OVERVIEW

This course offers a survey of the evolution of Latin languages through the ages, from the earliest epigraphic texts handed down to us, up to the prose texts of the Imperial age.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Provide basic information for understanding the historical evolution of Latin and the existence of different levels and registers in this as in any other language; to understand the nature and characteristics of so-called "spoken Latin" through a theoretical path, but above all through translation / anthological analysis of significant Latin passages.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will be prompted to assess the peculiarities of language and styles across the centuries. By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Read and interpret samples of archaic Latin inscriptions;

• Assess linguistic and stylistic phenomena in their diachronical development;

• Recognize traces of colloquial and spoken language in literary texts;

• Appreciate the peculiarities of the colloquial Latin against the backdrop of the literary language.

• Assess the peculiarities of post-classical Latin.

PREREQUISITES

All texts will be read in Latin: it is mandatory a good knowledge of Latin grammar.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will be based on readings, translations and analysis of a selection of Latin texts from different epochs and genres. Class will be held in person.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

This course will focus on four specific aspects of Latin language. We will start with epigraphic texts of the archaic age; then we will move to a selection of passages from one of Terence's comedies; we will then study a selection of graffiti from Pompei, with special attention to the traces of colloquial language; eventually, a book from Lucretius' De rerum natura will be studied as a sample of Latin poetry preserving features of archaic language, while Juvenal's satire 4 will offer a sample of highly-refined poetic language of the Imperial age.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Textbook: F. Berardi, Le vie del Latino, Lecce: Congedo Editrice 2020 (ISBN: 9788867662500).

2. Epigraphic texts: all texts will be shared in class by the instructor.

3. Terence: Phormio. Recommended edition: G. Zanetto, Terenzio: Formione, Milano 1991 (ISBN: 9788817168359); any other edition is acceptable.

4. Sallust: Translation of De Catilinae coniuratione. Recommended edition: any other edition is acceptable

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

BIAGIO SANTORELLI (President)

LORENZO VESPOLI

ALICE BONANDINI (President Substitute)

ARIANNA FECIT (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Monday, February 19th, 2024

Class schedule

HISTORY OF LATIN LANGUAGE

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The student will be required to translate, analyse and comment on a selection of passages drawn from the readings listed in this syllabus, one per category. The ability to translate from Latin is a mandatory requisite to pass the exam; the student will be then required to analise the linguistic peculiarities of the selected texts.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Grading scale:

• 30 cum laude - 28: The student will be able to translate and discuss accurately the texts and outline their linguistic features;

• 27 - 23: The student will show an overall knowledge 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 language.

• Fail: The student who will misinterpret or not be able to translate the texts will not pass the exam.

Exam schedule