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

Providing a basic knowledge of Latin literature and culture; identifying some recurring motifs of Latin mythology and their fortune in ancient and modern iconography; recognizing the contributions of thought, mental categories and language provided by Latin literature to the formation of European literature and culture.

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

The subject of the course will be Virgil's Aeneid. The lectures will involve the reading of a selection of passages chosen to provide students with a comprehensive perspective on the thematic, linguistic, and stylistic aspects of the poem. The profile of the characters present in the work will be reconstructed, as well as the interweaving of the events narrated by Virgil and the historical and socio-cultural context that underlies them.

A particular focus will be dedicated to the literary tradition that links Aeneas' journey to its famous predecessors, those of Odysseus and the Argonauts. References to Virgil's literary models, from the Odyssey to Apollonius Rhodius' Argonautica, will shed light on the complex intertextual fabric upon which Aeneas' adventures are built.

All texts will be read in Italian translation.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

2: Mythological traditions: Recommended textbook: B. Santorelli, Introduzione alla mitologia classica, Mondadori Education, in particolar chaptesr: 2 (La nascita degli dèi), 3 (I signori dell'Olimpo); 4 (I figli di Zeus); 5 (L'oltretomba); 10 (Gli Argonauti); 11 (La guerra di Troia); 12 (I ritorni degli eroi); 13 (la fondazione di Roma)

3: The Aeneid: students will be required to analyze the passages from the Aeneid and its literary models that will be covered in class, in the Italian language. All texts will be made available on Aulaweb..

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

BIAGIO SANTORELLI (President)

LORENZO VESPOLI

ALICE BONANDINI (President Substitute)

ARIANNA FECIT (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Late september 2023

Class schedule

MYTHOLOGICAL THEMES IN LATIN LITERATURE

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam will consist of two parts. The first part will be a written test on the history of the Latin language and be administered in written form. The test will include a selection of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Knowledge of the major authors of Latin literary history, of the characteristics of the main literary genres, and the historical-cultural context of reference is required.

The second part of the exam will focus on the literary texts covered in class. Students can choose to take this part either in written or oral form. Those who choose the written form will receive a second test alongside the literature history assessment, centered on the analysis of texts and images covered during the course. Students who opt for the oral form must have previously achieved a passing grade (18/30) in the written literature history test. In both formats, students must demonstrate their understanding of the content of the prescribed works. The exam aims to assess their adequate knowledge of the myths narrated in the indicated works, their comprehension of the literary and cultural motifs they presuppose, and their ability to establish critical relationships between different versions of the same myth.

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