GREEK EPIGRAPHY MODULE 1

CODE	65338
ACADEMIC YEAR	2026/2027
CREDITS	6 cfu anno 1 FILOLOGIA E SCIENZE DELL'ANTICHITÀ 11966 (LM-15) - GENOVA 6 cfu anno 1 ARCHEOLOGIE: PROFESSIONE E SAPERI (ARCHEOPES) 11936 (LM-2 R) - GENOVA
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR	STAN-01/A
LANGUAGE	Italian
TEACHING LOCATION	GENOVA
SEMESTER	2° Semester
MODULES	Questo insegnamento è un modulo di: GREEK AND LATIN EPIGRAPHY
TEACHING MATERIALS	AULAWEB

OVERVIEW

Module 1 is an introduction to the subject, which presents the evolution of writing in Ancient Greece. Students' active participation is required, especially for reading texts such as public and private inscriptions form the 8th century B.C. to Roman Age. The course will provide a historical interpretation of inscriptions; this will enable students to understand the role of epigraphy in the study and reconstruction of Greek civilization.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Getting acquainted with alphabetical Greek writing, its peculiarities and its evolution (from Archaic Age through Classical Age and until Hellenistic-Roman Age); Acquiring a method to critically analyze different kinds of epigraphic sources; Knowing Greek civilization by reading and analyzing epigraphic texts related to institutional, political and social contexts; Being able to carry out specific bibliographical research by using traditional and electronic research instruments.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the students will be able to:

- orientate themselves in the specific bibliography and epigraphic corpora, through both traditional and online research tools
- recognize the specificities of the Greek alphabets of the Archaic period and identify their historical evolution
- recognize the typologies of Greek epigraphic documentation and undertake an initial classification
- read short epigraphic texts in Greek autonomously
- handle the complexity of analyzing fragmentary and punctual texts, tracing them back to the appropriate historic context
- communicate in written form, effectively and personally, with appropriate language and argumentation, the critical analysis carried out on an epigraphic document
- develop a personal learning and self-assessment strategy through the independent study of the selected inscriptions
- confidently expound one's own reflections and evaluations regarding the inscription studied through discussion in the classroom with the lecturer and colleagues

PREREQUISITES

A knowledge, even basic, of ancient greek is necessary

TEACHING METHODS

Traditional lessons and lectures; practice essays; aulaweb.

Attendance, although not mandatory, is recommended. Only those who attend lessons will be deemed attending students. Students who cannot attend classes are kindly asked to contact the professor in order to agree upon an alternative program.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLDs) may find information regarding the request for support services, compensatory tools, dispensatory measures, and specific assistance in the document available at the following link: https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/modulistica

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Contents for students who are taking the 6-CFU course

This section of the course will provide a methodological introduction to the principal aspects and key issues of the discipline. Particular attention will be devoted to the following topics: the origins and development of the Greek alphabet; examples of archaic Greek alphabets; numeral systems; and the typology and formulaic structure of both public and private inscriptions.

As part of the supporting teaching activities, students will be provided with an anthology of epigraphic documents. Throughout the course, they will engage in the reading, translation, and historical contextualization of these texts. Special emphasis will be placed on inscriptions relating to the status of women and to forms of social inequality.

Given the nature of the subject, a knowledge of Ancient Greek is required. Students should note that, during the examination, they will be expected to read and translate inscriptions discussed in class. Regular attendance is therefore strongly recommended. Students unable to attend classes are advised to consult the section “Teaching Methods.”

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

FRANCESCA GAZZANO

Ricevimento: Academic Year 2026/27: timetable and arrangements to be confirmed on the basis of the lecture schedule, which has not yet been assigned; meetings are generally held at the end of classes. Office: Via Balbi 2, Room II.20. Meetings are always possible online via Teams (code x25e5v4) by appointment: francesca.gazzano@unige.it. Appointments are also preferable for in-person office hours.

LESSONS

LESSONS START

II semester: week starting with February, 15th, 2027

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral interview, including the discussion of a written essay on a previously assigned epigraphic text: the written essay and its oral discussion together contribute 40% to determining the overall assessment of the examination.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral exam

Assessment Methods

Oral interview: ascertains the acquisition of the basic methodology for the analysis of epigraphic texts, as well as knowledge of both the main forms of Greek writing and the main categories of epigraphic documents, especially of a public and institutional nature, and the bibliographical tools for research and updating.

The oral discussion of the written essay verifies the acquisition of the general theoretical principles when applied to the specific case (individual inscription, public or private, of historical, economic, social or cultural interest)

The sufficiency threshold is achieved, concerning the topics to be assessed, if: 1. one demonstrates a basic knowledge of the evolution over time of the writing forms of the Greek language in the various historical-geographical contexts; 2. one demonstrates the ability to recognize the specificities of the different types of epigraphic texts; 3. one achieves a level of methodological competence sufficient to orient oneself in the reading and translation of the inscriptions presented and discussed in the classroom; 4. one communicates in written form, with sufficient appropriateness of language and method, the results of the study of an epigraphic document. The threshold of excellence is achieved, in relation to the topics being assessed, if: 1. one demonstrates accurate knowledge of the writing forms of the Greek language over time and in different historical-geographical contexts; 2. one can recognize and discuss the specificities of the different types of epigraphic texts; 3. one achieves a level of methodological skills such that one can read, translate and comment appropriately on the inscriptions presented and discussed in the classroom; 4. one communicates in written form, with language property, methodological mastery and critical analysis skills, the results of the study of an epigraphic document.