LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course will survey the evolution of the art of persuasion at Rome, from the earliest exposition of the Roman culture to the teaching of the Greco-Hellenistic tradition, up to the evolution of Latin rhetoric in the Roman imperial age. Students will familiarize with the theoretical foundations of classical rhetoric by means of a close reading of some of the most important rhetorical treatises in Latin; orations of the Republican age and declamation of the Imperial age will be studied in detail, so as to highlight the most peculiar features of a literary genre bond to shape the literary European culture well beyond the end of the ancient world.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will focus on the peculiar features of Latin rhetorical texts, which will be studied in a diachronical perspective. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Read and interpret rhetorical treatises of the Republican and Imperial age.

• Identify and assess the main features of the Roman rhetorical theory.

• Identify the most common pedagogical strategies exploited in the ancient world for the teaching of rhetoric.

• Assess the mutual influence between rhetorical technique and literary production.

• Identify the main transformation of Roman rhetoric in the Imperial age against the background of the Republican model.

PREREQUISITES

An advanced knowledge of Latina language and literature is required.

TEACHING METHODS

After a number of lessons of introduction to the history of Roman rhetoric and Declamation, students will be invited to participate in the translation and the interpretation of the relevant texts in class. Lessons will be held in presence only. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

After a general introduction to the history of the Roman rhetorical tradition, this course will focus on the Latin declamation of the imperial age. Special attention will be devoted to the declamations falsely ascribed to Quintilian: the close reading of a selection of the Lesser declamations will show the role of this excercise in the educational practices of the imperal age, whereas the study of a Major declamation will offer a sample of a fully developed fictional speech.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Textbook: A. Cavarzere, Oratoria a Roma. Storia di un genere pragmatico, Roma: Carocci 2000 (ISBN: 9788843014934).

2. [Quintiliano], Lesser declamation: translation and commentary of a selection of Lesser declamations, which will be read in class. A detailed list of the text will be made available on Aulaweb.

3. [Quintiliano], The hate potion (Decl. mai. 14): translation and commentary of the pseudo-Quintilianic Major Declamation 14. The Latin text and a number of translations will be made available on Aulaweb.