The course has the general objective of learning the theoretical and methodological basics of the Latin Metric. In particular, we propose to provide valid tools and aids for the reading and interpretation of Latin poetic texts, of which the Metric is an essential component, also a bearer of meanings and suggestions. Therefore we will approach some of the most used and imitated types of verse (1 - the dactyl exameter; 2 - the iambic trimeter; 3 - the iambic senarius) through the reading of texts of the greatest poets who told stories of metamorphosis and animals.

The course will be divided into the following sections:

a) general and preparatory principles (language/poetry connection, nature of prosody and metrics);

b) study of the dactylic meter, the most prolific meter of Latin poetic production, particularly of the general characteristics and interpretations of some of the main poets who used it, telling stories of metamorphosis (excerpts from Virgil and Ovid);

c) study of the iambic trimeter, a characteristic meter of both the high style and the comic in the theater (excerpts from Petronius and Horace);

d) study of the iambic senarius, a Latin counterpart of the trimeter, observing the similarities and the differences between the two meters, possibly also in relation to the transmission of the text (excerpts from Phaedrus fables).

Knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course the student knows: 1) the main features of prosody and Latin Metrics; 2) the peculiarities of the Latin hexameter and how to scan it; 3) the main characteristics of the iambic trimeter in deal with the iambic senarius and how to scan them.

Applying knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course the student can recognize and describe the main characteristics of the dactyl meter, of the trimeter and the iambic senarius; he can also scan and read the meters both in the texts proposed in class and in unknown texts.

Making judgments

At the end of the course the student becomes able to orient himself autonomously in the comprehension and metric reading of the main poetic texts of Latin literature, reinforcing the awareness of the numerous levels of technical and stylistic elaboration in poetry.

Communication skills

The student learns to approach the richness of the poetic text and becomes familiar with the constituent elements of the poetry of every culture, indispensable for any type of profession that deals with texts, expressing itself clearly and consciously.

Learning skills

The student learnes the routine of observing and describing essential elements of a poetic text that, despite the different forms and approaches, are constitutive of the verses of every culture and every time.

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

No additional support activities aside from exercises with the teacher.

Teaching

Frontal lessons and exercises.

Attendance

Class attendance is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended for at least 2/3 of the classes hours amount, considering the peculiarity of the subject and its technical implications, that can be especially gained with the exercises.

Course books

For the introductory part we recommend the study of S. Boldrini, La prosodia e la metrica dei Romani, Roma 1992 (several times reprinted); for the hexametric poetry A. Perutelli, La poesia epica latina dalle origini all'età flavia, Roma Carocci 2000 (notably the pages 11-114); for iambic poetry Cervellera M. A., Studi di metrica e versificazione latina, Lecce 1987 (notably the pages 15-85).

With regard to the texts studied, we intend to analyze passages in hexameters of Ennius (ann. 35-51), Virgil (Geor. IV 387-456) and Ovid (Met. I 452-567); we will also read the Petronius' so-called Troiae Halosis and Horace's Epodon 17 in iambic trimeters, as well as some Fabulae by Phaedrus in iambic senarii.

Assessment

Oral exam. Students will have to demonstrate knowledge of the main features of prosody and Latin metrics and how to read all the verses discussed in class.

Will be evaluated as "excellent" the student that will demonstrate a secure and in-depth knowledge of the main topics covered in class, the ability to read the verses covered during the lessons, outstanding ability to use the technical lexicon of the discipline.

Will be evaluated as "good" the student that will demonstrate a mnemonic knowledge of the main contents, the ability to scan the verses covered during the lessons, satisfactory skills in the use of the technical lexicon of the discipline.

Will be evaluated as "sufficient" the student that will demonstrate the achievement of a minimum of knowledge of the main contents, an acceptable ability to scan the verses covered during the lessons, a use of the technical language sufficiently appropriate.

Will be evaluated as "negative" the student with serious gaps in the knowledge of the discipline, insecurity and difficulty in scanning the verses observed in the course, an improper or inadequate use of the technical lexicon.

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

Self-directed learning.

Attendance

Students are required to contact the professor to receive general information and to agree on the program.

Course books

The mandatory companion for all students will be: S. Boldrini, Fondamenti di prosodia e metrica latina, Roma 2004.

About the history and some characteristics of the dactyl meter: A.Perutelli, La poesia epica latina dalle origini all'età flavia, Roma Carocci 2000.

On iambic trimeter and senarius: Cervellera M. A., Studi di metrica e versificazione latina, Lecce 1987.

The following latin texts (in any traduction): Ennius (ann. 35-51), Virgil (Geor. IV 387-456), Ovid (Met. I 452-567); Petronius' Troiae Halosis, Horace's Epodon 17, Phaedrus' Fabulae.

Assessment

Oral exam. Students will have to demonstrate knowledge of the main features of prosody and Latin metrics and how to read all the verses discussed in class.

Will be evaluated as "excellent" the student that will demonstrate a secure and in-depth knowledge of the main topics covered in class, the ability to read the verses covered during the lessons, outstanding ability to use the technical lexicon of the discipline.

Will be evaluated as "good" the student that will demonstrate a mnemonic knowledge of the main contents, the ability to scan the verses covered during the lessons, satisfactory skills in the use of the technical lexicon of the discipline.

Will be evaluated as "sufficient" the student that will demonstrate the achievement of a minimum of knowledge of the main contents, an acceptable ability to scan the verses covered during the lessons, a use of the technical language sufficiently appropriate.

Will be evaluated as "negative" the student with serious gaps in the knowledge of the discipline, insecurity and difficulty in scanning the verses observed in the course, an improper or inadequate use of the technical lexicon.

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.

The course is mainly in Italian.