OVERVIEW

The course aims to explore themes, authors, and texts of medieval and humanistic Latin literature, with the primary objective of studying the material, historical, and cultural processes that made possible the preservation, circulation, and reception over time of works from the Latin Middle Ages and Humanism. Through direct reading of the texts (with Italian translations provided), the course will illustrate the characteristics of those literary genres that are of greatest interest to students of the Master’s degree program in Historical Sciences.

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 course aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the distinctive elements of medieval and humanistic Latin literature, with particular attention to the cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts that influenced its development. Through a selection of targeted readings, the course seeks to guide students in the identification and study of significant authors, texts, and literary genres, with a specific focus on historiographical production, which represents a crucial area for understanding the transmission and construction of historical memory during the period.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired an in-depth knowledge of the history of Latin literature from the 6th to the 15th century and of the evolution of historiographical forms in the transition from Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages and Humanism. They will be able to make connections between authors, works, and literary genres; to discuss the subject matter using the specific vocabulary of the discipline in a conscious and appropriate manner; to develop greater skill in managing social interactions with a collaborative attitude and constructive communication; to demonstrate coordination and negotiation abilities; to achieve autonomy in their work; and to effectively manage primary literature and sources.

PREREQUISITES

To successfully tackle the course without difficulty, it would be advisable for students intending to enroll in this subject to have knowledge of medieval history and, at least a basic understanding of, Latin language and literature. Naturally, the same prerequisites are required for both attending and non-attending students.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching activities will take place in person through lectures during which the topics of the program will be explained, and readings of Medieval Latin and Humanistic texts will be conducted, accompanied by Italian translations and commentary. During the course, external experts may be invited to give lectures on specific topics. Students will also be asked to present brief reports individually or in groups on subjects agreed upon with the instructor. Regular attendance, active participation in lessons, and individual study will enable students to achieve the set objectives.

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 students taking the course for 6 credits (CFU)

Students who have NOT previously taken an exam in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature must study:

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

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

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

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milano, Mondadori 2007 (rist.) [required text only for non-attending students]

Students who have already taken an exam in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature will instead be required to study

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

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

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milano, Mondadori 2007 (rist.) [required text only for non-attending students]

Specific indications on references bibliogaphy will be provided by the professor at the biginning of the lectures.

Bibliography for students taking the course for 9 credits (CFU)

Students who have NOT previously taken an exam in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature must study:

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

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

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

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milano, Mondadori 2007 (rist.) [required text only for non-attending students]

Students who have already taken an exam in Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature must study:

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

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

J. Le Goff, Gli intellettuali nel Medioevo, Milano, Mondadori 2007 (rist.) [required text only for non-attending students]

Reading of a text chosen from:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will begin in the week of September 15, 2025.

Class schedule

The schedule for this course can be found at: Portale EasyAcademy

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

For attending students: class presentation (individually or in small groups) and an oral exam consisting of an interview on the program topics and those covered during lessons. The format and timing of the presentation will be agreed upon in class.

For non-attending students: the exam consists of an oral test: an interview on the program topics.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the exam, the student’s actual acquisition of knowledge will be assessed based both on individual study and on the material covered during lectures. The evaluation aims to verify the student’s knowledge and skills related to the specific field of study. The exam will assess: knowledge of the history of Medieval and Humanistic Latin literature and its historical-cultural evolution from the 6th to the 15th century, with particular reference to historiographical forms in their historical-cultural development (up to 15/30); the ability to elaborate on the course content and make connections between the topics covered (up to 10/30); competence in applying the acquired methodologies (historical-philological; critical-textual) and in using the specific terminology of the discipline consciously (up to 5/30).

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.

Students with disabilities or DSAs are reminded that in order to request adaptations in the exam, they must first enter their certification on the University website at servizionline.unige.it in the "Students" section. The documentation will be verified by the University's Services for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and DSA Sector (https://rubrica.unige.it/strutture/struttura/100111). Subsequently, at least 10 days before the date of the exam, an e-mail must be sent to the teacher with whom you will take the exam, including in the knowledge copy both the School's Teacher Referent for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities and with DSA (Prof. Elisabetta Colagrossi: elisabetta.colagrossi@unige.it) and the Sector indicated above. The e-mail should specify: the name of the teaching; the date of the call; the student's last name, first name and roll number; the compensatory tools and dispensatory measures deemed functional; and required.  The contact person will confirm to the lecturer that the applicant is entitled to apply for adaptations in the examination and that these adaptations must be agreed upon with the lecturer. The lecturer will respond by informing whether the requested adaptations can be used. Requests should be sent at least 10 days before the date of the call in order to allow the lecturer(s) to evaluate the content. In particular, in case you intend to make use of maps conceptual maps for the exam (which must be much more concise than the maps used for studying) if the submission does not meet the deadline there will not be the technical time needed to make any changes

For more information on requesting services and adaptations, please refer to:  https://unige.it/sites/unige.it/files/2024-05/Linee%20guida%20per%20la%20richiesta%20di%20servizi%2C%20di%20strumenti%20compensativi%20e_o%20di%20misure%20dispensative%20e%20di%20ausili%20specifici%20Maggio%202024.pdf