This course aims to introduce the basic morpho-syntactic elements of the Latin language, using Italian as a starting point and constant reference. It provides an overview of Latin morphology and syntax, as well as essential vocabulary knowledge, also in relation to the evolution of the language and its continuity and discontinuity with Italian. The goal is to enable each student to independently understand a simple Latin text through analysis of its basic grammatical structures and thoughtful reflection on the meaning of frequently used terms and expressions in literary texts.
Students will be guided through a structured and gradual path that will allow them to recognize the main Latin morpho-syntactic constructs and become aware of the processes involved in decoding a text in view of its re-encoding into Italian.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
A good knowledge of the Italian language (written and oral). Basic understanding of Italian grammar.
Lectures; practical workshops, including the use of multimedia tools; exercises on the content covered in class; training in using the dictionary to recognize morpho-syntactic structures and translate correctly.
Exam simulations will be used to help students autonomously apply grammatical and translation rules.
In-person lessons will include regular exercises to immediately review and reinforce new content. Individual work will also be assigned, with possible support from dedicated tutors. Specific operational procedures will be explained at the start of the course.
Please note
Ilaria Domenici, Viva vox, Corso di lingua e cultura latina, Pearson
Vittorio Tantucci – Angelo Roncoroni – Pietro Cappelletto – Elena Sada, Quae manent. Grammatica, Poseidonia (with e-book and online resources)
Further materials will be made available as a PDF on Aulaweb:
Lara Nicolini – Maria Vincelli, Per gradus. Grammatica, Cedam
Ricevimento: Office hours may be held in person or online, always by appointment. Students must email the instructor to arrange a meeting, which will take place during the hour preceding class.
ANDREA BARABINO (President)
NICOLETTA MARINI
GABRIELLA MORETTI (President Substitute)
BIAGIO SANTORELLI (President Substitute)
The written exam consists of four parts: A, B, C, and D.
Part A: Italian translation of a short Latin text by a classical author, using a dictionary. Evaluation criteria:
Part B: Contextualized questions aimed at testing morphological, syntactic, and lexical understanding of key aspects of the proposed passage.
Parts C and D: Sets of decontextualized questions on morphology, syntax, and potentially vocabulary.
Part C: Focused on the first half of the course content; Part D: Focused on the second half.
Part C may be tested mid-course in a dedicated exam on covered topics. The result will count proportionally toward the final grade.
Students taking Part C mid-course may choose between two options for the final exam:
During the course, sample questions will be regularly provided to familiarize students with the final exam format and assessment criteria.
Part A evaluates the student’s ability to independently apply grammatical and exegetical tools and identify decoding/re-encoding processes between languages. This also partially reflects the specific learning objectives of the course.
Parts B, C, and D consist of structured questions assessing recognition of core morpho-syntactic structures and vocabulary.