to contact the professors. TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD CLARA FOSSATI Ricevimento: The lecturer is available any day by appointment, to be arranged via email (clara.fossati@unige.it), at DAFIST, Via Balbi 4, second floor. DOMENICO LOSAPPIO Ricevimento: By appointment to be fixed by e-mail (please write to: domenico.losappio@unige.it). LESSONS LESSONS START The course will begin during the week of 15 February 2027, according to the official timetable. The timetable for this course can be consulted on the EasyAcademy Portal. Class schedule The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy EXAMS EXAM DESCRIPTION The examination is conducted in the form of an oral exam. ASSESSMENT METHODS Learning assessment takes the form of an oral interview, during which clarity of presentation, correct use of technical terminology, and the ability to structure a coherent argument will be evaluated. The exam includes questions on both the general (institutional) part and the monographic section. To pass the exam, students are required to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of textual criticism, the ability to interpret the critical apparatus, and the capacity to identify and discuss textual problems. FURTHER INFORMATION Students who do not attend classes are required to contact the professors.
