Through the reading from the original language of Euripides’ Bacchae, the course intends to introduce to the understanding of a Greek tragic text in terms of its historical and literary profile and of its dynamics on the scene.

At the same time, the student will acquire essential information on the structural aspects of the ancient theatre (actor, choir, material organization of the festival, agonal occasion, stage space, public) and on the transmission of dramatic texts from the "first" performance up to us.

The course will focus on reading and interpretation of Euripides’ Bacchae.

After a general introduction to the attic Theatre and to the figure and work of Euripides, the Bacchae will be read in the original language. Bacchae will be translated and commented from a text-critical point of view, and in relation to the plot and the scenic aspects. The iambic trimeter will be introduced and illustrated with reading exercises, and some hints will be given in relation to the lyrical sections.

The student is expected to have a sure knowledge of the Greek language.

The student will be guided to an essential knowledge of Classical Greek theatre, and to the ability to independently read a classical theatrical text with the complexity it presents.

From the point of view of the information obtained, the student will acquire an in-depth knowledge of issues relating to the transmission of the text (through a careful reading of the critical apparatus and of the transmitted lectiones), its performance and representation on the stage, the treatment of the plot in relation to the mythographical tradition.

More generally, the process of analytical reading of the chosen text will have important consequences on the student's ability to deal proficiently with rigorous reading of every kind of source (literary, historiographical, etc.), and to develop analytical skills of close reading, synthesis and critical thinking on the data and sources.

From the educational point of view, the student will deepen their awareness of specific methodological aspects characterizing literary research and, in particular, his/her dramatic and aesthetic sensitivity to the formal aspects of the poetic and rhetorical and, namely, theatrical discourse.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The course will be complemented by seminars and conferences methodologically relevant to the training and to matters relating to methods and themes concerning ancient Greek Theatre.

Teaching

Frontal lessons.

Attendance

A constant presence in the course is strongly recommended.

For the examination, the student is required:

1. the full reading, and in the original language of Euripides’ Bacchae;

2. the general knowledge of the History of Greek theatre (authors, works, religious and ritual aspects, material aspects);

3. reading, in Italian translation of Euripides’ Orestes and Heracles Furens.

Course books

For the general study of the history of the Greek theatre the student can consult a handbook of Greek literature, with particular attention to the chapters dealing with authors and works of the tragic and comic theatre of the Classical and Hellenistic periods.

For materials and context it is recommended to consult the essay by  A. Pickard-Cambridge, The dramatic festivals at Athens, trans. en. Florence, New Italy, 1996.

The edition used for reading the Euripides’ Bacchae is

Bacchae Euripidis, E. R. Dodds (ed.), Oxford Classical Texts, Oxford 1960, II edition.

A recent study on this tragedy in

David Stuttard, Looking at Bacchae, Bloomsbury, London-New York 2016.

Further references will be given during the lessons.

For the reading or Euripides’ Orestes and Heracles Furens, it can be used any bilingual edition.

Assessment

Oral exam.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

There are no teaching methods in e-learning.

Attendance

For the examination, the student is required:

1. the full reading, and in the original language of Euripides’ Bacchae;

2. the general knowledge of the History of Greek theatre (authors, works, religious and ritual aspects, material aspects);

3. reading, in Italian translation of Euripides’ Orestes and Heracles Furens.

Course books

For the general study of the history of the Greek theatre the student can consult a handbook of Greek literature, with particular attention to the parties dealing with authors and works of the tragic and comic theater of the Classical and Hellenistic periods.

For materials and context it is recommended to consult the essay by  A. Pickard-Cambridge, The dramatic festivals at Athens, trans. en. Florence, New Italy, 1996.

The edition used for reading the Euripides’ Bacchae is

Bacchae Euripidis, E. R. Dodds (ed.), Oxford Classical Texts, Oxford 1960, II edition.

A recent study on this tragedy in

David Stuttard, Looking at Bacchae, Bloomsbury, London-New York 2016.

Further references will be given during the lessons.

For the reading or Euripides’ Orestes and Heracles Furens, it can be used any bilingual edition.

Further readings will be given by the teacher to the not attending student, who should contact the teacher for this purpose at least two months before the exam. 

Assessment

Oral exam.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.