OVERVIEW

The course aims to provide students with a general introduction to the discipline's contents and a set of hermeneutical tools for critically reflecting on the history of religions as an independent field of study. The scope of investigation will be focused on ancient polytheisms, specifically Greek and Roman traditions. In the second part, a thematic approach will shed light on the relationship between traditional Roman religion, power, and politics, as well as foreign cults, with a particular emphasis on the contentious interactions with Judaism and Christianity, using the analysis of relevant sources.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aim of the course is to provide useful tools for decoding the religious phenomenon of the classical world by addressing specific theological, ritual, mythical and cultural problems in the light of the most recent hermeneutics.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Provide the methodologies and hermeneutical tools to navigate the history of religions and fully understand the European academic debate that, starting from the late 19th century, led to the identification of a new disciplinary field and new historical research instruments.

• Furnish the conceptual categories and essential ancient and modern vocabulary of religious research.

• Analyze and interpret symbols, practices, and religious texts within their specific historical and social contexts.

• Integrate the study of ancient religions into the spectrum of all involved disciplines, from philology to history, archaeology, possible intersections with sociology, and historical psychology.

• Guide the student in initiating independent research on topics related to the study of religions, using appropriate research methods and critically analyzing sources.

Transversal Skills:

• Functional advanced literacy skills
• Advanced-level social skills
• Advanced-level personal skills

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lectures are complemented by presentations from experts and specialized scholars. A portion of the lectures will be devoted to actively engaging students in presenting a paper in class on a topic relevant to the subject matter of the course. While attendance is not mandatory, it is recommended.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course aims to provide an introductory methodological overview of the history of religions, with a specific focus on classical world religions. Subsequently, a presentation of the foundations of Roman religion will be given, and the relationship between paganism and Christianity will be explored through a commented reading of the epistolary polemic between Maximus of Madaura and Augustine. The religious phenomenon will be examined within the anthropological, civic, and political contexts that are inherent to ancient religions.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• P. Borgeaud, F. Prescendi, Religioni antiche: un'introduzione comparata, a cura di D. Bonanno e Gabriella Pironti, Carocci, Roma 2011.
• G. De Sanctis, La religione a Roma: luoghi, culti, sacerdoti, dèi, Carocci, Roma 2012.
• Paolo Mastandrea, Massimo di Madauros: Agostino, Epistulae 16 e 17,  Programma, Padova 1985.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELISABETTA COLAGROSSI (President)

FRANCESCO CAMERA

ROBERTO CELADA BALLANTI (Substitute)

EDOARDO SIMONOTTI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

February 22, 2024.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam. Interested students will have the option to replace a portion of the exam with a practical assessment, which will involve presenting in class on a topic related to the subject matter of the exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam will assess the following skills: the quality, proficiency, and confidence in delivering the presentation; a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter; the ability to reason, establish logical connections, and employ specialized vocabulary; and the aptitude for reading, analyzing, and comprehending texts.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance at lessons is strongly encouraged. Students who are unable to attend are kindly requested to contact the Professor.