OVERVIEW

The teaching intends to deepen themes and texts of Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature, whose primary purpose is to study the authors, works, forms and ways through which the works of the Middle Ages and Latin Humanism have come down to us. Through the direct reading of the texts, the characteristics of those literary genres that are of greatest interest to students of the master’s degree course in Historical Sciences will be illustrated.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide an in-depth examination of specific themes in medieval and humanistic Latin literature, as well as anthological readings of texts (with Italian translations opposite) and related commentary. In accordance with the educational objectives of the Degree Course in which the teaching is integrated, special attention will be paid to the evolution of the formal and content characteristics of some Middle Latin and humanistic literary genres of particular interest to students.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to provide an in-depth study of the characterizing aspects of medieval and humanistic Latin literature and to identify, through specific readings, authors, texts and literary genres, with particular attention to the historiographical one. At the end of the teaching, the student must be able to have an in-depth knowledge of the history of Latin literature from the sixth to the fifteenth century and the evolution of historiographic forms in the passage from classical antiquity to the Middle Ages and Humanism; to make connections between authors, works and literary genres; to argue the subject matter using the specific vocabulary of the discipline in a conscious and appropriate way; to acquire a greater ability to manage their social interactions with a collaborative attitude, constructive communication and dialogic skills as well as to demonstrate autonomy of work, ability to handle primary literature and sources, argumentative skills and collaborative attidude, coordination and negotiation.

PREREQUISITES

In order to face the program without difficulty, it would be advisable for those who intend to enroll in this course to have a knowledge, at least basic, of the classical Latin language and literature.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching activity will be carried out in presence through lectures in which the topics of the program will be explained and readings of Middle Latin and humanistic texts will be carried out, with Italian translation and commentary. During the course, external experts may be invited to lecture on specific topics. Students will also be asked to present short reports in class on topics agreed with the teacher. Regular attendance, active participation in lessons and individual study will allow to achieve the set goals.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Program for 6 cfu

During the teaching some fundamental themes of Latin literature of the Middle Ages from the 6th to the 14th century will be addressed, with its main genres, authors and works. Anthological readings, analyzes and comments on historiographical and theatrical texts from the Middle Ages and Humanism will therefore be provided. In particular, the genre from historiography will be addressed through a series of readings of texts with Italian translation in front and continuous commentary.

Program for 9 cfu

During the teaching some fundamental themes of Latin literature of the Middle Ages from the 6th to the 14th century will be addressed, with its main genres, authors and works. Anthological readings, analyzes and comments on historiographical and theatrical texts from the Middle Ages and Humanism will therefore be provided. In particular, the genre from historiography will be addressed through a series of readings of texts with Italian translation in front and continuous commentary. There is also an in-depth study of an author, a work or a critical reading inherent in the program.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography for 6 credits

Students who, in their path, have NEVER taken an exam in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature will have to study:

E. D’angelo, Letteratura latina medievale. Una storia per generi, Viella 2009 (the teacher will provide a list of authors)

G. Cappelli, L’Umanesimo italiano da Petrarca a Valla, Carocci 2010 (the teacher will provide a list of authors)

B. Smalley, Storici nel Medioevo, Liguori, Napoli 2012.

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Mondadori, Milano 2007. [only for non attending students]

Students who, on the other hand, have already taken an exam of medieval and humanistic Latin literature will study:

Letteratura latina medievale (secoli VI-XV). Un manuale, a cura di C. Leonardi, Sismel-Edizioni del Galluzzo, Firenze 2002.

B. Smalley, Storici nel Medioevo, Liguori, Napoli 2012.

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Mondadori, Milano 2007. [only for non attending students]

Other bibliographical references will be provided during the lessons.

Bibliography for 9 credits

Students who, in their path, have NEVER taken an exam in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature will have to study:

E. D’angelo, Letteratura latina medievale. Una storia per generi, Viella 2009 (the teacher will provide a list of authors)

G. Cappelli, L’Umanesimo italiano da Petrarca a Valla, Carocci 2010 (the teacher will provide a list of authors)

B. Smalley, Storici nel Medioevo, Liguori, Napoli 2012.

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Mondadori, Milano 2007. [only for non attending students]

Students who, on the other hand, have already taken an exam of medieval and humanistic Latin literature will study:

Letteratura latina medievale (secoli VI-XV). Un manuale, a cura di C. Leonardi, Sismel-Edizioni del Galluzzo, Firenze 2002.

B. Smalley, Storici nel Medioevo, Liguori, Napoli 2012.

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Mondadori, Milano 2007. [only for non attending students]

Reading a text of your choice between:

L. Allegri, Teatro e spettacolo nel Medioevo, Editori Laterza, Roma-Bari 2022.

E. Auerbach, Lingua letteraria e pubblico nella tarda antichità e nel Medioevo, Feltrinelli, Milano 2007.

F. Delle Donne, La porta del sapere. Cultura alla corte di Federico II di Svevia, Carocci, Roma 2019.

F. Delle Donne – G. Cappelli, Nel regno delle lettere. L’Umanesimo e politica nel mezzogiorno aragonese, Carocci, Roma 2021.

C. H. Haskins, Il rinascimento del XII secolo, Castelvecchi, Roma 2015.

M. Montanari, Alimentazione e cultura nel Medioevo, Editori Laterza, Roma-Bari 2019.

N. Ohler, I viaggi nel Medio Evo, Odoya, Perugia 2020.

M. Pacaut, Monaci e religiosi nel Medioevo, Il Mulino, Bologna 1989.

D. Balestracci, Terre ignote strana gente: storie di viaggiatori medievali, Editori Laterza, Roma-Bari 2015.

Scrittici del Medioevo. Un'antologia, a cura di E. Bartoli, D. Manzoli, N.Tonelli, Carocci, Roma 2023.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CLARA FOSSATI (President)

DOMENICO LOSAPPIO

LORENZO VESPOLI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

September 19, 2023

Class schedule

MEDIEVAL AND HUMANISTIC LATIN LITERATURE (LM)

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Attendees: in-class presentation (individually or in small groups) and oral examination: an interview on the program topics and those covered in class. Mode and timing of presentation will be agreed upon in class.
Non-Attendees: the examination consists of an oral test: an interview on the program topics.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the exam, the real acquisition by the student of what has been learned will be verified both on the basis of individual study and by listening to the topics covered during the lessons. The learning assessment aims to test the knowledge and skills related to the specific field of study. The test therefore evaluates: knowledge of the history of medieval and humanistic Latin literature and its historical-cultural evolution from the sixth to the fifteenth century with particular reference to historiographic forms in their historical-cultural development (up to 15/30); the ability to re-elaborate the teaching contents and make connections between the topics covered (up to 10/30); the competence in knowing how to apply the acquired methodologies (historical-philological; critical-textual) and in making a conscious use of the specific vocabulary of the discipline (up to 5/30).

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Those who are unable to attend classes are required to get in touch with the teacher. Furthermore, for any information concerning the program or the preparation of the exam, students are invited to contact the teacher only.