OVERVIEW

The purpose of this course is to expose students to a selection of myth of the Greco-Roman world, focusing on their presence in the Latin literary sources and their reception in modern figurative arts.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims at providing students with an overall knowledge of Roman literature and culture. At the end of this course, students will be able to recognise the recurring motifs of Greco-Roman mythology and their reception in the European culture as well as in modern figurative arts.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

• interpret literary Latin texts;

• assess the peculiar features of the main themes of Roman literature;

• read the prduction of the major Roman authors against the cultural background of their time;

• identify the reception of themes of Latin literature in the modern European culture.

PREREQUISITES

A good knowledge of Italian language, allowing to read and interpret poetic texts, is required

TEACHING METHODS

Classes are held in presence. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. No remote learning is available for this course.

Participation in class is highly recommended; students are encouraged to sign up to the AulaWeb webpage of the course, where all material and information will be shared throughout the term.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1: History of Latin literature: students will be prepared on the history of Latin literature, from the archaic epoch through the 5th century C.E. The oral exam will consist in questions on the biographies of the major Roman authors, on the evolution of literary genres, and on the major works of the literary history of ancient Rome.

2: Hybris and its punishments: students will read and analise the ancient sources on the myths of the Giants, Icarus, Marsyas, Arachnes, Phaeton 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1: History of Latin literature: Recommended textbook: G.B. Conte, Profilo storico della Letteratura Latina, Mondadori Education.

2: Myths of hybris: all texts will be uploaded on Aulaweb during the semester

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

BIAGIO SANTORELLI (President)

DILETTA VIGNOLA

ALICE BONANDINI (President Substitute)

LISA LONGONI (Substitute)

LARA NICOLINI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Thursday, September 29, 2022, 10:00 AM.

Class schedule

MYTHOLOGICAL THEMES IN LATIN LITERATURE

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will consist in a written test, to be followed by an oral exam. The written test will require students to answer questions on the history of Latin literature, focusing on the life and works of some of the major Latin authors, their literary genre, their historical and cultural context. Students who meet the minimum grade of 18/30 will take the oral exam, in which they will be required to discuss and interpret a selection of passages from the course reading list.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Grading scale:

• 30 cum laude - 28: The student will be able to answer questions on history of Latin literature and discuss accurately the suggested texts;

• 27 - 23: The student will show an overall knowledge of the history of the Latin literature and of the selected texts, with some flaws that will not prejudice their correct interpretation.

• 22 - 18: The student will show a partial understanding of the texts and their literary context.

• Fail: The student who will misinterpret the texts, o will not be able to answer questions of history of literature, will not pass the exam.

Exam schedule